If this doesn’t conjure Christmas past I don’t even think Ebeneezer Scrooge’s ghosts would do it for ya!
I was minding my old business at the IGA recently, grabbing some groceries and me eyes spied this on the shelf and instantly was transported back in time with my Auntie. Certain things bring her to mind: making sugar cookie cutouts, ladies hankies, double mint gum, fishing or gardening in overalls, avon perfume, hair bonnets to sleep in, aprons, the smell of an old house (old wood especially) and creaking wood floors, the tick-tock of an old schoolhouse clock, playing Yahtzee, ribbon candies at Christmas and last but not least, home canned tomatoes.
She usually kept a dish of ribbon candies on the console TV during the holiday season. Sometimes they were left in the tin they came in. It was a special treat and of course we kids were always looking for the largest piece to cram into our mouths.
Our custom was to go to her house for Christmas eve. We had finger foods, little smokies in homemade sauce (which was grape jelly and chili sauce), chips and dip, I’m sure there were veggies and crackers and all the usual things. Mostly I remember the little smokies and getting presents.
Her name Arta Olive, Great grandma & grandpa had a knack for unusual names! She never had children of her own but she affected many generations with her presence. I have many things to be grateful for that she provided: she taught me my love for home grown and canned goodies, crochet, caring for elders, staying connected with far away family, and my quest for biblical knowledge. Here I am, decades later, trying to instill those same things into my own children. Thank you Auntie. 🩷
Her memory is a blessing.
Alaska on my mind... 