I rarely asked for a doll, at Christmas or ever, really. I wanted books, magic tricks, a guitar, stuffed animals but dolls? Meh. Any doll I ever owned was quickly modified by my sister. Oh to be sure, she had her own dolls but using these for makeovers was anathema. Sis cut the hair off mine, took markers and crayons to their faces. She stole their clothes too. My dolls could be found naked and disfigured nearly anywhere in the house. What I wouldn't give to have a few of those moments back. We still laugh about her cosmetology experiments.
Our mom died in the spring of '75 when I was ten and she, eight. That Christmas was one to forget but I can't. My sister says she doesn't remember but part of me feels she must. This was the year I found out there was no Santa Claus. I somehow knew he would never come again. My dad made some terrible choices. He remarried before Thanksgiving. She was a true 'stepmother', determined to be rid of his kids. Within a couple of years, she had her wish. Where we went and how are their own stories. Many, many years passed before Christmas meant anything to me. As a young adult, I spent a few of them alone.
I don't share this to make anyone sad, nor do I need pity or sympathies. A lot of you share wonderful childhood Christmas memories, most to which I cannot relate. Over the years, I've grown to enjoy Christmas as a season of sharing. I love shopping for friends and giving to those in need. My life experience has given me empathy for those who struggle with the holidays. If you are someone who'll be glad when 2021 is here, I get it. This particular Christmas season is a struggle for many who've never had the holiday blues.
At Christmastime, I look forward to putting up the tree and holiday decor, and hanging lights in all the places I can still reach. You might say Christmas has thrown up at my house. There's some in every room. The tree has been joined by gifts-a-plenty, scheduled for delivery tomorrow. You can't even see all the gifts in this picture. Wrapping every evening this week has kept me busy and away from the blogs.
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I'd be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank Jon Pennysleeves for the Dolly he sent awhile back. She's a pretty thing and fits nicely into my collection of Presidential spouses. For his fifth blog-a-versary, Jon gave away a fantastic assortment of stars and vintage. I missed out on 1961 Golden Press, 1933 Goudey Indians and a butt-load of other goodies. There were autos and a printing plate. The 1952 Topps Look and See Madison was still available and the first Dolly I've wanted since I was a kid.
I make merry when I can. This year, I won't be hanging out with friends. I'll miss our evening of feasting and laughter while playing Cards Against Humanity - a game so disgusting and awful it goes against all my personal beliefs and etiquettes.
Whatever you do, wherever you may be, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year. May health and happiness be yours.
Season's Greetings from Cracked Bat:
