Unwrapping memories December 09, 2024 557 words

This year, the first of December surprised us. That and a storm, delayed decorating of the outside. Friday we pulled the Christmas boxes from the crawlspace.
“When did we purchase three artificial trees?”Asked John.
“I don’t know, but they are pretty worn.” I replied.
With that in mind, John bought another three foot Christmas tree with lights.
Next was the box of children’s party clothes. I had collected for the dolls we used in our porch tableau. Two sets of clothing, one for outdoor scenes and one for indoor displays. This year, we purchased a collapsable Santa bus in greens and reds. The dolls will be the correct size to help take presents from Santa and place them under the porch tree.
“Some of the dolls are looking their age,” I remarked.
John replied, “They will look fine from the road.”
The largest doll, a Patty Play pal is now a senior citizen. She has been in outside displayed for over 26 years. Her once red curly hair is matted and has turned a sandy color.
“I think we’ll give the largest doll a break this year, She is a bit too big for the bus.”
John agreed, “We do have six others to use in the scene,” he remarked.
Then there was the annual testing of the lights. The largest deer had half of the lights not working.
” How old is this deer?”
“Probably fifteen years.”
John sighed, “The motor for head movement hasn’t worked for five years, maybe he could be retired.”
I sorted through the box of the nativity figures and the barn. John’s Aunt Joy, made the figures from molds and painted each one with fine detail. They were the last ones made , 33 years ago. Other items have been added. There is a group of pine trees one ceramic tree painted by John’s cousin Kennan. Though now gone, it reminds us of his joy in family gatherings. He struggled to be understood speaking with cerebral palsy.
A Christmas Squirrel , painted red and green , a gift from our daughter Ruth, is always gazing upon the baby Jesus as he lays asleep in the manger.
There was no breakage this year. In the past angels, goats and even a wisemen have fallen to the hearth. We now have five of the Magi and one camel.
Decorating the new tree was a challenge . The new tree looked good but the branches were too thin to hold any of my older, heavier ornaments. Many were repacked to a wait a stronger tree next year. Most of the non breakable ornaments were placed on the outside Christmas tree. John placed enough lights to make both trees glow in the dark.
The final is the stripes of two inch ribbon hanging from the valance. That is where we pin each Christmas card we receive to be enjoyed all season.
I try to sort old Christmas items to be disposed, but the memories stop me each time.
**. Nona Poem
Putting up Christmas
memories stored in Christmas boxes
carefully rolled in white tissue
opened, memories spill out
I know each one by touch
old friends, worn with age.

Each one a story
Some are lost
but not
gone

Carolaspot@aol.com copyright 12/9/24
Postscript, after writing this post one of the dolls joined
others in toy land heaven.