Thinking back on my own childhood, there is only one gift that sticks out in my mind. ONE. It was a Western Wear Barbie Doll. How strange is that? All those Christmas days, all those gifts, and there is only one gift I remember fondly? What I DO remember, though, is all of the special foods. I remember all of the family gatherings. I remember the friends and laughing, while we played games or caught up. I remember the traditions–almost none of which had to do with presents.
So, maybe the old Grinch is right, Christmas DOES come without boxes or bags. It really is about having an experience. It removes us from the daily-ness of life and reminds us to slow down, be with the ones we love, and enjoy our BOUNTY {in the form of feasts, and more feasts}. It’s really about GIVING yourself to others.
So, this year, if you are feeling stressed about how you are going to get all of those gifts wrapped and under the tree before the big day, I say, give yourself a break. Think back on your own Christmas memories…what is it that you loved about the holiday? Now, hold that in your mind and go out and do it. If it was baking cookies with your grandma–do that with your own kids. If it was traipsing out into the wilderness to pick out the perfect tree, strap on your moon boots and load up.
I say this year, seek to fill your kids’ memory bank with experiences that they will treasure–because even though I loved my Western Barbie, I couldn’t tell you where she is today. I can tell you, though, exactly the way my grandma’s kitchen smelled at Christmas time.
You with me?
~Mavis
Kara says
Yes, 100% with you!!!!
Jen says
I LOVED my Western Wear Barbie! I remember that Christmas too. I still have her and her 87 gazillion friends around here somewhere. Thanks for the memory, Mavis!
Laura Z says
Amen, sister!
suzanne says
My favorite memories are the tree hunt. We still go with our girl and her husband and she & her dad have to inspect and bicker over every tree single tree. Takes twice as long as they’re searching for two and I love every minute.
My favorite gift memory is getting a hand me down barbie from my sister. My mother covered my grandfathers old cigar box in contact paper and filled it with home sewn barbie clothes. I don’t remember all the clothing details but that beautiful box tormented me for weeks sitting under the tree.
Kristina says
Sigh….
Jennifer Meyer says
Western wear barbie can be yours again for only $50.00 (plus s&h)!! Wow, it’s incredible how old toys become worth so much money!
shari harniss says
I remember my Meemaw’s ice box fruitcake. Not your typical fruitcake, but a candy like one. It has marshmellow fluff in it!
Meemaw has been gone for years, and I make her fruitcake. It’s not ever exactly like hers, though I try really hard. But, it’s missing her love and smiles… how could it?
Keep the ‘gooey’ in your heart at Christmas and all year long!
Deb K says
I remember fruitcake, too. My mother bought one, once a year, from a distant relative who made and sold them at Christmas time only (not cakey, but moist with lots of fruit). Mom sliced that cake so thin (there were 10 kids in my family) that I always wanted more. I couldn’t wait to grow up and have thick slices when no one could make me eat just a tiny, thin slice.
Who knew that thick slices of the cake like fruitcake I find everywhere would be so blah????? I have never found a fruitcake as good as that one and even though I learned to slice them thin, it’s still not the same. I really miss that fruitcake and my mother slicing it for all of us.