December 19, 2014

Christmas Memories

Christmas on the run was always fun

By Norbert Schott

Midnight Mass was a given in our family. Indianapolis was our home; Sacred Heart Parish was our home and family.

Dad was a grocer and closing the store at 6 p.m., getting home, eating supper and then “cleaning up” for the big Mass was “life on the run.” Why? One small bathroom, and seven people to use it!

We took turns, but Mom was first because she was a soprano in the Christmas choir. She had to be in the choir loft by 11 p.m. Who would miss the beautiful carols and songs before Mass? Sometimes Dad did.

He was still “on the run,” waiting his turn and then “dressing up.” He drove the second run on the way with the rest of the family.

Oh, I forgot one more run. We opened the Christmas gifts at 9 p.m., a tradition that was never broken.

Store, “clean up time,” gifts, sharing and singing and then “running” to church. I wouldn’t give up those memories for anything! Holiday joy “on the run.”
 

(Norbert Schott is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greencastle.) †

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