As usual, my father put the right spin on things.
As the journey between past and present increases in distance, those cherished memories from yesteryear become more prominent in my mind’s eye. One memory leading to another, prompted this Christmas spin.
Along the way to our Thanksgiving destination, located a couple of streets over from my former childhood home, I asked my mother if she remembered the house number. Without hesitation, she rattled off—2051. Although the house’s appearance had changed drastically since I was 5 years old, I found myself spinning details visible only to the memories I’ve held onto:
Gray shingles with yellow shutters. A yellow fence enclosing the yard. On both sides of the gap in that fence, accommodating the walkway leading to our front door, I espy two yellow wagon wheels.
Hearing Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” for the first time this season, in conjunction with my father’s 92nd heavenly birthday, spun me back to my adolescence during the mid-Sixties. I’m envisioning the stereo record player my parents had gotten me for Christmas. And, the first album to play on it—'Rubber Soul'.
On Christmas morning, my sister and I rush to the living room to open presents placed under the tree. A 45 is spinning holiday cheer:
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire; Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
I remember rolling my eyes at my dad for his choice of music, and letting him know this wasn’t up to par with my hip preferences. His reply, to the effect that, “Someday, you’ll look back at this song and think of your family.”
As usual, my father put the right spin on things. I now listen with sentimentality to a song encompassing the essence of Christmas for kids from one to ninety-two.
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Christmas time at my house was filled with all the greats, including the one above. I can remember the album cover for that one. But, Anne Murray's Christmas album, spinning White Christmas is the one that comes to mind. My parents were big fans of that one! I don't hear her much these days, but I'm sure she's due for a comeback soon!
There was no record player, but the radio always played Christmas songs during that time of year all day long going on house and brightly lit tree that my dad carefully got a deal on and my mother trimmed to perfection with our help filled with presents to be opened as a family on Christmas. And then in the morning, Santa, a.k.a. our parents would always have a cool surprise under the tree for us as we got up. No arguing in our family over music at Christmas time.
Ron
Thanks for sharing:)
Have a blessed week.