Special Days in December

Grady married Ethel on December 25, 1935. Surely with a date so important, Granddaddy never forgot their anniversary!  Over the next ten years, three children were born. In time those children were married and had children of their own, eight to be exact: seven girls and one boy. I am number five. The grandchildren grew to be teenagers and life got pretty busy, but not too hectic to gather together.  So, with some creative planning the date was set! The second Saturday in December was designated as Christmas at Nana’s.

Some laughs

The eight of us have countless memories of this annual event, Uncle Max’s gag gift.  Once, Mom received a giant alarm clock as she was known for her tardiness. Yep, I inherited that quality honestly. With seven girl grandchildren, several of us got the repeat give of a giant bra, when we became that age. He never forgot anyone. He always had some funny stuffed animal with a humorous tag stuck to it making everyone laugh.

                   

A Few Sing-a-longs

Turntable (record machine) from the living room closet made its appearance often. The Carter Family, Marty Robinson, and Johnny Horton were among our favorites. We sang and made a few made-up gestures those evenings. Once Granddaddy handed a recently purchased record to Mom. Ray Steven’s “The Streak”.  Since the song’s main character was named Ethel, Granddaddy felt Nana needed the record as her own. To this day, I can still see the tears of laughter falling down Nana’s face and her shaking her head saying, “Daddy, turn that off.”  He didn’t, and we continued to hear how Ethel was not only kept seeing the streak but joined in as well.

Priorities

To make the gathering more about family and less about money, we began drawing names to help with the cost. I loved the anticipation of finding out whose name I would draw. Time marched on, and the eight of us brought numerous friends into Nana’s house over the years. While money was tight at times, no one ever left Nana’s without receiving some small present to make them feel included.

All eight of us got married and had children of our own, about twenty. The couches got smaller, and the walls closed in a bit, but we still celebrated Christmas at Nana’s every second Saturday in December.

Life Marches On

Nana and Granddaddy, along with most of our moms and dads, have passed away, but the memories of our time with them and how they loved family remain. Now the twenty (great-grandchildren) are marrying and having their own little ones!  In fact, we have so many in the den that once you find a place you cannot move until all the presents are passed out and opened.

This Saturday when I enter Nana’s house, the food, warmth, and joy will meet me at the door. I adore my family; they are so important to me.  None of us are perfect; we all have flaws. But we accept and love each other, striving to give grace when one of us falls. In addition, we try to support each other when there is a need. Memories abound.

Most Importantly

With all the family that I mentioned above, I left out one that is invited for this annual celebration and all other gatherings one. Nana and Granddaddy taught us well. We have invited Jesus into our hearts, our family, and our homes. He is the reason why we celebrate each second Saturday in December.  He is the reason we are so blessed, and I pray that we always remember and teach His importance for generations to come.