A Christmas Memory

CHRISTMAS EVE

When I was growing up in Concordia, MO, we lived in a teacherage two doors down from St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Our Christmas Eve service feature the Christmas program of St. Paul's Lutheran School, which was located just across the street. 

Our school was large. There were 32 students in my class alone. Children from the school were seated in the front of the church, facing the congregation. Church was packed. They even had to set up folding chairs in the aisles to accommodate all the people.

I don't remember that our program varied much from year to year. We recited Christmas passages from scripture. We sang Christmas songs & carols. The congregation joined in some of the singing.

After the service concluded, children filed through a room just off the chancel. We each received a sack of goodies that included a big sack of peanuts, an orange or maybe an apple, & some Christmas candy.

My brother, sister, & I walked home after the service. Since my mom was church organist, she continued playing as people exited the church. Dad was principal, so he usually stayed behind, too.

We knew the drill. After Dad & Mom got home, we kids were exiled to my brother's bedroom while Dad & Mom put presents under the tree. (There was no Santa Claus at our house.) My siblings & I ate from our goodies' sacks & speculated about our presents.

When we got the green light, we went into the living room. Our Christmas tree seemed brighter, & the presents were under the tree. We took turns opening presents, so that we each could see what the others were getting.

After opening presents we would join my dad in the dining room, where we had more Christmas goodies. Mom went to bed before us, since she had to get up early & play for church on Christmas morning.

Times have changed, & we have our own Christmas tradition. Our children & grand-children gather with us for Thanksgiving. This is when we set up Christmas decorations & decorate the tree. Usually one of the grand-kids plays Santa Claus & passes out the presents. Then we take turns opening them, so we can all see what others have gotten.

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite memories from childhood. May you & yours have your own special Christmas memories!