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My Boyhood Memories of Christmas

A long time ago when I was a boy Christmas was a special time of the year. A time of glad tidings and of good cheer; memories of these days still bring me joy. Christmas Eve night was a magical time; a time family together would enjoy. The hope that Santa brings that special toy; one gift we open then into bed we climb. Up Christmas morn to see what Santa brought; then off to Mass to start our Christmas Day, and greet the Christ child on our knees we pray. Our faith came first, this is how we were taught. Back home after Mass, we had breakfast first then we all opened presents one by one. Laughing and playing and having great fun; the day proceeds as seemingly rehearsed. Late in the day to Grandparents we go; many aunts, uncles, and cousins to see; a large extended family have we, and our Christmas buffet was such a show. These my fond memories from days of yore when I was a young boy way back then. If I could I would do it all again; sometimes I wish Christmas was as before. December 1, 2017

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Emilia James

Date: 11/17/2021 10:35:00 AM

Wonderful memories John. I remember my times with my grandparents, would love to have those times again. Hugs, Emilia : )

John Gondolf
Date: 11/17/2021 2:10:00 PM

These fond memories are etched in my memory as if they were yesterday. Times were much easier back then. Hugs, John

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 12/17/2017 3:42:00 AM

Congrats on your win, John - Merry Christmas to you and yours! :-)

John Gondolf
Date: 12/17/2017 7:36:00 AM

Thank you, Gregory, a joyous Christmas wish to you and yours as well!

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 12/16/2017 7:07:00 PM

Congratulations, John!

John Gondolf
Date: 12/17/2017 7:35:00 AM

Thank you my friend!

Eve Roper

Date: 12/15/2017 3:23:00 PM

Congratulations on your win, John, nicely done ... Hugs Eve ~`*

John Gondolf
Date: 12/15/2017 3:44:00 PM

Thank you so much, Eve. Merry Christmas to you and yours! John

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/4/2017 5:29:00 PM

Hi John, You have penned a good poem with wonderful memories. You caused me to reminsense about my own childhood memories. This looks like a winner to me. I wish you the best of luck in the contest:-) Alexis

John Gondolf
Date: 12/5/2017 4:39:00 AM

Alexis, I hope your childhood Christmas memories were as good as mine. Thank you for your comments and visit my friend. John

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/4/2017 5:19:00 PM

Such wonderful memories, John! We had a lovely time but did not visit family. Those visits were reserved for once a year during the summer. I was still very blessed! I love that Jesus came first and am hoping you still feel this way! <3 Kim

John Gondolf
Date: 12/5/2017 4:36:00 AM

Thank you, Kim, I have been very blessed in my life, probably more than I deserved, and I thank the Lord for it every day. I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas season. John

Carole Duet

Date: 12/3/2017 11:02:00 AM

Hi John! Lovely poem...mine was similar but we had a very small family. Now they are all gone except for me and mine. You were a very fortunate child.

John Gondolf
Date: 12/3/2017 11:30:00 AM

Hi Carole, thank you for the wonderful comment. I have been very blessed in my life, probably more than I deserve. Thanks for taking the time to read my poetry. Merry Christmas to you and yours. John

Caycay Jennings

Date: 12/2/2017 10:54:00 PM

Me, too. BUT nothing, including childhood is a long time ago, it was a yesteryear sweet tune still playing today, somewhere on some now gone stage. What well-behaved siblings you and yours were! So patient. I, too, was blessed with great childhood Christmas memories, they are my intangible treasures. I loved your poem, it made me chatty, sad and joy both rolled in me. You apparently joined Soup while I was absent, so hello and welcome, Texas poet ... CayCay

John Gondolf
Date: 12/3/2017 11:28:00 AM

Hi CayCay, thank you so much for your comments, I love your take on the memories being a sweet tune playing today (but I had to wipe the dust off that old 45). As for the patience of my brothers and sister...I will just say we had our moments. I'm glad you enjoyed my poem and maybe it brought back some memories for you as well. John

Cheryl Hoffman

Date: 12/2/2017 7:30:00 PM

A wonderful nostalgic write John! Good luck in the contest and Happy Holidays!~Che :)

John Gondolf
Date: 12/3/2017 11:18:00 AM

Thank you so much, Cheryl, and thanks for taking the time to read my poetry. John

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/1/2017 9:18:00 PM

this is so much like how it was for me too, John. Lovely memories to cherish!

John Gondolf
Date: 12/1/2017 10:11:00 PM

Thank you for your comments, Andrea, I have had many blessings in my life.

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/1/2017 4:06:00 PM

Such an inspired write of enchanted times John. Love it! Your lovely poem enthralled me from start to finished. Beautifully expressed and wondrously enjoyed. What delightful reverie my friend. Good luck in the contest but already a winner with me. Warmest holiday wishes to you.. ~Susan

John Gondolf
Date: 12/1/2017 8:24:00 PM

Thank you so much, Susan, I value your comments; I’m glad you enjoyed. Season’s greetings to you as well my friend.

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 12/1/2017 3:42:00 PM

I can imagine the gathering. Catholic family? I, too, remember the same. Christmas was more fun when everyone received coloring books and crayons, jacks and ball, paint by numbers...and the like. Missing those simpler times. Thank you for sharing these memories. Beautifully done.

John Gondolf
Date: 12/1/2017 8:19:00 PM

Thai you for your wnnderful comments, Rhoda. I appreciate you taking the time to read my poetry. Yes, a large Catholic family. :)