Memories flooded my soul and brought me to tears recently as I reminisced about past Christmases when my entire family was still here.
At Christmastime, my hometown Village of Medina was transformed into a wonderland! When I was a child, my parents and I strolled down Main Street as the snow lightly drifted to the ground, covering naked trees in a shroud of glistening white elegance. Christmas music played as we stared transfixed at the fluffy garland that hung across the street, sparkling in the sunlight during the day and glowing peacefully at night to warm and welcome.
The store windows boasted beautiful displays of lights, candles and decorated trees with many items to entice. Bells clanged on heavy wooden doors alerting those inside that we were there to browse and shop. The lingering scent of cinnamon and evergreen hung in the air.
Murphy’s was my favorite stop – the old wooden floors groaned with age as we wandered down the aisles eating the best popcorn in the world! Finally the moment would arrive, my visit with Santa Claus who sat in the back of the store in a huge red chair. I was so mesmerized by him and a bit shy but always managed to squeak out my requests.
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We always stopped in front of the building where my grandpa’s grocery store was. My mom had lived above the store for a few years and told me about the large round wheels of stinky cheese, huge blocks of ice, the tea chests, jars of candy and fabric. She had a favorite window where she watched the bustling activity below. My sister and I were allowed to walk upstairs to have a look a few years ago. I was immediately drawn to the very window she sat in and felt her loving spirit. It was a huge, dark space that had a very noticeable scent of un-use, some of the creaky floorboards were broken and dust danced in the air as we disturbed the slumbering peace.
My mom and her parents then moved to our family home, an old Victorian house. To prepare for Christmas, we decorated the staircase and fireplace with evergreens and added two family heirloom angels. The Christmas tree filled the entire front window with its shimmering glory and sparkling lights. We also had a very old, delicate Nativity scene, which was placed on a table with small bottle brush trees. The house was cozy and warm.
Our entire family celebrated Christmas together and it was the happiest day full of love, laughs and chaos as gifts were unwrapped. Then we dined on a delicious turkey dinner, as the bright flames danced in the fireplace, thoroughly enjoying the magic of the season and each other. As the years went on, the addition of spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made it even more wonderful, and the traditions continued. Eventually my parents died and our family home was sold. We continue to celebrate Christmas at our house with my wonderful siblings and their families, as well as our grandbabies.
As for most, 2020 was a heartbreaking year. I lost my oldest brother, Bob. I still have a heavy heart and miss him, his humor – even his singing – but know in my heart he is with us always. In memory of Bob and Dolores and my mother-in-law who passed last year, Christmas traditions will continue to be a beautiful day of sharing time and love with family – as well as honoring and remembering those we have lost.