Favorite Christmas Memories

The combination of Dad's teasing and Mom's creativity genes and influence resulted in some interesting nicknames and phrases from the boys. One of my favorite memories of Christmas-time with our family, which are many, is of the year Brad put on his wish-list something along the order of "Red Bird-Dog Peanut Skin Cheese". Possibly the same year, Dave asked for "Black Fungus". I had recently aquired familiarity with how to make a cheese ball, and was able to make one for Brad that I covered in red peanut skins and labeled with a picture of a "bird-dog". I think I remember that Kathleen found a package labeled "Black Fungus" and put it in Dave's stocking. Another favorite memory was the first year? I had a "real" job and was able to purchase something for each member of the family that they really seemed to like and appreciate. I learned that it is much better to give than receive! That didn't take away from the enjoyment and wonder I experienced from Brad's present to me one year of a Polaroid camera, the fruits of which I still have to remember our Christmas gatherings. Trying to figure out gifts for each member of the family, and our caroling or drop and run with fruit baskets to needy or lonely ward members and neighbors, always lent a spirit of love and giving to the Christmas season that I want my children to experience and remember. Inspired by an older couple playing the guitar at the grocery store, my two oldest daughters and I sung Christmas carols together as we rang the bell for the Salvation Army last year. It was precious!