MAKING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. Dickens is wise when he has Scrooge’s conversion accomplished by memories—Scrooge’s past memories, his memories that are being created in the present, and his memories that will be created in the future. We remember our Christmases and we know that we will remember what happens this year on Christmas. When a new family is formed there can be a clash of customs. Mary Jane’s family opened presents on Christmas Eve; ours opened them Christmas morning. Resolution was easy: we opened presents on both days. As the years went by, and distances grew, we celebrated with our original families on days after Christmas. Now the gift giving process is spread over several days as schedules permit. Santa Claus, with the assistance of Annalisa and Nick, fills stockings for the parents as well as the children with candy and small gifts.
Merry Christmas to all of you!