Life in Lizzy's Eyes

Mom would go to great lengths to make it as magical as possible. We spent a lot of Christmases up at the farm and those particular memories are even sweeter because we were with Grandpa & Grandma. One of the first Christmas memories I have at the farm, occurred when I must have been about 6 and my little brother Mark would have been 2. We were laying in bed and Mom was telling us to be quiet and go to sleep and if we didn’t Santa wouldn’t visit. I think we all remember how difficult it was to go to sleep on Christmas Eve; on command. As we were laying there fidgeting and giggling, Mom said “Shhhh, I think I hear something.” We strained to listen and heard nothing, but hurried up and closed our eyes and tried to go to sleep. Then, very faintly while straining our ears, we heard the sound of sleigh bells. I am sure we both gasped in surprise. Mom said “Quick, close your eyes and sleep.” We tried very hard and it involved throwing the blankets over our heads. I don’t know how long we laid there, barely breathing. Mom stayed with us while we “pretended” to sleep, but at some point she allowed us downstairs and Santa had most definitely arrived. My heart still sings with joy when I think back on that memory.
Another vivid memory of Christmas occurred when we were maybe 5 and 9, or thereabouts. We were both pretty sick with the flu and/or a cold and we were resting down in the basement while watching television with Mom and Dad. The phone rang and of course in those days there were no cordless phones, so Mom ran upstairs to answer. She was on the phone a long time, which was certainly not unusual, so we didn’t really think much of it. Eventually she came back down and we finished watching tv. At some point, Mom exclaimed that it was time for bed. As we walked upstairs to bed, we just happened to look in the living room and WOW….Santa had visited while we had been downstairs.
Another place we always went without fail was to Grandpa & Grandma Tschida's house and all my Uncles, Aunts and cousins would be there. It was a full house! My grandparents/Aunt went to a lot of work to ensure that each of us kids got a gift or two. They didn't have to do that, especially when it had to cost a ton, since there were about 18 of use kids. I always truly appreciated it. My grandparents and Aunt Marge gave to us way more than we could ever hope to give back.

One of the last memories I have of Christmas and Santa was again at the farm. Dad asked us if we wanted to go out for a late evening ski through the fields. I was always game for skiing; especially up at the farm. The quiet swishing of the skis as they broke trail across the freshly fallen snow always seemed mysterious and enchanting. The farm was also usually pretty dark which added to the mystique, but on this particular evening I remember the moon was glowing brightly. (I looked it up and there was a full moon on December 25, 1977) There is nothing better than skiing across open fields with the silvery light of the moon shining down on the sparkling white snow. As we got to the end of the mile long driveway, Dad turned towards the farm and said “Hey, did you see that? I thought I saw some lights in the sky near the farm.” We were at an age that we were starting to get wise to Dad’s joking around. So of course, I remember us both saying “Yeah, right Daaaaddddd.” I know that he continued to be pretty persistent about what he saw, but we kept on with the “Sure Daaaddddd.” The joke was on us. Once we got back to the farm and unbundled all our outdoor clothes, we walked into the living room and guess what? Santa had struck again. Dad’s only words, “See? I told you!” He must have loved that moment.

There are so many wonderful memories of Christmases past. Looking back, I realize that we had it sooooo good in comparison to others. I will forever be grateful for all the wonderful memories we were given.