Christmas past....

It's been a very odd sort of day today...not quite like any thing I've experienced before. I've spent most of Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day alone, except for Ebony. I've tried hard not to slip into that 'place' where all the ghosts of Christmas Past come calling, but I guess with 67 Christmases behind me, it's easier said than done.This very faded picture from 1946 is a window into a sad Christmas past. My baby brother had been born and died in December of 1945. It didn't stop Christmas from coming...and also a baby from the WI Welfare Dept. for my Mom to take care of . They took the baby away in mid December of 1946, as a new baby was due to be born at our house in 1947. There were presents under the tree for me, but not much visibility of parents. A quiet and lonely Christmas. The doll in the picture is a Candy Kid, made by the Effenbee Co in 1946. I got one dressed in pink that Christmas and another dressed in blue for my birthday the Oct. of 1947.
This is an original Candy Kid doll, the picture is from Ebay. I didn't win that auction, but I kept the picture.The original dolls were composition material, and didn't hold up well over the years. They chipped very badly. IF you can find one to bid on,it will be very expensive.
This is a reproduction Candy Kid doll. The company used the original molds(but cast the doll in a resin type material)in 1996 and produced a limited edition for the 50 year anniversary. I bid on and won a doll dressed in pink, and another in an original(reproduction) box. This one(in blue)isn't mine, but another picture from Ebay. I'm sad that I don't have my original dolls, the 2 Candy Kids and others from over the years. My Mom decided they should go to needy families. I was not consulted before hand, and it's too late once the toy is in the hands of another child.
This was our tree from Christmas, 1951. I know that because I had turned 11 in Oct and was getting too big for dolls. But Santa brought me one anyway...a blond one for me, a dark haired one for my 4 yr old sister. Our baby sister was 6 months at Christmas. I have a Kodak picture of the 3 of us, on the couch, with the 2 large dolls.
And this one is probably 1953...I don't remember much detail about most childhood Christmases...just a glimspe here and there.
Finn Family DIDN'T get to gather on Sunday. The Grinch, or someone, stole Christmas and kept it from coming. Heavy, heavy snow and then dropping temps and high winds kept my kids and grandkids with their home fires burning. As it turns out, there was misery all across the nation, weatherwise. 19 deaths are blamed on the Storm that roared through the midwest and up across the eastern seaboard. What can you do? What can you say? Better luck next year? Nope...we aren't going to try this again. In the multitude of phone calls that resulted from the storm, it was decided that WE are MOVING Christmas to another month entirely...! Probably Christmas in July or maybe in September....but NO MORE of this 'weather dance'.
Yesterday was clear, sunny and bright....and I'm happy for all who were delayed in their air and road travel. Today is overcast, but basically clear and moderate. Of course all of my fkids had other plans for yesterday and today.
DD#1 and her sweet DH came driving in about 9, bringing presents and breakfast! It was wonderful to get to see one of my kids at least, and after a few hours visit, they were on their way again.
Today I was suppose to have Christmas Dinner with friend Jean, but on Saturday she fell victum to the season flu that is going around. She called today to say I could still come if I wanted to, but of course she is in NO shape to eat what she would be cooking. I declined and stayed home *VBS* Better for both of us that way.
I've NOT been sad today, or depressed....just rather confused by such an odd set of circumstances....wondering how, after all these years, and so many people in my life, I managed to be completely alone this Christmas....LOL.
I've watched Christmas movies and sorted Orphan blocks, and reminded myself often that there are MANY, MANY people in the world who are alone most of the time. Whether due to life style, circumstances, or choice.... I'm not the only one. And I'm ok, warm, safe and I have Ebby for company! And so I wish a Merry Christmas to one and all, around the world. May a year of peace,joy and good fortune be yours. Hugs for everyone, Finn