Christmas Eve 1958 - Picture an 11 year old lying in bed in a tiny ranch in Stoneham, MA. I was normally a pretty sound sleeper but not Christmas Eve. I had wanted a record player for Christmas and that year "Little Drummer Boy" and The Chipmunk Song record came out. I could hear my parents playing the record and I was too excited to sleep at point for the night. Then I had to pretend that I didn't know. It was really the best Christmas I can remember. My family did not have much money and this was a big deal to get me this. I think of parents and that night many times at this time of year. Not long after that my father got very ill and stayed ill for 6 more years. My mom has been with us until this August. As I reflect at this time of year I think of that precious night when I heard the "Little Drummer Boy." Wish I had those records now but I will always have the memories.
So what does this have to do with Real Estate? My mother took us many a Sunday to see Open Houses except for that time of year. That was probably where I got my inspiration to become a Real Estate Broker. Then I married a man whose mother had been a Real Estate Broker and Iwas soon to follow, his sister, his brother, his brother's wife and so there were five of us all in real estate.
My mother-in-law was a huge success in real estate and helped us buy our home. That story is in blog "Hysterical/Historical House. She was very generous to all at Christmas. I was nearly overwhelmed by the gifts. I came from modest income and that year I received the record player was the biggest year for gifts. I can remember only having one skirt to wear. I was the oldest and my sister and brother would be given before me but not that year.
Now I am lavishing gifts on my grandchildren and loving it. I may be making up for what I didn't have in giving to them and to my son and daughter-in-law.
I will never forget that Christmas Eve, the record player, "The Little Drummer Boy" and Alvin and Chipmunks with David Saville.
10 Comments on The Little Drummer Boy
Hi Pat, I came from near the same time period and background. Yes I very much remember Little Drummer Boy and The Chipmunks song. I remember the excitement of Christmas Eve and morning. Your blog brought back pleasant memories for me also. Thanks. I'm sure you remember the hoola hoops......that was entertainment.
I remember the excitement of Christmas morning at home too...we didn't have much, however we had a great time.
My wife and I have always held to the traditional Christmas in our home (it is hard with todays way of life) starting with Midnight Mass each year. We still to this day make the children (23, 22, 18) stay in their PJ's to open gifts.
Hi Dan, We still open presents in our pj's too and then we go to my son's for a lovely breakfast and open presents with the children. It is a great day! Thank you for your comment. Have your best night ever!
Hi Alexander, Yes, my mom was great! I am sure that it was a great sacrafice to give me those gifts that year. I do love those chipmunks. they are doing a movie I understand it is coming out 12/14. Have you best night ever!
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Hi Pat, I came from near the same time period and background. Yes I very much remember Little Drummer Boy and The Chipmunks song. I remember the excitement of Christmas Eve and morning. Your blog brought back pleasant memories for me also. Thanks. I'm sure you remember the hoola hoops......that was entertainment.