Christmases Three
Christmas Eve 1925 - Sidney, New York
A three-year-old is at a window, looking up into the night sky, watching for Santa. Her father suggests that he and she go for a ride in their new Franklin, the better to look for Santa. The child has a secret wish so sincere that she will not share it. She wants a little Victorola all her own and she knows that Santa will grant that wish. Mother will stay home affixing small candles to their Christmas tree. Outdoors, there is no sign of Santa, so he must have come invisibly, certainly. Indoors, the tree is beautiful. Dozens of candles are reflected in multicolored glass baubles. On the sofa there is a Teddy Bear, all brown plush fur, almost as large as the child. His eyes are bright and his arms are extended to her for a hug. No time for a hug. The search is on for the little Victorola she knows must be hidden somewhere. Eventually she realizes there is no Victorola and is greatly disappointed. There is only Teddy.
Christmas Eve 1930 - Chicago, Illinois
The little girl, now eight years old, has had baby dolls given her the last few Christmases. None of the dolls are particularly interesting - the paper dolls she has created are her favorite playthings. She would still like to have her own Victorola, but that wish will soon be forgotten. Teddy Bear still sits, lonely. This Christmas Eve she is given a new doll: Patsy Ann, who is so much like the little girl herself that she feels she has found a friend. There is an old superstition that at midnight on Christmas Eve toys will come alive. Patsy Ann and Teddy Bear are much the same size. The child places them side by side on the sofa and positions them in a certain way so that she can tell on Christmas morning if they have moved. The two toys have found each other and will never again be far apart.
Christmas Eve 2006 - Kalamazoo, Michigan
A few years ago, after the death of her mother, the little girl now grown old, found Patsy Ann in pieces which had been carefully placed by her mother in a shoebox for safe keeping. Patsy Ann needed only a short stay at a Doll Hospital to be put together good as new except for a few worn places on her arms and hands. Teddy Bear had always been nearby and had been repaired with a patch on one arm. His fur is thin in places and he has lost his "voice" but he is still huggable and his eyes still twinkle. Patsy Ann has acquired a new wardrobe, in keeping with the times. Teddy Bear has his own chair. The two are always together - and are beloved.
This is how they look today!
Merry Christmas, and may all of you have precious memories of toys once beloved.
A three-year-old is at a window, looking up into the night sky, watching for Santa. Her father suggests that he and she go for a ride in their new Franklin, the better to look for Santa. The child has a secret wish so sincere that she will not share it. She wants a little Victorola all her own and she knows that Santa will grant that wish. Mother will stay home affixing small candles to their Christmas tree. Outdoors, there is no sign of Santa, so he must have come invisibly, certainly. Indoors, the tree is beautiful. Dozens of candles are reflected in multicolored glass baubles. On the sofa there is a Teddy Bear, all brown plush fur, almost as large as the child. His eyes are bright and his arms are extended to her for a hug. No time for a hug. The search is on for the little Victorola she knows must be hidden somewhere. Eventually she realizes there is no Victorola and is greatly disappointed. There is only Teddy.
Christmas Eve 1930 - Chicago, Illinois
The little girl, now eight years old, has had baby dolls given her the last few Christmases. None of the dolls are particularly interesting - the paper dolls she has created are her favorite playthings. She would still like to have her own Victorola, but that wish will soon be forgotten. Teddy Bear still sits, lonely. This Christmas Eve she is given a new doll: Patsy Ann, who is so much like the little girl herself that she feels she has found a friend. There is an old superstition that at midnight on Christmas Eve toys will come alive. Patsy Ann and Teddy Bear are much the same size. The child places them side by side on the sofa and positions them in a certain way so that she can tell on Christmas morning if they have moved. The two toys have found each other and will never again be far apart.
Christmas Eve 2006 - Kalamazoo, Michigan
A few years ago, after the death of her mother, the little girl now grown old, found Patsy Ann in pieces which had been carefully placed by her mother in a shoebox for safe keeping. Patsy Ann needed only a short stay at a Doll Hospital to be put together good as new except for a few worn places on her arms and hands. Teddy Bear had always been nearby and had been repaired with a patch on one arm. His fur is thin in places and he has lost his "voice" but he is still huggable and his eyes still twinkle. Patsy Ann has acquired a new wardrobe, in keeping with the times. Teddy Bear has his own chair. The two are always together - and are beloved.
This is how they look today!
Merry Christmas, and may all of you have precious memories of toys once beloved.
posted by marguerite louise at
9:29 AM
5 Comments:
This post is enchanting.
I still have Cubby the Bear and Campbell (the soup doll).
By
Anonymous, at 12/18/2006 5:45 PM
This story sounds familiar!
And it's as great to hear now as it was last time, too.
Have a great holiday. Sending lots of love your way.
By
Anonymous, at 12/19/2006 1:17 AM
WOW....a victrola....I loved your story Grandma.
By
Anonymous, at 12/19/2006 9:47 AM
Marguerite Louise, Merry Christmas to you and those that you love.
I can't believe that a year has gone by since I read the story of Patsy Ann.
I hope that 2007 brings you peace and prosperity, good health and much happiness.
By
Anonymous, at 12/19/2006 10:11 AM
A sparkling Merry Christmas to you, Patsy and Teddy! May you all manage to stay upright and keep bones intact in the coming year. YearS. All of them.
Love---
Sharon, Bill and Bud
By
Anonymous, at 12/20/2006 3:53 PM
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