Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Song Remembers When

I started a tradition when my kids were young where I wouldn't play Christmas music (cassettes back then) until whatever night we put up our tree. I had a cassette I'd bought from Avon that featured various artists and the first song we heard each year on "tree" night was an otherwise unknown song by Judy Collins.

Years later, after my divorce, my daughter and I were getting ready to put up the most pathetic fake tree you ever saw in your life. It was just the two of us in a new and strange apartment. A far cry from the house we'd lived in as a family for 17 years.

Tradition was still tradition though so I put the cassette in the stereo and this song started playing. We looked at each other and tears started running down our cheeks while we stood in the middle of the living room hugging and crying.

I think it was her idea to call her brothers. And they came. One with his wife, the other with his not-quite-yet wife. I popped popcorn to string. We also made garland strings of Froot Loops cereal. (Don't laugh.. it's pretty.) We decorated that fake Charlie Brown tree and for that one night at least.. things were good and right.
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11 comments:

Salmon Tolman Family said...

We also got the cassette from Avon, and that's the only place I've heard the song played. My sisters and I memorized it and sang it at various Christmas functions when we were in junior high. I loved that song and the way that Judy Collins sang it! I'm glad you remembered it just as I had. It's so neat that you have special memories tied to it too!

ShannonW said...

We did that as children! Mom would make popcorn and give it to us with a box of Fruit Loops to make decorations for the tree. I think we ate way more than what made it to the tree.

Carrie said...

I remember that :)
It was the first time I'd ever strung anything to hang on a tree, it was very fun!!

Anonymous said...

I know that kind of holiday.
(((((hugs)))))

Mom Knows Everything said...

LOVE the new header!!!

Robyn Jones said...

Thanks for sharing that story...It is a good reminder of what Christmas is really about! (I think we are having one of those Christmases this year...

bluedreamer27 said...

family bonding isnt?
how sweet those moments are
thanks for shring this wonderful story of yours
and its nice to be here at your site
more power to you and have a great holidays

bluedreamer27 said...

family bonding isnt?
how sweet those moments are
thanks for shring this wonderful story of yours
and its nice to be here at your site
more power to you and have a great holidays

Hepburn Hilton said...

I can imagine how hard that night was, but what a beautiful memory you got out of it!

Jan said...

Awwww I love family traditions. :wiping tears: Thanks for sharing your touching story with us, Barb! Merry Christmas, hon!

Misty DawnS said...

I'd eat the Fruit Loops. bwahahahahaha - I love Fruit Loops.

This is a great story, my friend! (((HUGS)))