Strange (But True) Facts About My Christmas'

A Winter Sunset

My first Christmas after moving out of the parent's home, on a very limited budget, I trudged down to Sears and bought some Christmas decorations. My favorite color is blue, so I purchased one string of blue lights, and two boxes of blue balls ornaments. *heh heh heh* This was when I learned that yes indeed, there really is such a thing as too much of a good thing! Hey, I was only 19 years old.

I now prefer clear mini-lights, especially outdoors; although I do have colored lights.

Before wrapping gifts, I check whether batteries are needed, and include them with the presents. There's nothing sadder than a child, big or small, without the appropriate power supply.

The Baby Jesus from my Nativity Scene went missing many years ago. I'm thinking the Little Guy saw that he and his family were nestled amidst garishly packaged gifts, and decided to take a hike. I lovingly replaced him with a tiny Santa Claus figure which happened to be lying around. I feel this sums up the typical American Christmas.

I set a dollar amount to gifts, as most people do. If someone's total is under the budgeted figure, they receive the cash to compensate. Generally I stuff the money into the stocking of that person, but several years ago I got a bright idea- I created what's known here as The White Trash Christmas Gift!

My eldest was the first recipient. I had a crisp $20. bill I needed to give her. I also had this 30 foot long gum wrapper chain to get rid of...

I'd made this gum wrapper chain when the kids were small, and we used to wind it throughout the Christmas tree before adding ornaments and tinsel. The kids loved it when they were small, but I was totally over it. Nobody wanted the thing, but they surely didn't want me to trash it either.

I found an oblong box in which a previous holiday gift had arrived, and placed some tissue paper, the $20. bill, some pinecones, and the gum wrapper chain inside.

This created much laughter, and a new tradition. Each year since, my family eagerly (?) awaits the possible honor of being the recipient of the White Trash Christmas Gift.

I don't know whether my daughter finally trashed that gum wrapper chain, but I have a suspicion it will somehow return to my house... if it's not already here, hidden in some seldom used closet.