2018 Christmas day was spent with Ruthie and Nanny. Everyone was spoiled with gifts. Everyone was most generous to Kamdyn and Karcie. The most ominous gift was that absolutely ridiculous unauthorized sloth. The overall best and most memorable had to be the quilts made from shirts Terry used to wear. It was like getting a gift from many Christmases at once.
I certainly can't write this was our first Christmas in Anderson. I figure my first one was back in 1976. Ole St Nick was a young lad. In the following 40+ years Anderson has always played a part in every Christmas. Selwyn Dr, Regency Circle, Millgate Rd, Watson Rd, & Loblolly Dr. Over those 40+ years I remember a handful of gifts I received and the associated excitement. Thunder Cats, Atari, Golden Arrow, Flying objects, Clothes, Rods, Reels. I remember asking why I couldn't have more toys if Santa was churning them out. Mom says " I have to leave a check for Santa" That was confusing. That certainly wasn't in the standard kid Santa literature at the time. It has since become clear for me though. He now seems to have my credit card in his sleigh and I understand what Ruthie was saying.
Even though I can only recall so many gifts, I have hundreds of memories from the times spent together as a family. The preparation, the food, the holiday smells, the smiles, the laughs, the warmth. The travel. I think you have to have the presents to set the holiday atmosphere. All that's important. With the exception of a few rods and reels and that Golden Arrow 14V remote control car, I would trade all the toys for the chance to relive the Christmases that I have forgotten. That would be true Christmas magic. Hopefully we can up our family gathering game in the future and get the unicorn Terrys from FL back to Anderson where it all began.
