Christmas Eve

The memory bank is filled. 77+ years of memories, well, not the ones when I was so young there is no memory. And of course, this year’s memory is yet to be.

Great expectation of family closeness. Cold outside but warm and cozy inside. A fire in the fireplace, crackling and lending its smoky aroma to the air (inside and out!). I remember tidying up the walks and driveway of the latest snow fall, making certain they are all clear and safe. Firewood stacked by the front door ready to boost the fire on the Eve, and again on Christmas Morning.

The tree is ready, gifts piled everywhere. Expectations. Of joy and surprise for the kids as they discover what’s in those packages.

Soft music playing in the background, or one of the treasured movies on the TV or VCR. All is well. All is snug.

In our home we had a gala dinner of Lasagna. A great recipe as near authentic as possible. A great pairing of red wine along with garlic fresh bread. And a salad, freshly tossed and richly appointed. The dinner table was set with Christmas dishes and tablecloth. Flowers festooned both dining room and living room. A lot of red, pink and variegated white poinsettias. The chandelier was on but dimmed. Candle light flickered the room. All was set. And then we sat and enjoyed the food, atmosphere and each other.

Those are now long ago days. Well remembered days and eves.

Back then I stayed up for the 11 o’clock Christmas Eve service. I sang in the choir and we practiced long to make the night memorable. Out at midnight, the fresh Christmas morning. Luminaria lined the streets back to our home. Then to bed thinking of the morning’s first light.

Today we plan a scrumptious dinner with neighbor Pam. Beef tenderloin and great trimmings. The rooms will be dim, but likely no candles. Soft Christmas music in the background. Great company for just the three of us. Outside COVID continues its ravage and we distance from family and friends to keep safe.

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. For dinner, my daughter and family will bring us the Family Lasagna! Fresh and ready to re-heat and enjoy. No wine these days, but fresh baked bread and Christmas cookies for dessert. This will become our memory of COVID Christmas 2020. Apart but so near to all those who are important to us.

Merry Christmas everyone. Let the memories continue to color this special season of spirit and worth.

December 24, 2020