December 19, 2014

Christmas Memories

An unexpected Christmas surprise

By Mj Krauter

My favorite memory of all time took place when I was about 6 years old. It was Christmas Eve, and we were getting ready for Mass. I could hear the whirring of Mother at the sewing machine, and knew with a little disappointment that it would be handmade doll clothes for the dolls picked up earlier at the St. Vincent de Paul store for the girls, and wooden toys (made by Dad) for the boys. With 13 siblings, this was not an unusual Christmas.

We all bustled about ironing last-minute outfits, or the older ones tried to wrangle us little ones into our Christmas best. There was a soft blanket of snow outside, and I knew that even with the meager Christmas offerings, at least there would be fresh snow for us to enjoy tomorrow.

Just as we were walking out the door, the phone rang. I happened to be the closest, so I answered it. A deep voice on the other end of the line said, “Merry Christmas—go look in the car!”

All of us kids scurried outside to see Dad’s car lights on and overflowing with presents, front and back seats! We ran on angel wings to Midnight Mass while Mother and Dad, arm in arm, brought up the rear. The sweet snow continued to blanket us as we made our way to Mass, an extra special gift from God on Christmas.

When we returned home and were allowed to open just one of the presents, it turned out each child got a brand new toy and a brand new outfit! Mother always wondered, but we didn’t find out until years later that the older boys (newly married) had pitched in so us little ones could have the best Christmas ever. This happened twice in my childhood, the two times that Dad was without a job at Christmas.
 

(Mj Krauter is a member of St. Simon Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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