December 21, 2018 - As 2018 Christmas approaches, I remember way back when Christmas meant a lot to me. Now that I am older I realize the true meaning and how much I really miss the good ole days.
I live in Houston and always looked forward to going to Center for the holidays. As soon as school was out, we would travel up 59 North to Highway 7 headed to the hometown in preparation for enjoying the visit with many relatives. Grandparents did not have many rooms, but everyone was welcomed and forced to spend the time at the home. Hotels were out of the question because there were very few to choose from and most of them were booked anyway.
Having spent nights on pallets, sofa beds, or four in a bed, its a wonder everyone did not have back problems. On cold nights the gas heater stayed on all night. In the mornings, all sleeping sites had to be made up and put out of the pathway to the kitchen so breakfast could be prepared and served. Once it was over, cooking began for the big day.
Everyone, the grown folk, had an assignment in the kitchen and cooked different dishes or cakes/pies. I often heard arguments about their time to use the one oven. Grandparents house was a pleasant place to be for the grandkids from Orange, Houston, Lufkin, and Longview. Oh how I miss those days.
What happened? Well, as the grandkids grew up, they insisted on staying at their own home to celebrate Christmas. As they grew into adulthood and became parents themselves, Christmas is celebrated at their own home. My Christmas has never been the same. Today, there is no parent's home to go to, nor grandparents either. I find friends and a few relatives to share the day with. Discovering the reason for the season has meant a lot.
So here's a wish for everyone who remembers their good ole days Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Joan
