The name Gaudete is latin for rejoice. It is the name of the third Sunday in Advent. The vestments and the lit candle is rose colored to remind that Christmas is near. We are told to rejoice. Holiday activities and shopping escalate. In my family, my mother had preparations for Christmas well in advance. The problem was where to hide the gifts? One year, I found wrapped gifts under my parents bed. Santa was smart enough not to label the recipient. I was left to shake several packages while keeping an ear out for Mom’s footsteps.
My brothers and I would put our gifts to give away under the tree as soon as the tree was up. Day by day, we checked the number and owner of each new gift. On Christmas morning there were more boxes from Santa.
When I was young, I remember hanging socks on the mantle. An orange, unshelled nuts and a small gift were found in my sock. One year, I received a babies milk bottle that refilled with white milk. I spent a good 45 minutes feeding each of my dolls.
I don’t recall when we no longer hung socks by the fireplace. I was sad to see the tradition stop. Once as a young preteen, I took an over the knee knitted sock and hung it from the bureau in the hall, outside my bedroom. I was surprised to find an orange, some nuts in the shell and a small gift of several lip glosses. I can imagine Santa chuckling as he filled my sock.
My parents hid larger gifts at my grandparents houses. I never did find all the hiding places.
Just before Christmas, my mom would lock herself in her bedroom. She was off limits except an emergency. The locks on the bedroom doors were push button. Craig showed me how to unlock the latch with a straighten bobby pin. We were careful to not move the gifts from their original positions. We were sure that Santa kept careful notes of any deviation in the position of each gift.
Growing older, I now look to my nieces to remind me of the magic of the season. Recently, we sent presents with Brian for my three and six year old nieces. Photos were sent showing the two girls playing with paper dolls of a boy, girl and two dogs. Their mother watched in a chair nearby. Late , they were read the story of the angel named December. The joy and intense play reminded me of the reason for the season. Wishing you many moments of sharing time and play with your family.
Rejoice
Recent snow fall promised playtime in the new snow.
Each child smiled as they donned their snowsuits.
Jubilant at the promise of outdoor play.
“OK, no play until breakfast is done,” mother stated.
I trooped back to the kitchen to have breakfast.
“Carol, You need your boots and mittens.”
Every day is a holiday when it has snowed.
traveling up and down the blind highway 