Making memories

In just a few days, Santa will be making his annual trek around the globe and boys and girls everywhere will be leaving milk and cookies beside the tree before drifting off, dreaming of what they will find in the morning.

While we all remember at least one special Christmas as a child, as we grow older our lists become shorter and our understanding of the season becomes more clear.

I remember being under foot helping my grandmother make fudge and divinity, little sugar candies with walnuts, lots of cookies and, of course, popcorn balls. Although my little hands created tiny balls, I was always welcome to be part of the process.

She would fill plates and trays with an assortment of goodies and it was my job to take them around the neighborhood to the neighbors. They were simple gifts, but were filled with love and friendship.

When my children were small I would make all the candies and cookies my grandmother used to make. My son’s favorites were the sugar candies with walnuts since they were so brightly colored. I’m sure the fact they were pure sugar had nothing to do with it.

My daughter, on the other hand, loved “puppy chow”, the Chex cereal coated in peanut butter and chocolate with a good dusting of powdered sugar. Clear into college I would make it for her and send it to share with her roomates.

Now, I look to the time when I can fill the kitchen with the laughter of my own grandchildren as we make all of their great-great grandmother’s Christmas goodies, knowing its not the presents under the tree they will remember, but the time spent in grandma’s kitchen making memories.

Merry Christmas to you all and “Here’s to the Memories.”