Thursday, December 20, 2007

Years ago

Maybe I'm just a bit sentimental but the picture you see is one of my kids, years ago as young teens. If I recall the day correctly we were shopping and on a whim we decided to have their picture taken with Santa. These memories are what I think back on at this time of year, it was the fun the kids had, the laughter, smiles & anticipation of Christmas morning, the wrapping like mad to keep little eyes from peeking at gifts to early & ruin the surprise. Of course they tell me they "never peeked"






As most families we had pictures taken almost every year as they grew & I do have some of those as well, but I think this picture was the last time any of them sat for a picture with Santa, (to old to do that sort of thing) once you get to be a teen don't ya know. We always had such fun, even as they got older I don't think they were embarrassed to be with parents like some kids are today at least they never said so.

Not only was it the last Santa picture but it was taken at a store that is no longer there but at one time was the center of activity in a busy downtown called Herp's. They always decorated their windows with animated displays of Christmas scenes & it was just part of Christmas to go downtown to see the window decorations. They even had a train that kids could ride in the basement, this train was on the ceiling & would carry kids around the whole store. That was back before Malls had become the place to shop, in fact I don't think we even had a large Mall at the time this was taken, & downtown was the place to be. There were the dime stores where you could get a real cherry coke or malted & smell the peanuts roasting, I think we may even have taken a bus to get there. And you had to walk outside to get from store to store, experiencing the elements of Michigan weather between stores.

Life at Christmas has changed a whole bunch since, but something that will never change is the real reason we celebrate. That is the birth of our Lord & Savior. He came at a very inconvenient time, no stores, no tinsel, no phones, or Ipods, none of the creature comforts we know today. Born to very young parents who most likely felt overwhelmed with how to care for One such as this. He came to save the lost & He is still doing just that today. So remember to thank God for your own children if you have any & to thank Him for sending us a Savior to take our sins away, & give us the gift of eternal life... Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!!

11 comments:

Mari said...

I love the picture - what good looking kids! It's fun to look back at those old pictures and remember. Thanks for also bringing up thoughts of that first Christmas! It was and is the best gift of all.

Anonymous said...

She looks just like you!! Yes remembering back to when they were little is a very good thing, but it makes me feel old..er! Oh how I remember down town,with Grants,Herps Wurzburgs? (wrong spelling).Riding the bus. My 31yr old daughter and I had our picture taken with Santa today!! how funny. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Mimi said...

what a special picture of your kids...
Have a very Merry Christmas Nancy.. and enjoy your family this Holiday Season
{{Hugs}}
Love,
Mimi

Laura said...

That is so fun that you have a picture of them that old sitting on Santa's lap - a good memory! Your blonde-haired daughter looks so much like you! They are all very good-looking though!

Cheri said...

I agree- she does look alot like you! What a great picture. It's so great to have those special memories.

Terri said...

Oh the memories.... I loved the Grand Village Mall. I also loved the old fashioned blizzards that we used to have.....ahhhhh

Mary said...

Your children are beautiful. I love when kids sit on Santa's knee and put all their faith in him that he will bring them something they really want.

Love the photo of the trees as well. The snow is beautiful.

Merry Christmas to you. I'm glad you dropped by my blog and left a comment. It's very nice to meet you and I enjoyed my visit here.

Blessings,
Mary

Saija said...

the pic made me smile! :o)
good memories were made that day i'm sure ...

Cathy said...

Wishing you and your family a blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, dear Nancy.

AmPowerBlog said...

Blessings to you this Christmas Day!

Justabeachkat said...

I wish for you and yours the merriest of Christmases filled with family, love, food and fun and many memory making moments.

Christmas hugs!
Kat