Nonesuch #99

Less than a week before Christmas and I just do not feel it. Not sure if it is because I am getting older or too much commercialism or for the first time in 4 years I will be alone. I mean, I will spend it with my parents but I got used to spending time with my ex-fiance's family. It was different than what I had done growing up. Not to say that what we do at my parents is not fun, it was just different. Christmas growing up now that I look back was really a lowkey affair. My Father being a minister would from time to time have service on Christmas but most times there was a service on Christmas Eve either at 7pm but occasionally it was held at 11pm. On those years, we would get home after midnight so technically Christmas was there and I would get to open 1 present, not of my choice, before I went to bed. But is was a wrapped gift all the same. It would be a cassette tape of a band I liked or even a cassingle! I would wake up first and go see what was under the tree. We had two trees, a Christmas tree with colored lights, colored glass ball ornament etc in my room and a Chrismon tree with white lights and ornaments symbolizing the life of Jesus, like crosses, stars, crowns, doves and so forth (see attached picture).

When I think of Christmas, I will always think of a Chrismon tree. Most churches my Dad served, had one as well. My Mom and Dad made the majority of our Chrismons before I was born. So, there were some presents under the tree in my room but the big gifts were under the Chrismon tree that was put up in the living room or den, depending on the house we lived in at the time. I was told that I could not even bother my parents about opening presents until the sun was good and up. It didnt take too long to open all the presents. Most were for me being an only child. I would always look for more to open and in some cases would open my Mom and Dad's presents for them. Afterwards or sometimes before opening presents, Dad would build a fire in the fireplace. Mom would start on breakfast. My Grandfather, her Father, insisted on having oysters for Christmas and that tradition continues. She would make fried oysters and oyster chowder that m'y parents would eat. I didnt like either growing up so she made pancakes and sausage or bacon for me. The rest of the day I would play with the stuff I got that year. One year, I wanted a Lone Ranger and Silver, his horse action figure set. One of the 12 inch tall ones, the same size as the Bionic Man. One of my friends had the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and I think some others like U.S. Grant and maybe Buffalo Bill. I really wanted the Lone Ranger and Silver.
Instead, I received Johnny West, his horse and his buggy. What a haul! But no, it was not what asked for, in fact it was MORE than I asked for and still I was dissapointed. I think I also got the big Lego set that year as well. I just remember how dissappointed I was and it bothers me to this day. So, after a bit, I played with Johnny West and that horse and that buggy until they all fell apart(over several years). I remember Johnny's arms coming off and I would put them back on. Johnny was an all brown(different shades) with brown accessories action figure. (see picture)

You know, not really sure where I was originally going with this post, sort of turned all nostalgic. I guess trying to recapture some of the "spirit" I see on TV, hear on the radio, hear others talk about, maybe once the tree is up...