It’s snowing, blowing and sometimes raining outside. Our little tree is up and glowing with lights and tiny ornaments which lead to memories. A cloth angel moves in the warm air, a memory of a small neightbor girl who made it several years ago. She is almost grown up now. An origami reindeer brings memories of my granddaughter. a college student now.

Christmas, more than any other holiday, connects us to the past, special people who are no longer with us, music that takes you to other days, past smells of Christmas cookies in the oven and the excitement of arriving relatives and friends when you were a child.

I remember shopping with my father each year to find a special present for my mother, a beautiful red purse from England one year, a plaid raincoat another year. I remember the excitement of seeing my cousins arrive to stay with me through school vacation.

What are your Christmas memories?