Day 10 - Steem Advent Calendar 2018, Win prize everyday! 🎄🎁

roxy-cat (60) · 6 years ago

The best Christmas memories are those from the childhood, of course. Something really nice remained in my mind...my father trying to be Santa for his naughty little girls. He was very clumsy sometimes and always managed to break some Christmas bulbs before placing the gifts under the tree.
One year I remembered that we saw a shadow near the tree. Both me and my sister started to scream "Santa!!!" and run to the living room. Our beloved Santa sprung through the door with the tree following him. 😂
Those memories are so precious that I'm sure I will never forget those wonderful Christmas times. 🙂

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

Wonderful Christmas memories!

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roxy-cat (60) · 6 years ago

Indeed, they are. I can only hope my kids will say the same when they will be grown ups. 🙂

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

Haha Roxy. You father was a good sport. Childhood memories and the magic of Santa always special.

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roxy-cat (60) · 6 years ago

Thank you, my dear. Those were good times indeed. 🙂

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evegrace (67) · 6 years ago

My Best Christmas memories was in 2012 when I lost my Dad a month earlier.

Before then, Dad had been everything and I would never in my time think of doing anything on my own. I was totally dependent on him. Losing him in November brought so much pain and tears, yet, during th4 Christmas, after a consoling visit from a dear friend who told me about Christ and His immeasurabe love beyond what my dad could do, I made out time that same 2012 for the first time to use myy meagre saavings to buy gifts for people. Some gifts were as tiny as an Handkerchief, yet they meant so much to me when I discovered how some persons so cherished it. In one of my visits, I saw a family that would virtually drink garri in water, yet were so happy.

That was how I got to understand the new meaning of Happiness that it is not built on things, rather on people.

2012 Christmas remains fresh on my mind and am happy I was able to live out and share joy beyond the pains.

Thank you @esteemapp for giving me a platform to share this.

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

You make something wonderfully positive out of your loss. Be blessed @evegrace.

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uyobong (71) · 6 years ago

Hmm, your story is quite awesome. Stay strong

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liltom002 (59) · 6 years ago

Very good question! If there is any season I love most, it is the Christmas seasons. It's a one time thing in a year so I ensure that the memories I have about each Christmas is unique and spectaular.

My best Christmas memories...

When I was still a child about 6 years old, I always fantasied about cars and motorcycles. I always admired every car that passed by the road especially one I called 'v-boot'. I would keep count of every car and motorcycles that passed on the road. Too bad I never had the chance to drive it but something happened during the 2005 christmas season. My mom decided to surprise me, she took me to the children park called 'The Fantasy Park'. There, I saw motorbikes of my size and my mom paid for me to ride on it. You can imagine how happy and excited I was. It is one memory I won't forget in a hurry.
Another memory of Christmas I still find very difficult to forget is attending the 'Akwa Ibom State 9999 Christmas Carol Service' I have always watched carol services on the television being done in various places both it was never being done in my State. I always wished my State could host one. In 2014, the first ever Carol service was being hosted at the God'swill Akpabio INternational Stadium in Akwa Ibom State. Dearies, I made sure I attended the programme and it was indeed worth the while. Guest artistes of various genres were in attendance including the likes of Donnie Maclurkin, Don Meon, Buchi, Sinach, Panam Percy Paul and a host of many others. It was indeed a very great and remarkable experience and it is one of my best Christmas memories.
I recall the many delicacies I eat during Christmas ranging from Pounded Yam, Rice and Stew, Afang Soup, Chicken Peppersoup, Asa iwa and many other dishes I don't eat on ordinary days..
I also remember visiting Calabar city for the first to witness the Calabar Carnival. It was during the 2011 Christmas season. I saw various Brazilians and cultures in place. I met many new persons and friends.

Christmas comes with lots and lots of good memories. Merry Christmas everyone and thanks to @esteemapp for this platform to recall this epic memories of mine.

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sancti (62) · 6 years ago (edited)

Christmas is one of the best season so far.
Thank you @liltom002 for this piece

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liltom002 (59) · 6 years ago

Indeed it is.. Everyone loves Xmas

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evegrace (67) · 6 years ago

@liltom002, I know you won't stop mentioning food!

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erbeebassie (47) · 6 years ago

Wonderful memories!!

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

Christmas has been bittersweet for me. In childhood I was always excited about Christmas, especially decorating the Christmas tree and knowing there would be a gift from Santa.

But the years have brought much heartbreak at Christmas. When I was 16, my 5 yr old brother was tobogganing down the driveway, went out onto the main road and was strike fatally by car on Christmas Eve. There was a lot of snow and the road was icy. The video of that day goes through my head as I type this. I can see his sweet face and how he could never pronounce R’s. He called my little sister Rose..Wose. They were only a yr. apart in age.

It was a custom then to have the wake in the home. Our dog never left the casket for the two days Kevin’s tiny body lay in the casket. Friends and relatives came through the home to view his body and give condolences to our family. It was a total nightmare to come downstairs in the morning and see his still body in the casket. My mother was never one for outward affection or for celebrations and after this she definitely never felt right about making a fuss at Christmas.

Years after my brother’s death, my own child, who I named Kevin after my brother, was killed in an vehicle accident on Christmas Day.

It’s been twenty years now since his passing and I try not to be a downer at Christmas.

After my son’s passing, father was getting fragile and came to live with me. it was a good for me to have him around. It seems I was just starting to put up some decorations for Christmas when my father passed a couple days before Christmas.

I’m thinking, “What was my best Christmas memories?”
It has to be Christmas Eve, the night before my son passed. We celebrated Christmas dinner a day early because he was going on that fatal trip to visit his father Christmas Day. We laughed a lot and even talked about death. I told him, for some unknown feeling, you better not pass ahead of me. Our last words to each other were I love you.”

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

Your story makes me cry every time. Hugs, my friend.

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

Hi dear Melinda, I know you have your own heartbreak. ❤️ I don’t like to make you sad with what happened in my life but it is part of my journey here on this planet. Sometimes it’s difficult to see it this way but I have to be grateful for the time I had with my son. That was my gift.

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

I completely understand and love that you have this outlook on life. We are all just trying to follow our paths and deal with getting over all the mountains that get put on the trail, aren't we?

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

Yes, we must be ever vigilant as the path is narrow ...we never know when our world can change dramatically.

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roxy-cat (60) · 6 years ago

I read your story yesterday. It simply broke my heart and I did not know what to say. You've been through so much sorrow. More than one can bear. And I'm glad I met you because you are such a strong person. I think you should celebrate Christmas despite what happened because they loved it. And I'm sure they are smiling up there everytime you decorate the tree. Plus, I strongly believe they are not really gone...just locked in our hearts where we cannot see them but feel their presence.

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

You are wise dear Roxy. I always felt a warrior’s heart beating in my chest and it sometimes got me in trouble. I didn’t know until this all happened that I would need a warrior’s strength to carry on. So true our loved ones are not really gone when they live in our hearts. Stay blessed dear friend.

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xcountytravelers (65) · 6 years ago (edited)

My grandparents had this large house that had a HUGE chimney. We were told it was so big because they wanted Santa to have enough room to get in and out. My cousins and I believed them. Every year we would be sent to be at 8 pm and then told that if we got out of bed, Santa would leave and not leave our gifts so we stayed in bed.

The year I turned 8-years-old my cousins and I decided we were going to see Santa playing games, eating treats, and spending times with our parents. Our uncle came home from California and he had barrels of wine for my family to share. Now keep in mind, most of the adults in my family didn't really drink, but this year they were excited about our uncle's gift. They really were ready to send us to bed quickly so we knew something was going on. We headed towards bed and discussed between ourselves that we were going to see Santa this year.

I remember waking up to a lot of laughter coming from the living room and I could hear a strange noise on the roof. I woke my cousins and heard lots of clumps and thumps above our heads. Suddenly we hear a crash and a lot of yelling. My mother could be heard screaming and I hear my grandmother yell out to put the fire out!

Fire! Something was happening and we were sure it was not good. We decided the danger was more important than the loss of our gifts. Heading the way, we barreled through the livingroom doors to see our parents and grandparents engulfed in smoke yelling trying to put out a fire coming out of the fireplace. When I looked closer, there was a body in the fireplace and it was on fire!

I began screaming my head off that our parents killed Santa and it cause the cousins to begin screaming and trying to get to the fireplace to help the not-so-jolly man. Our mothers were grabbing us and pulling us out of the smoke filled room while the fathers were busy putting out the fire. In the distance we heard sirens and knew Christmas was over before it began.

Sitting outside, wrapped in blankets while the firemen were dashing about a policeman came over to us and asked if we were okay because all of us were in a state of shock. My cousin Ryan blurts out, "Are you taking them to jail? Are you taking all of our parents to jail?"

"Why would we do that son?" The fat officer asked.

Ryan began to cry, "Because they killed Santa."

The Officer laughed when suddenly a loud noise occurred coming from the doorway. The firemen began carrying out arms, legs, a head. Oh, the horror of it all! These men were dragging a dead Santa out piece by piece while laughing. Did they not understand that Santa was dead and there would be no more Christmas. There would be no more happiness in anyone's life ever again.

The truth to it all was that my parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents had a bit too much to drink and they decided they would have "Santa" the manaquin come down the chimney and surprise us all. My grandfather climbed up on the roof making noise like a Santa going to the chimney. He fell, dropping the manequin down the chimney causing it catch fire and cause the ruckus.

That Christmas we all received bikes, video games, and whatever we wanted to dinner that day. Best Christmas EVER!
Ren

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

That is certainly a dramatic Christmas memory to be cherished through the generations!

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xcountytravelers (65) · 6 years ago

It really is, but it is the only one I completely remember.

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dunsky (68) · 6 years ago

When I was 6 years old boy I wish to avoid sleeping for the whole night. Before that Christmas eve I never done so but that time I was just sitting and burning candles watching the dance of fire, my mom was coming to me every hour asking if I wish to go to bed but I was sitting just like hypnotized with the fire and said I will sit a little bit more. There was no sense of time and the whole night was just a beautiful light and fire for me. I think I started to sleep only by 7 am in the morning.

There is some magic in the night time but I prefer time starting from 3-4 am till the sunrise. This time mind is so calm and I feel nobody can get me and I am only one alone can unite with the world.

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

Hahaha who really gets to sleep on Christmas when everyone is just soooooo excited!

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

I can just picture you sitting up all night! Sweet memory!

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jeffjagoe (72) · 6 years ago

I love the Christmas Eve Tradition that I have with my family. Every other year we go to my great aunts and she serves the Feast of the 7 Fishes which is an Italian American Christmas Eve meal that consists of 7 different seafood dishes. I've been going since I was little and now my brother has kids so it's cool to watch the family progress over the years. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

Wow! The 7 different seafood dishes just blew me away.. hahahaha i wish i could share your celebration!!

Christmas has brought some different traditions in all of us..

Cheers!

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clumsysilverdad (64) · 6 years ago

We have a traditional Slovak meal (my grandpa was Slovakian) called Kapustnica which is a sauerkraut soup with vegetables... yes it takes some getting used to ! (_:

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

I like cabbage and in the winter will buy sauerkraut.

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

I would love to try that soup! I love sauerkraut and I love making soup. I looked up the recipe and it looks easy enough, so I will make it!

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clumsysilverdad (64) · 6 years ago

haha, enjoy ... great to try new things !

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

I just put the things I will need on my grocery list!

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

Until the day she died on the day after Christmas, every Christmas Eve for 50 years of my life was spent at my Aunt Eleanor's house. It was an occasion of celebration of all of the family being together--aunts, uncles, cousins and my cherished grandparents. Everyone brought food and we had a feast every year. We exchanged names for gifts because there was simply no way gifts could be bought for every person that was there. As gifts to our grandparents each one of us arranged a small performance, some of us would sing a song, others played a Christmas carol on the instrument that they were playing in band at school and others memorized a poem or read a short story from a book. It was delightful and we all enjoyed the evening. As the great grandchildren we're old enough they joined in on the tradition. All of the family sang Christmas carols together, and because it was important to my grandparents my Uncle read the story of Bethlehem from the Bible and then we opened our gifts. After Aunt Eleanor died we tried to keep the traditions alive, but after a few years we stopped getting together anymore, and now I only hear from those cousins on Facebook.

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xcountytravelers (65) · 6 years ago

What a wonderful memory. I wish I could remember more of the calm, quiet Christmas celebrations.
Ren

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roxy-cat (60) · 6 years ago

What a wonderful way to spend Christmas! It is amazing how a single person was able to gather so many around her. I bet your aunt was a wonderful person.
Too bad we are not able to spend holidays as our ancestors used to. Christmas is about love and happiness rather than exchanging expensive gifts. Furthermore, the times we're living are so hectic.... It's so easy to become estranged.

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redheadpei (66) · 6 years ago

Lovely memories of your Aunt Eleanor. It sounds like a wonderful time at her house. She died near the celebration she probably loved the most and will certainly be remembered.

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melinda010100 (73) · 6 years ago

She was such a big part of our lives and always kept the family close. She was my rock.

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rosethiyada (62) · 6 years ago (edited)

Hello! I am as an aupair culture exchange in Norway. I will finish my contract in a few months after I have been staying in Norway for 2 years. This Christmas is going to be the last Christmas for me and my host kids and my host family. My best memory on this Christmas from last year, 2017 is when I saw everybody was smiled with happiness. I was happy when I saw they open their presents from me and from others. I had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas party with my host family. Especially the kids, they were very excited about Christmas and got many presents. I was excited and happy for them too.

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

Wow! Its great to spend Christmas at somewhere else. You get the opportunity of a lifetime. It must be sad leaving them too..

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rosethiyada (62) · 6 years ago

Yes, its sad for me. However, I had a great time with them too. Thank you.

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

So where are you going next?

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denissemata (66) · 6 years ago

This photo is the perfect memory of my Christmas. Many times I would like to be small again and enjoy that happiness for being ready early in my best dress and running around the neighborhood lit fireworks with my cousins. Then the dinner time was the best with all our traditions and most important of all with the whole family together.

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olivia08 (69) · 6 years ago

The best christmas that I had was the time together with my family. Those memory will not come again because I am away from my homeland. If ever I will go.for Christmas season my family will not be completed anymore.I lost my grandmother and my husband.It will not do the same without them.It has been 22 years away from them and celebrating Christmas alone and lonely.
Thank you @steemapp.
Happy Holiday!

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shikika (68) · 6 years ago (edited)

My best Christmas memories was when I was a kid. I am so excited and happy when my parents said that I have to hang my sock in the window 'coz Santa Claus will roam around and put some gifts on it. Then, I have to sleep 'coz Santa Claus won't visit if I am still awake. Because I am a kid who believes of what my parents saying, I do sleep early. When it's Christmas eve before I eat, I do check first my sock I hang if it is filled with gifts from Santa Claus. I felt disappointed when I saw it is still empty. Then I asked my mother, why Santa didn't visit yet. My mom will just say, maybe Santa has too much socks to filled in town and that Santa was just delayed. My mom will say, I need to go back sleep after our Christmas eve celebration. Because I am a polite kid, I go back to sleep. When I wake up in the morning, I can't explain the excitement I have. I go directly to check my sock. I am happy to get it because it is full of candies, biscuits and some coins without knowing that my parents are my Santa Claus. 😂😂😂 That's the best Christmas memories I have, the simplicity of a kid joy and happiness. 😀💖

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rjramesh (51) · 6 years ago

That day i always remember i am giving gift to blind people on chrismas very nice momory i have.
Very chrismas

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

Christmas to us is always celebrating with families. We have big big families on both sides. On my hubs' side, we get to have a family reunion where one family serve as the host. We get to visit their home and stay with them on Christmas eve. They prepare program and activities for the day. Then on the 25th we all move out.

Then with my side of the we get to visit them on house to house ordeal to greet them on Christmas day. Imagine how many times you get to eat brrakfast lunch and dinner!! Hahahahahaha..

Christmas is really fun!

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rosethiyada (62) · 6 years ago

Merry Christmas @maquemali

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maquemali (62) · 6 years ago

Merry merry Christmas to you too @rosethiyada!

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chekohler (70) · 6 years ago

My most fond christmas memories has to be putting up the tree together as a family, it was always so much fun getting everyone involved and decorating it all the way we felt. It really got you into the feeling of the Christmas spirit thats for sure.

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ashtv (68) · 6 years ago

One year when I was 11 I slept through Christmas Day. I woke up at the crack of dawn, opened some gifts around 7-8am, then went back to bed and didn't get up until about 6pm because I was so tired.

It was the best sleep I had ever had.
What a great Christmas it was haha!

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ferrate (68) · 6 years ago

My best Christmas memory was in 2012. My uncle had returned from USA and he invited me over to spend the Christmas with him. I had to do 8hours of journey in bus before I reached the region my uncle was staying. Tho it is the capital of my country (Ghana).
When I visited, I had the opportunity to visit interesting places like the zoo, airport, the Harbour among other exciting places. I really enjoyed my 2012 Christmas celebration a lot and always wish I do same every year

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ferrate (68) · 6 years ago

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khaimi (67) · 6 years ago (edited)

I am a Muslim and do not celebrate Christmast, but if I am asked for a valuable memory when crismast, I have one. In 2003 I met my friend in Jakarta, he from Papua, his name Ismail. My place and his place very far, I am in the western while he was from the eastern of Indonesia. At that time I was still a student on college and was demonstrating to present a peace in conflict area in Indonesia, including Aceh. We are take part in of a dispute between the government and the independence fighters. As we know, the effect of this conflict is that ordinary people as a victims and we as neutral people voice peace in street in Jakarta. That I think the best memories between me and my friend. Thanks @esteemapp

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fucho80 (71) · 6 years ago

The most beautiful and unforgettable moments for me at Christmas, is when we all participate in the preparation of the Christmas dinner, it is very nice to share the whole family united in the preparation of our typical Christmas dish. I have unforgettable memories of those moments.

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