Her Red Truck (45/73)

Grandma Lois and I jumped into her red truck and headed out to pick up my precocious cousin Dallas and to run out to the farm to pick up the rests of the gifts. There was an excitement in the air this Christmas. I could not explain it but I could feel it. The one and only time we would all be together like this for the holidays. My Mother’s side of the family did not get along very well. Therefore, to have us all the same house for a traditional turkey dinner was pretty much a miracle in its own right. I’m not sure, when the division in her family happened. Somewhere along the way when they were all young, I guess. All of us children were just caught up in their grudges against each other. Dealing with the after effects of things that happened years before we were born.

After returning from the farm we went to pick up Dallas. Then we headed to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute things for dinner. Fresh buns for the turkey and cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Finally,  just one more quick stop at the local liquor store for Baileys. Grandma liked her baileys and coffee. Especially on Christmas morning. After we pulled into the driveway of the house Dallas and I starting unloading the truck. There were boxes of presents that we were  to bring in and set out under the tree. She and I enjoyed this. We both kept a look out for the ones with our name on it. Grandma’s presents were the best. She always gave you a box about the size of a shoebox full of the coolest things. From CD’s to keychains to Chap Stick to candy. Those boxes were packed together like Tetris. They were wrapped in embossed paper from Regal with the most beautiful ribbon and bow work. With a home card and decoration attached. I loved those boxes. I miss those boxes.

After we unloaded the truck and placed the presents under the tree, Dallas and I went to go play in my room, as the adults were busy cooking in the kitchen. We had a couple of hours to kill before dinner so we decided we would play “Barbies” for a while. I had quite the collection. So did Dallas, but I had this one Barbie called Victoria and her hair was chest nut brown and so long it touched the floor. We both like playing with her. As we acted out our imaginations with the dolls, we also talked about what we thought Santa might bring us. We were both very excited for Christmas morning.

Dinner was to be a six. Fourteen people would be attending. Seven adults seated at the dining room table and seven children at a kids table made up in the living room by the tree. There would be six other children in the house. In the back of my mind I could not shake the fear that something may go wrong. However, I tried to stay focused on the moment. My cousin Dallas and Devon along with Grandma Lois would be spending the night with us. I was very happy they were. I did not like being the only kid in the house Christmas morning. It was nice to share it with other children. It made the morning feel more magical and memorable. The one time of year that anything is possible, even miracles.

To this day, I still believe in the magic of Christmas morning…. To me it is the one time of year that wishes can still come true.