Christmases long, long ago...

Dear Diary,

I am so thrilled to be spending Christmas with my best friend Karen and her family because for the first time in years there will be little children there.  I haven't bought presents for little ones in I don't know how long and it will be a joy to see their excitement tomorrow.

I know I was very excited to receive my doctor's kit the Christmas of 1956.  You can see the tiny "x-ray machine" on the desk.  This is one of those "I could talk about..." photographs!  I colorized parts of it, just for fun.  This is our den and the last time the Christmas tree was in there.  It move to the living room the following year.  But oh, those little glass ornaments, balls and bells, and the tinsel!

This afternoon I will attend a children's Christmas cantata.  That will really get me in the proper mood.  I know, for many people, Christmas has lost its religious connections becoming more a Santa Claus thing than a Baby Jesus thing.  I remember an aunt of mine who always baked a birthday cake at Christmas and her grandchildren would sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.  That is what Christmas is for me and always will be so, Happy Holy-Days to you and yours!  (Thank you Dan for giving me this new turn of phrase!)