Cherished Memories

Cherished Memories
By Joanie Buettgen
Copyright 2010

As I write this December column the weather has changed dramatically. One day it was a balmy 40 degrees and today we’re smack dab in the middle of a winter storm. I tried to step outside but the wind blew me back. And now my evergreen trees have a heavy coating of snow which resembles a Currier & Ives print.

I don’t know about you but every year I tell myself that I will prepare for Christmas early. I accomplish the many tasks with “To-do lists.” These are checked off just like Santa checks off his lists. Because before you know it, Christmas will be here.

I start this holiday process by unpacking the Christmas decorations. I haul them out and then bring them all down stairs. As I do this I am reminded of the many cherished family memories I have. Every time I start this process it tugs at my heart strings.
Once these Christmas containers have completely covered all of my table tops, I start removing the contents. As I sort through the many layers of crumpled old newspapers I think to myself, “Is there anything I’m missing?”

I decided to wander upstairs. Then I noticed an old Christmas tote that hadn’t seen the light of day in years. I investigated the box by sitting down and removing the contents. Tears welled up in my eyes as I removed the worn books of my children’s childhood. I had forgotten all about these. All of these books remind me of our family’s cherished Christmas memories. And now that I am a grandmother they will be put out to read to our grandson. These books are small but just the right size for child. I will read to him on our cozy couch with a warm blanket. The titles of these Little Golden Books include: The Twelve Days of Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Biggest Most Beautiful Christmas Tree, A Christmas Carol , and my favorite The Christmas Story.

This glorious time of year should be about relaxing, reflecting and rejoicing. I hope everyone will remember the reason for this season and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Joanie Buettgen has been published: More.com, Minnesota Moments Magazine, Thankful-Home.tv, Carver County Historical Society, Kansas City BBQ Society, Carver County News, National Barn Alliance, and Ridgeview Medical Center newsletter.
Memberships: National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Toastmaster’s, Minnesota Newspaper Association, Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop attendee.
Social Networking: Blog:https://joanie19.wordpress.com, http://twitter.com/joaniebuettgen, http://www.linkedin/com/in/joaniebuettgen.