I remember waking up very early, break of dawn, beating my mom and dad to the living room. No fire had been started yet, so there was no heat (we had wood stove to heat the room). You could see your breath. And I remember stopping and thinking, WOW, Santa did come, I was a good boy, and running to wake mom and dad up to tell them. I remember being the most excited I have ever been. Thank you, mom and dad.

I remember the Christmas when my Dad got frustrated and left. I remember my mom saying I was too young to understand. I remember thinking that she was wrong as I thought I understood. I remember when he came back later that evening and how relieved I was. It was the most scared and ashamed I have ever been. I remember giving him a hug and feeling safe again. Now I understand and I forgive you, dad.

I remember every Christmas when it was time to go over Great Auntie Ann’s. She was a kindred spirt, she spent a lifetime fighting for what is right. She lived in a neighborhood near a chemical corporation and her son and husband suffered and died from cancer. After many years, she won, and the company moved out of the residential neighborhood. She was one of there reasons I focused in Environmental Engineering in college. But during Christmas all of that was forgotten. Going to Great Auntie Ann’s was an anticipated visit. I remember walking up the walk way to the old victorian house, snow up to my waist, and being very excited. There was always great food and music, and Auntie Ann, my mom, and Aunt Marlene would sing along with the record that was playing. And it always warmed me up. I remember playing Chutes and Ladders that Aunt Ann got us for Christmas in the booth that was in the kitchen. I remember going back there years later, when I was a teenager, and thinking, how the fuck did I ever fit in that booth? I remember there was sooooo many Christmas cookies, and I love Christmas cookies. I remember Auntie Ann’s as being the warmest place on earth. I thank my family for that.

I remember the Christmas that I got home early from school and was alone. I had known I’d be alone, so I had been plotting and planning all day. I remember scouring the house to find what Santa might bring me. I remember having to hurry, all the while listening for a car in the driveway. I remember running down stairs only to find one of the neighbors pulled into their driveway. I remember finding all the gifts up in the attic and feeling very ashamed. I remember their were a few gifts I didn’t discover and being very surprised the next day. I’m sorry, mom and dad.

I remember the Christmas when I got a Ty-fighter and my brother got a X-wing fighter and we both got the Death Star and it was the coolest Christmas ever. We played with them for hours and hours. I remember it being the most fun on Christmas I every had, thanks mom and dad.

I remember every Christmas when my mom used to cook a huge seafood meal for Christmas Eve. I was the best meal of the year. Twelve dishes were served in the traditional Lithuanian manner: Shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, oyster casserole, lobster newburg, baked stuff shrimp, etc. It was incredible. Oh and pickled herring. I hate pickled herring still to this day, sorry grandpa and dad.

I remember every Christmas listening to my mom’s favorite Johnny Mathis Christmas album. And my mom just loving Sleigh Ride and singing along to it. This is my favorite Christmas song, thank you, mom.

I remember my Grandfather’s last Christmas. His bride of 59 yrs 11 months had left him that spring, many months before the holidays. I remember him losing a lot of weight, around the time of his 90th birthday. And I remember his entire family coming to my parents house where he stayed his final days to join him for that Christmas. I remember the smile and pride in his face of 90 years hard fought and well lived. It was the most peaceful I have ever felt. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa.

I remember the Christmas when Gracelyn was born, she was 2 weeks old and how amazed I was that she arrived. She was so small, so precious, so new. I remember her as being the greatest gift of all. Thank you Michelle.

I remember this Christmas when my brother came over and gave Gracelyn her Christmas present. And we spent the time and put it together, and Gracelyn was thrilled. And it was a very pleasant surprise. As Gracelyn said, Thanks Uncle Dave!

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope your christmas is memorable and safe.

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