The song, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," is a favorite at our house. After all, we both grew up in areas where snow in the winter is a frequent visitor. Fond memories of building snowmen, sledding, skiing, and skating often come to mind this time of year. Snow on the ground at Christmas is the magical ingredient for us.
No wonder a couple of Christmas Pasts come to mind. The first in Juneau, Alaska, where our oldest son and his family live. It was picture perfect as we stepped off the plane on Christmas Eve. Our daughter Kelsea, who lives in Denver, was also with us. Huge fluffy flakes of snow were falling and excitement filled our hearts. Best of all, we were meeting our two-month old grandson, Addie, for the time.
The photo at the Chinese restaurant was taken on Christmas Day. It reminds us of the movie, The Christmas Story. Although, the neighborhood dogs didn't eat our turkey. We were all too exhausted to cook after a late night of catching up and assembling toys. Of course, Sage, like most children, got up extremely early to see what Santa delivered.
Snow kept falling and falling and falling. Finally it cleared up a few days after Christmas and gave us a chance to go outside and play.
Yet another wonderful white Christmas Past comes to mind. This one in Bend, Oregon, where our youngest son and family were living at the time. Once again there was snow on the ground, but the most amazing moment happened when carolors appeared on the porch a few days before Christmas. Imagine our shock when we realized it was our son from Alaska and his family. Surprise!
Here's a photo of the kids and our sons at the table. By the way, the boy in the middle of the three boys seated on the bench is Addie, the grand baby we first met in the Juneau Christmas photos.
On Christmas Eve, when our sons and the older grandsons went skiing, we volunteered to take our granddaughter and the younger grandsons sledding. Even a sparsely snow-covered neighborhood sledding hill is the quintessential Christmas scene.
Here's Oma and Grandpa taking a turn. Our youngest grandson Holden cracked us up, admonishing, "Can't you go down by yourself? Jeez." And then, applauding enthusiastically at the end of the short run with, "Grandpa Bernie, that's awesome!" We both love listening to our granddaughter/videographer trying to stifle her giggles.
This year we'll be at home, still Dreaming of a White Christmas just like the ones we used to know. And grateful to revisit the sweet, sweet memories of Christmas Pasts.
Special thanks to Anna Banana Kruchten CRS CRB, Phoenix Broker and Carol Williams for the December Challenge. You two are the best.
