Anticipating Christmas

I am not exactly a fan of snow, and I really don’t like cold weather. As I contemplate this time of year I think about being in grade school. A time of anticipating a gift that you would like to have. Being out of school, and enjoying the winter.

My fondest memories are shopping in Fort Wayne, GC Murphy’s, Wolf and Dessauer’s, and perhaps even Planters Peanuts. As I get off the bus and enter the house, my folks are waiting. They have the chores all done and are ready to leave to go shopping. First stop is the Family Restaurant for supper. A meal with dessert, (rice pudding,) and a drink was 55¢. Of course my dad always chatted with the owner. This restaurant was across the street from where Coney Island is now. 

On to GC Murphys to get a small gift for each person in our family, we even bought gifts for our neighbors. Usually a pair of brown jerseys. Then on to Wolf and Dessauer’s to see Santa and look at all the toys on the toy floor. I still remember two gifts which I received. One was a stationery steam engine which  heated by electricity. The other was the biggest erector set with an electric motor. I made things to run with the steam engine. 

I still have the erector set in its metal case. I would let it go to the right person. You can still buy parts online and those tiny bolts. The steam engine was apparently sold at my folks estate sale. I looked all over for it. It was in the attic, but I must have missed it. 

The Christmas play that we had at school and church, was basically the Christmas story. The only difference was who would play Mary and who would play Joseph. These both were anticipated events, and just part of the holiday. As you get older Christmas takes on a completely different meaning. It’s a time of contemplation and reminiscing. 

We think more of the people that are hurting this time of year. A time of joy, but they have none. A time of peace, but there appears to be no peace. I must end with the words penned Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

“For hate is strong, and mocks the song,

Of peace on Earth Goodwill to men”

Then peeled the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth  he sleep, 

For Christ is here, his Spirit near 

Bringing peace to earth goodwill to men      

When men repent and turn from sin, 

The Prince of Peace then enters in,

And grace imparts within their hearts 

His peace on earth, Goodwill to men.”

Merry Christmas!

—James Neuhouse