Christmas Memories by Lou Gallagher

The Holidays can be especially rough when both of your parents have passed. My folks made such a huge deal about Christmas for my sister and I.

Christmas Eve was spent together at my Grandparents house here in Sacramento. All of my cousins and aunts and uncles would share a meal. Sometimes a card game would break out? There was always a bottle of Seagrams nearby.

The grandkids always got to open their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas Eve. I think it was mostly to keep us busy and out of the holiday fun!

On Christmas morning, my parents would always make a big production! My sister and I would have to go to my parent’s room and wait till Dad got to make and have some coffee. He would start a fire in the fireplace and then and only then could we run down the hallway to the tree! As we would tear open each gift, my Dad would burn the wrapping paper in the fireplace (one year, he actually burned an unopened Barbie?).

So we’d open all the gifts and as most kids, we’d say “Is that all?” To which we already knew the answer! My parents would always hide our biggest gift in the kitchen. For me, one year it was a ten speed bike. Another an electric guitar and amp from Sears! But the best gift I ever got was a motorcycle! It was used and kinda old? But it was mine! We had a huge backyard and I could ride this any day and any time I damn well felt like it! I was the coolest kid in the neighborhood thanks to my Dad!

As my wife and I have grown old together, so have our kids. Once they reach teenage years, the magic of Santa goes away. But that’s how time works.

Now we have grandkids! They are both still a little too young to understand the chimney man. But they love the lights and trees and wrapped up presents of pure fun. Pro-tip: Save the boxes the toys come in! They are just as much fun as the toys for the kids!

Now, my kids will start family traditions with their kids. I can hope they incorporate some of the ones we’ve instilled in them. The stocking will be hung by the chimney with care. We will feast on Roast Beast. Then we’ll all settle down for a long winter’s nap as we know St Nicholas soon will be here!

The greatest gift I could possibly receive is seeing Christmas through the eyes of my own grandchildren. It makes Christmas “MAGIC” again!

From all The Gallaghers…

Merry Christmas! And the very best in 2018!

Lou

Email:
lougallagher@yahoo.com

Social Media:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/menaresosmart/

https://www.facebook.com/lou.gallagher

Twitter:
@GallagherLou

Men Are So Smart on YouTube!:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCwmVQfeAgSmjnBBde1Lfg?disable_polymer=true