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Looking back at the Ghosts of Christmas Past can rake up memories that can warm the heart and will stay with one, always. Sometimes those same memories involved adjusting to fit the plans of family members who gather for the wonderful day. Good food, laughter and lots of new memories being made. Perhaps you can sense I’m setting up for some extenuating circumstances in those Christmas memories that sort of “strain” the yuletide cheer. Only a tiny bit.

When our marriage was young and we only had a couple of children we were invited to various relative’s houses. “Now, you’re spending Christmas with us!” They would say So, not wanting to make waves, we would. It involved getting up with the children, showing them what Santa had brought them, and then whisking them into the car to please Aunt So and So or Grandma and Grandfather in order to share a Christmas dinner. We all had a nice time and there’s nothing like family groups and cousins playing together. Really, we had a good time.

Finally, one day, (one Christmas Day) my eldest son, about four years old, had received an electric train from Santa. He had time to play with it for a while and then we had to get into the car to make it to Aunt Esther’s house for an early afternoon dinner. We mustn’t be late. We also had promised to visit my parents that day. It was late evening when we brought our sleepy little children home. The traffic had been monumental on State Highway 101 and that was one day I didn’t say, “Slow down!” to my husband. I didn’t say anything for fear of distracting him from half the people in California out on the road. Not only that, they were driving at “break neck” speed. That was the last day we went anywhere for Christmas except to Church. Our children needed better.

We announced that the Graceys were “at home” on Christmas from here on out. Trying to please everyone, you don’t please anyone. Wonderful. One thing, though. Aunt Esther and Uncle Leo began to come to OUR house. My parents came a few times, too. Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Johnny were often there, too. We all had fun and enjoyed making Christmas memories but, Man! I had to cook mountains of food, clean the house, make room for overnight guests and make a big breakfast plus a big Christmas Dinner for our really and truly welcome guests! The kids loved it, my husband loved it, and I loved it but I was tired! The Aunts helped but when it’s your house you still hold the reins.

One year, I announced that we were going to Tehachapi to my parents for Christmas. I had asked Mom if she could stand our crowd! By that time we had a few more children. She, of course, said yes as most any mom would. We would stay a couple of days and enjoy time with our Tehachapi relatives. All family members were notified that we would not be home for Christmas.

Uncle Sam sometimes has a sick sense of humor. My husband’s name showed up on the duty roster at the Base for December 24th at Camp Del Mar, where he was stationed. Camp Del Mar is a smaller base right on the ocean and is part of Camp Pendleton. Somebody goofed and he simply would not ask anyone to change with him; not on Christmas Eve.

We stayed home and at six a.m. on Christmas Morning he arrived home in time to see the kids enjoying their gifts. We had coffee and breakfast when we decided to, the kids were in their night clothes for quite a while for we had no schedule to maintain and we did have a very nice day. I still remember that day so well.

My mother, a talented seamstress, used to make all of the children new pajamas each year. I always had the kids open her gift the night before so when I took their picture on Christmas morning they’d look their best. One of my children used to mark off the days of December; his own private Advent Calender. Through the the years we went through every kind of Barbie Doll made at the time, also, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, B B Guns, tricycles and bicycles; the list is endless. Our tree was decorated with lots of paper chains and homemade ornaments; some made at school and some at home. They also learned to go to Church to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

My husband had to, in his Marine Corps career, spend Christmas away from home five different times and he especially appreciated how great it is to be home with family. The kids are all grown now and I do not “cook” for crowds. Instead, I get invitations from the children. Most times more than one invitation is extended. Decisions! Decisions!

Still though, the memories of those busy, busy days of yesterday have been carefully preserved and I can take them out and enjoy them with a happy heart, anytime I wish.