Thursday, December 16, 2010

Remember When?

1946-Life Magazine....



As a child and teen I remember there were always oranges for Christmas.. Set in the depression, a young child always would look forward to a local Christmas gathering where children would be given a orange and a bag of peanuts. Christmases were difficult in the depression, but still a happy time, filled with song and family... I do believe a return to the desires of children would be better suited for our younger folks. Seems as if it it doesn't have a keyboard or the package as big as a car it has no importance or they aren't interested... When your grandchildren come or your children even do they always have their cell phone in their hand unaware that you are even in the room , let alone carry on a conversation ? Knowing the days of significance of a orange in the holiday season both as a decoration and a tradition may not be a bad subject to discuss with our children and grandchildren ... My Christmas stockings always had oranges and peppermint candies and nuts and a little treat tucked in...and a nutcracker waiting in the kitchen for hand cracking our nuts for a tasty treat... As the days for Christmas are getting closer, I still am working at keeping emotions not all tied up in what others may be doing... I have sat in the evenings with Christmas lights and decorations twinkling in the darker hours and found some Christmas movies to make my heart like marshmallow or some decorating on HGTV... Seems about 8:30 or so Tom and I always have a treat.. Last night it was brownie and ice cream, now I would say that's living " The Fat Cat's Life" { we often say this to each other} My thoughts and wishes as we enter into the ending week of the Christmas holiday that you can find peace and contentment.. Sometimes it can be very hard to achieve this... I am off to clean my home .... and some baking are in my thoughts for the weekend....

7 comments:

Susie~From My Home To Yours said...

Hi Marietta,
I also fondly remember that stockings were filled with oranges, nuts and the occasional christmas ribbon candy. Of course, we lived in Florida (still do), so oranges are always plentiful! Last week I was at a friends home and she had hundreds of tangerines on her trees. I asked to pick some and she politely stated that they were the most sour fruit you've ever eaten..."no matter", I said" I just want them to look pretty".
Happy Holidays,
Susie

Tracy said...

Marietta,
I came to visit from Jennifer's blog. I saw the name and thought it would be intriguing and when I opened up your blog to find you were from Defiance, Ohio I felt an instant connection. I grew up in Tiffin, Ohio although I've transplanted myself into NC but memories of NW Ohio are close in my heart.
YES! I also remember oranages for Christmas as well as all the other 'simple' things we enjoyed!
Thanks for sharing...and oh as far as old movies go, Have you ever watched 'Bells of St. Mary's'? a good Christmas one...

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Our Christmases were always spent in Mississipp at my Mammaw's house with all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I have fond memories of that time but don't remember anything about the gifts.

It is just crazy that some families feel like they have to go into debt for gifts. I don't understand that way of thinking. So many do need to get back to a simpler time. I am trying to make many of the gifts I give. Takes more time but so much more meaningful when you put your heart into the giving.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays. Tammy

Unknown said...

One of my earliest Christmas memories was the little twinkling star with lights my mum and dad used to have. When I was about 3 or 4 years of age I asked them whether I could put the star in front of my bedroom window and it has hung there until I left home to live on my own. Very precious memory this is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Marietta! Ira x

Ann said...

The image is so sweet, I can remember using Angel Hair like this tree has in the 1950's. Our church used to had out paper lunch sacks out the week of Christmas with oranges and ribbon candy. Seems like they always smelled so good as a little girl.
thanks for the memories.
Ann

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

I was born in 1953, but I remember getting oranges in my stocking. Our grankids would think we were crazy if they got oranges. At 4 and 6 they get electronics. Where is there to go, next year a real car??

Sandi said...

I remember those oranges too! Best years ever with sweet memories. Hubby and I were talking about things along this line tonight on the way home from town. I would love to see our kids spend no more than $5 on each other next year and see what they can come up with that the recipient would really enjoy...be it homemade or otherwise. If they put on their thinking caps it could be done. Life returning to a simplier time...how glorious that would be.
Hugs~