His and Hers: Christmas memories
His and Hers is a weekly discussion of a question or topic relating to marriage. On Friday, my wife and I each write our thoughts on the week's topic. I invite others to do the same with their spouses as an exercise in celebrating marriage. This week's question is:
What's one Christmas memory that you cherish?
Mrs. Happy's response
Though my Christmases with Mr. Happy have been wonderful and memorable, I was struck the other day by the sight of chocolate-covered pretzels, which reminded me of my grandmother, who died in 2001. I must have been about five years old when she and I drizzled melted white chocolate on pretzels for the rest of the family. I only saw her once or twice a year, almost always at Christmas, and those are some of the fondest memories of this holiday that I have.
Curt's response
One Christmas Eve during my early childhood, all of my paternal grandparents' (5) children, (12) grandchildren, and (?) great-grandchildren gathered at their house in Waxahachie, Texas. We all sat in the big living room and took turns starting Christmas carols. Everyone sang. It was so much fun, and warm, and exactly what family should be. When it was Granddaddy's turn to start a song, he couldn't think of one that hadn't been sung. My Aunt Jean said, "Well, Daddy, it doesn't have to be a carol. Just sing whatever you want." He grinned—he had this mischievous little grin—and started singing:
Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away
I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away
When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away
Everyone joined in. It is one of the most raucous, celebratory, hopeful songs ever printed in a hymn book. I think it was his favorite song. I also think he looked more forward to Heaven than anyone I've ever known. I'll Fly Away isn't technically a Christmas song, but no one argued about its appropriateness for the occasion.
