The turkey was already out and being cut for the big day.
We did not have the typical roasted turkey, we had Turkey Tenders. (even before the rest of the world heard of them.)
So today would be spent assembling all the ingredients for the dressing , vegetables and the turkey and or ham.
We were anxious to get to town, Santa was due to arrive on the fire truck. As soon as breakfast was over, we put our warm clothes on with coats, hats and mittens. It was sooooo exciting.
Santa made his usual appearance while the parents separated to do their shopping. We were told to wait right where we were for Santa. Some adult was always in supervision. We paid little attention, we just wanted to see Santa and get our free fruit and candy.
I am sure Santa helped my Mom and Dad get all the necessary items for us, how else would he know I had fallen in love with a doll, a doll named "Sweet Sue" One by the McCall company.
I know I did not ask for her, I only saw her high on a shelf in "Hendons Five and Dime" store.
I looked into her eyes and I am sure my Dad saw me. We did not ask for things, We knew money was not prolific in our home and we were happy anyway.
Afternoon was falling and the weather was cooling off. We better get home and begin the food prep.
Our Aunts and Uncles and numerous cousins came over. We all snacked the rest of the day, whatever we could find, which was usually a cold biscuit, peanut butter or fried bologna. some sweets were allowed. We had our haul from the Santa Claus so we had fruit and nuts.
With all the excitement, who could be hungry? I recall my Mom saying "It is hard to be hungry when you are so excited, I am not hungry myself."
As evening wore on, the excitement was building. The children were in the bedrooms talking, dreaming, and scheming. Trying to recall if we had really been good that year.
OH Man I hope Santa did not know I had a smart mouth. I did good in school so maybe that would help.
That Christmas I recall my Dad walking across the street to shop the "Western Auto" a hardware store and Mama hit the five and dime. My Dad did not do a lot of walking, this was not a good day for him. I could tell he was taking it easier today.
When we got home he spent the biggest part of the day in his rocker and visited with friends and family as they stopped by. I only recall him getting up to get food or take a trip to the outhouse.
Otherwise he was pretty idle. I did hear his barreling laughter and I would smile, wondering what joke he had pulled on someone. When we needed a nut cracked we took them to Daddy, he could often break them with his big strong hands but often used a little hammer.
My Mom was busy in the kitchen, making lots of pans of cornbread. By the time she was done, we had a huge dishpan full of cornbread, crumbled ready for Turkey stock. That would come tomorrow. Preparation was vital to a more relaxed Christmas day.
We were all in the girls bedroom.
Suddenly!!! Suddenly!!!! He was there. Santa was at the window, watching us. We all ran to the window screaming as he disappeared out of sight. We ran to our parents, We were so excited it is a wonder we could contain ourselves. I looked around. I had to know. Every man was accounted for. NO one was missing.
It really was Santa, It really was. He was coming to our house. He must have been checking to see if we were asleep.
Our parents told us it was time to settle down. Who could settle down? I wanted to go to bed, I knew Santa could not come to our house if we were awake.
However we had a problem. My Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins were still there. It would be rude to go to bed with guest in the house.
I did all I knew to do, "Hey Aunt Sylvia when are y'all going home, so Santa can come".
Whoops got in trouble for that one.
"Mama Santa won't come until we go to bed and we cant go to bed with them here" Again Trouble. I had to apologize but I did not feel it. Today I am sorry I was so rude but I always known as "Catfish" All mouth and no brains.
I know I had a big mouth and I am surprised Santa did not just pass me by.
But that night Santa was watching me, he really paid a visit to our house.
So do I believe in Santa, You bet I do, Santa is a matter of the heart and child like minds we should determine to keep.
Years later I asked my Mom, "Who was Santa that night?" She said,
"It was Santa, of course, you know all the men folk were inside."
Yes I did.
Thank you Mama for keeping that innocence and magic in my heart forever.
Even now at 62 I believe a real Santa was at my house, watching and waiting.
The spirit of Christmas lives on in my heart forever.
We never know what little thing we do for a child lives forever in their hearts and mind.
Even as adults, we appreciate so much the love of our friends, neighbors and strangers on the streets.
Greet each one with a smile and see how much greater your day goes. It is amazing Love you feel.
Determine to wake up and say, "Today the world is mine to make a better place for everyone I meet."
Merry Christmas
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