Celebrating Christmas (2003)
by Carol Sue Obsorne
Dinner was served at 6:30 buffet style. Everyone had a say in what we wanted to eat. We make this choice in the summer. There are four generations of us, and Mother gave the blessing. We had steamed shrimp, three different kinds of potatoes, gravy, biscuits, mac and cheese, stuffing, ham, turkey, roast beef, corn, and more I can't remember. We also had salad and all kinds of desert. After eating, Santa Claus made his appearance and handed our his gifts. I sand “Here Comes Santa Claus” as he entered the room with his bag, yelling “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas “! All the little ones all gathered around him on the floor and waited their turn on his lap. Ten little ones, ages 2-11. After the little ones finished there turns, some of the adults took a turn! So, Santa left, and my nephew Wesley, 11, and grandson Brandon, 11 played Christmas carols, Wesley on the electric guitar and Brandon on Trumpet. Dallas, 9, Barbara,9, and Alura,8, sang a song for everyone. Then Dylan sang a song. We then did our exchanging of gifts. The adults draw names during the summer for this event. I had my brother in law's name, and he wanted money. I got 25 one dollar bills and taped them together from end to end. Son Curtis had my name and got me a gift certificate from Staples. I was in 7th heaven! We also have secret sisters in the family, so we revealed who we had and did our gift exchange for that all of us figured out who had our names, except for my niece Sabrina. I also received a Staples gift card for this. Once again, 7th heaven! December 24th, we had our immediate family gathering at Grantham and Ron's. Normally I have this day off, but with my new job I'm low man on the pole, so had to work till four. All children and their mates had the day off, so they were all there waiting for me when I got off work. We ate first, as everyone was starved. We had chicken pop corn and bar b que, chips and dip, pumpkin pie, chocolate silk pie and ice cream cake for Dylan's birthday. Now it was time for the grandchildren to open all their gifts. This is always fun. I must say the funniest part was Jacob, 5. I bought him an outfit and put it in a big empty waffle box. Well, he was so excited when he tore the paper off, he started screaming “ I got waffles, I got waffles.” Then he opens the box and sees clothing, and his big smile went away real fast. “It's not waffles, it's clothes.” He was so disappointed, and it was just one of those things where you had to be there to see it. Everyone is still laughing (except Jacob). He felt better after he opened the skate board I got him. At least I know what to get him. At least I know what to get him for his birthday in February. I received all kinds of envelopes that night, and a small wooden mail box for my collection. Patrice and family had to leave for home that night for Santa, as they live in Lewiston, PA, three hours from us. Christmas Day, Angelique and Ryan picked me up about 12:30 and took me up to Curtis'. We had ham and beef stew and deviled eggs, plus desert. God help my diabetes these past few days! We had yet another exchange of gifts, and I received another Staples card, a roll of stamps, tickets to the Orioles Fan Fest, White Musk, Obsession, and an electric fry pan. Home late again and I'm beat. The day after Christmas, four of my grandchildren, Aramtha and Angelique went to the movies to see “Elf”. It was pretty good, all the kids really enjoyed it. E went to Angelique's after the movie, and I never got home till that night at 10. Saturday and Sunday I never left the house, I was so wore out. I didn't even go to the post office-that tells you how tired I was. But it was all well worth it. |
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