So this is the last of my yuletide memories of yore with which I will bore you (at least for this year).  It takes me back to 1995 (maybe ‘96, I’m not sure).

Most years I was the typical mom -- concerned about making the holidays bright for my family and not asking anything for myself.  But in 1995, I decided I really wanted a video camera, and I took every opportunity afforded me to express my wish to interested parties.  Sure, it was expensive.  But since I rarely asked for anything, I figured it was a reasonable request.  Still, I wasn’t sure it was a done deal, even though I had been a very good girl that year.

Naturally I was overjoyed on Christmas morning to find that not only did I receive the coveted camera, but also that it was all set up on a tripod and recording my reaction as I came down the hall.  It was decided that the camera should keep recording while we opened gifts and drank our traditional Christmas morning hot cocoa.

A short time later, my family and I watched the tape and, like the jolly old elf himself, our bellies shook like a bowl full of jelly as we laughed over most of it.  First off, I looked  and sounded pretty ridiculous walking up to the camera lens in my long, flannel nightgown exclaiming, “are you for real?”.

Then there was the unmistakable expression of disappointment on my eight-year-old daughter’s face with every gift she opened.  Obviously, Santa Claus got Gwennie’s letter mixed up with another child’s.  (I spent the week after Christmas at the mall remedying that situation.)

The funniest part of the videotape took the whole family by surprise.  We had apparently been so engrossed in our avaricious ravaging of the gifts that we were oblivious to what else was happening in the room.  What I didn’t see, but which the videotape revealed was that whenever I sat my cocoa mug on the fireplace hearth behind me, the cat strolled over and took a few laps out of it with her hairy tongue.  Watching that, my girls rocked with giggles until they were breathless, the way little girls do.  I’m sure they still remember that.

I hope you have all enjoyed reading about my most memorable Christmases over the last few weeks.  And I hope you take some time during this busy season to recall some of your own.  Gifts break or wear out, but the memories last a lifetime.  Be sure to cherish them and pass them along to the next generation.  And if you want to have a laugh on me as you have a cup of hot cocoa, go ahead and have at it.

Thanks for giving me a moment of your time.