I have many lovely memories of Christmases past that linger on in my mind. However, I must tell you about my most exciting one—Christmas, 2002.
My daughter, Irene, who lives in Poughkeepsie, and I, were looking forward to Christmas Day. Her fiancé, Dave, had invited us to share Christmas dinner with him and his family. Because of the prediction of a pending snow storm, we planned to leave as early as possible. Dave lived in Saugerties, about an hour’s drive north of Poughkeepsie. When we left at 9 am., it was already snowing. We crossed the Mid-Hudson Bridge and headed north, directly into the storm. It was absolutely the most harrowing drive I have ever been on. At times, the snow came down so heavily we could not see the road. 1 was just as tense as Irene because, mentally, I, too, was driving—braking and accelerating as necessary! Finally, after 21/2 hours, we arrived. We looked at each other, breathed a sigh of relief, and started to laugh and cry at once.
Almost immediately we were surrounded by four snow-covered creatures (Dave’s 4 adult children (ranging in age from 17-26) who actually lifted us out of the car and carried us across snow drifts into a warm garage, where we shed our wet coats.
We entered the kitchen and were overwhelmed by the delicious aromas of roasting turkey and much needed hot coffee! Dave’s parents and Aunt and Uncle, who lived nearby, were already there and warmly greeted us.
Two more young friends arrived and as we sat and held hands for the blessing, I realized that we were three generations with ages ranging from teens, through twenties, fifties, seventies and even eighties! It was a gay party with the youngsters descriptions of their school and working experiences, making us laugh. However, the storm was intensifying and it was decided that Dave’s parents and Aunt and Uncle would have to leave. Three of the older children followed Dave’s station wagon in a jeep in order to help him get everyone safely into their homes.
In the meantime, the rest of us went to work; cleaned the kitchen, cleaned and reset the table for dessert, all amid much laughter and vying with each other to tell Irene of personal happenings. It was wonderful to see the love Irene and the girls had for each other.
Finally, after much concern on our part, Dave and the others returned and announced that the roads were impassable and that is was impossible for Irene and Ito get home and everyone had to stay.
Before 1 knew what was happening, furniture was pushed back, air mattresses and sleeping bags were strewn before the fireplace on the living room floor. However, there was one small problem. Irene and I had left so hurriedly in the morning, never thinking of a stay-over, and I did not have any night clothes with me.
Problem solved! Amid much laughter the girls took me in hand and outfitted me into one of Dave’s (who is 6’ tall) sweat suits. The legs were safety pinned to the knees and the sleeves to the elbows The top was tied with a multicolored sash made up of Christmas ribbon. They also made me a ribbon for my hair and neck!
Irene and Dave had made up a platter of turkey sandwiches and hot chocolate and cookies. With only the tree and decoration lights on, we sat in front of the lit fireplace. The storm was at it’s peak and howling winds threw snow and ice pellets against the window. But we felt safe and warm in this love-filled room. We sang carols, and stories about family camping trips were told. Gradually they became more and more hilarious as each tried to top the previous story with a more outrageous one. Finally, weak with laughter, I admitted I was tired and went to my room. I took off the ribboned sash and ties to take home and put into my memory box. As I lay in bed, listening to the storm and sift giggling from the living room, I thought that this was the most exciting Christmas of my life and one I shall never forget.
Irene and David were married last June and are now one family. All of a sudden I have four new adult grandchildren who hug me and kiss me and call me "Nana". Life can be so good!!
Anne Humbach - circa fall 2008
Copyright © 2002-2010 Anne Humbach