December 11, 2008
Janice Gibson

Ask just about any adult you know what some of his favorite childhood memories are and you'll probably hear the word Christmas mentioned at least a few times. Who doesn't remember the delicious, near agonizing anticipation of waking up Christmas morning. Like we could sleep! We'd lay in our bedrooms waiting for mom to finally call us out into the hallway.

My sister and my brother and I would all run out into the living room laughing and squealing with excitement. The tree would be standing there lit up in all it's splendor. Our eyes would open wide at the sight of several more enticingly wrapped presents underneath the tree than were there just the night before on  Christmas Eve.

Mom and Dad would be just as excited as we were Christmas morning. My mother's smile would be beaming and she would show us that Santa had indeed drank the milk and eaten the gingerbread cookies that had been left for him. He had also taken with him the carefully written notes we kids had left tucked for him under the cookie plate.

The presents were handed out one by one and we would tear into them as quickly as our little hands would allow. What joy! What fun! Christmas wrapping and ribbons went flying around the room. If we were lucky, we would get at least a few of the toys we had groveled for in the past few months. My parents were always good for saving the "Big Present" for last. It would always be something really cool.

So many memories to share of a wonderful carefree time in our simple lives as children. If I could grovel this year for the best present I could ever wish for as an adult, it would be for something very special. I'd wish that I could once again experience the innocent and carefree spirit I was once very fortunate to have had, a lifetime of Christmases ago.

 

Artist and author, Janice inspires and encourages everyone to enjoy life's special moments.