A Favorite Christmas Memory

I have no idea why I thought of this memory tonight on my way home from the grocery store, but I did, and wanted to share it.

One of my favorite Christmas memories was the year my dad got us all in the car (and by us all I think it was my mom, my sister -- maybe one of the younger of my brothers and/or a brother home from college, and me) to go get our Christmas tree.

First dad stopped at the Pasty Kitchen on Katella and we all got hot pasties (an English food like a bread dough completely stuffed with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions. Then you dip it in gravy as you eat it! Soooo good!). We were on our way with hot food in our hands and Christmas songs being sung by dad as he drove.

And we drove up to LA to a train yard. I remember getting out and wearing hat and gloves (I thought the Mid-December weather in Southern CA was so cold!) we went and stood on the old train tracks with a bunch of other people for a Christmas tree auction.

They pulled the trees one at a time off an open rail car cut its ties, twirled it around and took bids. It was exciting, it was fun, and we got the most beautiful fresh tree that had been shipped down from northern CA.

We tied it on top of our brown Ford Van and started the trip home. With only one stop on the side of the freeway to re-tie our treasure to the car, we made it home in safety.

I love this time of year. I love my memories of my dad and Christmas. It is so bittersweet to know that this year I won't be hearing him read Luke 2. Or watch the joy on his face as he watches his grandchildren enjoy the delights of Christmas morning.

But it almost makes me more grateful for this time of year. For the birth of our Savior and the knowledge I have that I will see my daddy again someday, and that I can be with him forever to relive those memories with perfectness.

Merry Christmas Everyone! Remember what this time of year is really about and cherish your family.