December 19, 2014

Christmas Memories

A father’s tales delight children

By Cecelia Stevens Kiley

Christmas Eve was very special at our house.

My sister and I would climb up on Dad’s lap and become a captive audience as he filled our imaginations with the fantasy and spirit of Christmas through his wonderful stories. Filled with awe, we listened to Dad recall the adventures of Santa’s little elves, who would sometimes get lost in a snowstorm way up at the North Pole.

Then there would be the sad story of the Little Match Girl forced out into the cold by a cruel father to sell matches—ultimately freezing to death.

But perhaps my father’s recount of The Happy Prince was the most thought provoking. Dad’s voice was soft, loving and had the ability to bring about tears as we learned how the prince gave away his wealth to help the poor.

I believe Dad could have given Hans Christian Andersen a good run for his money!
 

(Cecelia Stevens Kiley is a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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