SANDRA DEMPSEY POST
Remember when Christmas celebrations signaled time to bring out the “good dishes” because paper plates and napkins were not allowed? Paper products weren’t so popular in the 1950s and ’60s whatever the celebration, but particularly not for the Big Holidays. Such fun to use fancy dishes, “good” silverware, cloth napkins with appropriate seasonal designs, and the large linen tablecloth always needing to be ironed. We used holiday glasses that caused moms or grandmas serious worry should someone accidentally bump glasses into each other or knock something over.
Mishaps were not common in our home, but they happened and no one wanted to be in that situation. I only remember breaking one dinner plate from the good dishes. Of course, it had to be a plate, not some small side dish. My Mother graciously accepted my apology; my older teenage sister, not so sure. It must have been the year she decided I was a bit of a nuisance, and why did I need to be around so much? There were multiple reasons why, but we need not go through them. She turned out to be a good older sister, but there were moments I doubted our relationship would work. It did eventually, and quite nicely.
Depending on what holiday we were celebrating, there might be presents to open. If that was going to happen, I did my best to move dinner along quickly. Such efforts on my part accomplished little. Years later, I understood the technique and the reasons, but at the time the waiting was agony. And almost always some adult needed a second cup of coffee. Really? But I knew better than to complain.
Our dinners and celebrations were lovely, but they weren’t extravaganzas, except to me. I loved everything, and would pay some serious money to go back and revisit one of those evenings, coffee and all. There were Thumbprint cookies, eggnog, finger food, and always candy from Fannie May, plus a full dinner. Now, except for my sister and me and two cousins, those friends and family have all passed on. Did I ever think that would happen? Of course not, children don’t. They don’t understand or know how to prepare for that. When my seven grandchildren and their parents gather at our house, there’s a little voice that reminds me to cherish these moments. I try to, but they end so quickly.
Each year, on the first Saturday of November, churches in the Lombard, Ill., area host sales featuring crafts, food, decorations, accessories, religious items, lunch, and more. Now a tradition for my daughter and me, we are often joined by others. It’s delightful entertainment and helps others in the community. At my daughter’s church, an additional feature includes an interesting rummage sale, packed full of treasures galore.
This year one very long and large table was filled with beautiful glass dishes, accessories, dinner plates, etc. It was as if someone recreated my childhood, if only for a moment. I could feel tears start to run over, and I was that little girl amid the elegance of a fancy dinner. I loved it! This Holiday Season when you decorate your house, however simply or lavishly, remember to bring back memories, sharing them with loved ones. It’s a wonderful gift to give!
Happy Memories and Merry Christmas!