It’s been 20 years since this photo was taken. I used to sew matching Christmas outfits for the girls and they actually had no problem wearing them. That was the fun of having girls; dressing them up for holidays and special events. This was the days of big hair, and small paychecks. I scrimped and saved and worked two jobs to support my girls. Money was very tight. At this point in time, I had been divorced for two years, with two little girls to raise on my own. Life was not easy.
But I made sure that Christmas was magical even then. The girls never knew that money was short. They only knew that presents were under the tree, they had lots of love from all their family, and home-made cookies and treats were in their stockings. Oh, and that Santa’s lap was just a bit scary without mom.
Poor Santa looks squished.
I did meet a great guy, remarried, and with Christmas came new traditions. One of those new traditions was cutting down a tree. Every year, we trampled out into the fields looking for the perfect tree. The magic of Christmas remained with us and grew with each passing year. New traditions became established traditions.
I love looking at these old photos. Especially now during the holidays when I am missing my kids. The girls of course had to both grow up and get married and move off. Such is life.
The husband and I are now attempting to establish new traditions, just for the two of us. We are making sure that the magic of Christmas survives in our house.
And twenty years later, some of the old traditions do survive. Because actually, the magic never really left. It has just changed and evolved from the past to the present.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the magic of the holidays always be with you.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Awww, Suzy, heartwarming! My three grown girls are descending upon us with two husbands and three dogs in tow. Since the hubs retired early (not by choice) we’ve been faced with moving out of California to afford a roof over our heads. That means being far from family. Your post assures me that such is life, whether it’s the children growing up and moving away for the parents growing older and moving away. Thank goodness for Facetime, email and Facebook!
From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!
Hi Marie,
You are right. If it wasn’t for facebook, I don’t think I’d ever know what was going on with my kids!
The internet does make the world a bit smaller. How else would I have met you? Hope your holidays were wonderful. With a full housefull, I bet it was hectic, but still very enjoyable.
suzy
wonderful pics and lovely story, wish you a Merrry christmas and the best of 2013 !!!
Thank you, Paula! And same to you! Hope your holidays were fabulous!
Great post!! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you, Kitty! Hope your holidays were fabulous!
Great post! I would love a copy of that last picture….hint…hint
I loved the pictures! It brings back good memories of the past. New traditions are very important too. Years later you can look back at pictures of them and enjoy it just as much.
Love this post. I love photos and the memories that come with them. Merry Christmas!
Oh girl, you brought a tear to my eye! My girls are grown and spending Christmas elsewhere, at least I still have my 11 year old baby boy to hold onto for a little while longer.
And as for new traditions, my ex is coming to spend the night at my house (my husband thought this would be a nice gift to my son, what?) this ought to be interesting…
Merry Christmas!
Hi Leeann,
Hope your holidays were wonderful! As for the ex in the house. Wow. Hope that worked out.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!!
I love your pictures and the stories that went behind them. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Michelle
Love Christmas past pics and the memories that go with them. Happy Holidays!
Beautiful photos Suzy! Hope you and your family have a fabulous and very Merry Christmas!