The city workers were busy this past week hanging the banners and Christmas decorations.

It was always so hard as a kid to get thru the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Back in the 60’s I can remember the lights being strung across Main st. There were giant bells and stars. Red tinsel and store fronts decorated and lighten to entice shoppers to make that trek inside.

Santa would make an appearance at the municipal auditorium and hand out bags of hard candy. We would play games and have races. I was never found of sitting on a strangers lap and asking for gifts.

I preferred to make a list, or tear pages out of the Sears catalog wish book. Many, many pages of requests.

Back then it was a long drive to get to Olathe where the bigger stores were. If you went you spent numerous hours. I-35 wasn’t done till the mid 60’s so 56 highway was the road most taken.

If the trip was too much, your gift might come from the Drug Store, or the Variety Store. Mrs. Hogue had a clothing store. We also had a Western Auto and a couple of Auto parts stores.

I know several of my Christmas presents came from the grocery store. I remember a large pink dollhouse that I had for quite a while.

People in our house tended to be secretive during this time. Keeping presents hid from the prying eyes of a very mischievous child is not easy. I remember waking up late one night and heading to use the bathroom. No one was in our living room, or kitchen or anywhere. I could hear voices coming up through the furnace vents. Not one to be left out, I headed out the back door and down the cellar steps. My family was busy in our basement painting faces and clothes on my tiny dolls for the doll house I was getting. Mom spirited me away before I could really understand what was going on. I don’t know if the brother and sister even remember this but I do.

In the end, the pony I asked for every year never materialized. But I am glad. I wouldn’t have taken the responsibility of caring for a large animal. Dad would have been the pony care person and he didn’t need that chore.

I am so grateful I grew up in a small town with small town traditions. I am thankful for all the things my family did for me. I am glad I was given the opportunities I have had in my life.

Let’s keep the spirit of Christmas alive for our kids. Remember to be grateful even if you don’t get the stuff on your list. Remember the laughter of your family and friends. These things you can keep forever.

Family members and friends pass. Life goes on. Be grateful for everything you have.