The joy of giving
To the editor:
One year at the Haystack Historical Society we were searching for a good Christmas program.
Someone suggested that, after our satisfying, wonderful potluck meal, we all sit around the table and tell our happiest, favorite Christmas memory. For me the suggestion was a joy. I knew immediately what I wanted to share.
The late 1920s and early ‘30s were severe Depression years. My oldest brother was married in 1929. He and his bride were extremely frugal. Christmas for them was a time of home-made gifts — chiefly sewing and carpentry items. The joy of making, decorating, and of baking favorite goodies seemed to satisfy adults, but soon two darling little girls were part of the family circle. Would clothing and rag dolls fill our dreams for the children?
My sister and I were thrilled with the two darling nieces, so when Mama added a workable addition to our Christmas giving we were eager listeners.
“You don’t seem to play with your doll carriages much anymore. How would you like to give them to Esther and Phyllis? You know Wallace and Lillian are having a rough time in this Depression. That would give them a great boost.”
Wallace painted the carriages and greased the wheels. Lillian made darling quilts, a pillow, sheets and other bedding. Old dolls were rediscovered and dressed delightfully.
Our family gathered at our house on Christmas Eve and the joy of the evening is just impossible to describe. There’s a special warm glow that’s part of that memory, definitely my favorite Christmas memory. The reaction of two little nieces made Christmas a magic holiday that year.
Truly it is “better to give than to receive.”
Rachel Burden
Presque Isle
