Southern Illinoisan from Carbondale, Illinois • Page 34

Southern lllinoisan, Thursday, December 11, 1980 Carbondale-Herrln-Murphysboro-Marion Page Six A Remembering that flat-topped tree Christmas of doing such a thing to the many tall trees we had passed by in our search. We thanked her and traveled homeward, happily, to decorate our Christmas prize. We were so proud to have it, we were almost giddy. After all these years, I cannot see a cedar tree without remembering that flat-topped tree and that wonderful lady who helped three children have a Merry Christmas. Robert Wilburn Thompsonville hills to the neighbor lady who had come out of her house to get firewood.

As we got to the top of the hill, she met us and asked why my sister was so upset. We told her of our fruitless search to find, a Christmas tree and how we would now have to go home without one. Understanding and loving as this dear lady always was, she pointed to one of the tall cedars in her yard and told me to climb up and cut off enough of the top to make a suitable tree. I did as she told me, not having thought In 40 odd years one collects many memories of Christmas. Some happier than others.

The most poignant memory I have of Christmas is of an event that occurred when I was about eight years old. We lived in rural Franklin County, and like many folks with large families, knew what it was to have what's known today as an old-fashioned Christmas. Stringing popcorn and red berries we collected from bushes to hang on a cedar tree was not an effort to be "old-fashioned" however, but of necessity because there was no money for Christmas decorations. This memorable Christmas, one of my brothers, a sister and I set off to get the family Christmas tree. I took a saw and we headed for the woods to cut a nice-sized cedar tree.

We walked through the crisp winter air, looking through the woods for a tree small enough to cut and put up in the house. There was none to be found, though. We trudged through the snow for what seemed like miles and hours, cold tired and growing more disappointed by the minute. By the time we were climbing up a hill in front of a neighbor's house about a mile from home, my sister was wailing with fatigue and disappointment. Her voice carried across the snow-covered Recipe: Just add children Even Santa knows yr the place for I I asnon eyewear is I "Atouchofclass" 1 Fashion frames for the entire family I I YVjV.

Family discounts. mm Carbondale 7 700 W. Main Q. 1-3 912 Sat" Oh, how we all enjoyed that Christmas and seven more like it. I lost my husband after eight years of marriage, that baby is 37 now and I'm going to be a great-grandmother.

I found out one thing, Christmas just isn't Christmas without children and from that day to this, there has always been a tree in my house and grandchildren to enjoy it. They can't wait to get to Grandma's. I have two grandchildren, a girl and a boy, and what a blessing they have brought into my life. Ella Bateman Herrin To me, Christmas is a very special day. Not only because Christ came into the world but I have so many special memories.

To me the most special one was when my husband, Bill, and I had taken into ouf home a 14-month-old baby whose mother had died and left seven children. Oh, how I wanted a baby and didn't have one. Christmas, it seemed to us. was just a day to have a good dinner and give gifts, but no tree. When we adopted that baby on Christmas, the tree touched the ceiling and we couldn't find enough to go around it for him.

We were like kids again and life had new meaning. 4 cr- sZrf XT PJlcjpainiia hi ft North side of the Square Pinckneyville 357-2165 flow On 'Display, Jor your Consideration, Our flew Smting ft I Introductions for Christmas 1980: A mother of love Memories of Christmas past has a very special meaning to my family and myself as we remember when we would arrive at my mother-in-laws house on Christmas day greeted by steaming windows, sparkling lights, lots of good food and oh, so much love. This special lady raised 16 children and on Christmas they all came home bringing spouses and lots of grandchildren. As the years passed, there was more spouses and more grandchildren making that little house bulge at the seams but the same love divided equally still each and everyone with the same holiday spirit. The first Christmas I spent with my husband's family I could not believe that she managed to get around and buy some little something for every member of the family, but yes there was a special gift for everyone, from Mom.

There was always a lot of joke playing, gag gifts and laughter around this large family, but most important that little house was always filled with love, family and Mom. In time she became very ill. Among other things she lost her sight but she dealt with this like a real trooper, never complaining but always remembering the people who she said 4'had real problems" and trying to lend a helping hand or a sympathetic ear to those who were in need. The good years passed quickly and we lost our Mom Green five years ago just after Christmas. Now the ones that can, gather at my home and we try hard to carry on the holiday spirit.

The one who lead the spirit of Christmas to the fullest is no longer with us, but her wisdom and love is felt by all of us everyday of the year, so we all wish to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to our Mom, Nedra Green, but I know we will all be a little sad remembering Christmas's gone by. Mrs. Robert Green Murphysboro We have for you home furnishings and giftvvares from the world over. Visit our Keepsakes room and listen to the Player Piano-come see the most unique furniture ever, Singers Dollhouse furniture collection. Browse through our Clock Shop and the Limited Edition Gallery.

fslb Goebel in ryC Hummel's fl i Plates, Bells. fix si Figurines Norman Rockwell Figurines, Plates Bells.