Friday, December 18, 2009

a favorite Christmas

Apart from all the hoopla, commercialism, gifting, partying, there IS a deeper meaning to this season.  The esty bloggers' carnival this month asks the question:  Holidays - Christmas, Hanukkah & Others, what was your favorite gift received? Was it handmade?  This recalled to mind a Christmas long ago when my husband and I had little money and a small child.  Although we gave gifts to him, we gifted each other with mostly "coupons."  This remains my favorite Christmas gift experience.
a cookbook and coupon for cooking sessions together
Another special Christmas was two years ago when my mother went into the hospital just days before.  On Christmas Day, my husband's family was here and we were just sitting down to eat when I got the news my mother was being released.  I hurried to the hospital and brought her to my house in time for a meal and family fun.  Everyone was so happy to see her and spend time with her! 
 my son and I long ago
HERE is where the carnival will be posted sometime on Monday, December 21 by LindaB.  Check out Linda's  etsy shop, too!

photos by me © 2009 

14 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture of you and your son. My son and I always had a special bond - he's 20 now, and we still do!
    Happy Holidays!
    ~Donna

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  2. Two great stories...and a great photo :)

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  3. This was a great carnival - I am really enjoying all of the posts =) Yours is very sweet! What a blessing that your mother was able to celebrate Christmas with you all!

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  4. what a sweet reminder. I remember when I was in elementary giving my Mom a gift of coupons--wash the dishes, fold clothes (yuck), and sweep coupons, etc. I spent so much time decorating them and was so proud of myself. And she used them, too!

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  5. These are wonderful memories! Often it's not the physical items, but the memories themselves that are gifts.

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  6. I did the coupon books with my parents when I was younger. Of course, I didn't particularly care to wash the dishes or vacuum, but hey, they used the coupon!

    Love the picture of you and your son, too. :)

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  7. I am loving all these comments. Judy, you said it so well--the memories are the gifts--truly!

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  8. Great holiday memories!

    SweetSallysSoaps

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  9. Wonderful memories of the true meaning of Christmas! Cute photo of you and your son too!

    Merry Christmas to you and wish you all the best in 2010!

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  10. Nice meomories. Wishing you a Merry treatfilled Christmas!

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  11. What wonderful memories of Christmas past. When we brush aside the commercialism this is what makes Christmas special. May your Christmases to come be filled with many special moments to be remembered.

    Judy

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  12. Wonderful! I love pictures too!

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Your comments make my day! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!