What is your first recollection of Christmas?
1964. I don’t remember anything about packages, Saint Nick, or reindeer. What I do recall is my dad’s team, the Georgia Bulldogs, defeating Texas Tech in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas by a score of 7-0. The game actually took place the day after Christmas so we did not celebrate until my dad and brother returned home for the Lone Star state on December 27th.
As a child, what was the best Christmas present you ever received?
I would have to say a puppy delivered by my brother in a shoe box. I was initially disappointed because I thought I was getting a pair of shoes. I named the cocker spaniel Droopy because of his lazy eyes and long floppy ears. Being a typical nine year old, I paid attention to the dog for less than twenty four hours, lost interest, and subsequently Droopy became my mom’s best friend.
Before the age of 12, what stands out in the memory bank as it relates to your family during the Christmas season?
I apologize but I must dwell on the negative in response to this question. My dad would drag us to Birmingham every other year to be with his mother and other members of his and my mom’s families (they were both originally from there). I was so bored. My grandmother did not have a television and the only toy she had was a tricycle that was at least 40 years old. We ate an extremely formal Christmas dinner with food I did not recognize which was very uncomfortable for me at that juncture in my life.
At what age did Christmas become more than just a material gift extravaganza?
My grandmother, the one previously mentioned, moved out of her house and into an apartment when I was a junior in high school. She started coming to Christmas at our home every year after that because she no longer had room for us. She loved to attend Christmas Eve worship services and each December 24th she and I had a date at the First Presbyterian Church in Athens. This experience helped me realize gifts from the heart were most often better than those from the wallet.
In your adult life, what is the first recollection of Christmas?
I guess I never really considered myself an adult until my first child was born which was shortly after I finished graduate school at age 23. My daughter Mandy was 15 days old on Christmas, 1982. My conversion from life long receiver to primary giver had become a reality. The benefaction of a healthy baby girl far outweighed all worldly possessions.
As a grown up, what has been your favorite Christmas gift?
It’s a toss up between checks and cash!
Seriously, as I grow older, self seeking has obviously taken a back seat. Waking up next to my wife on Christmas morning and seeing the kids Christmas day are two priceless blessings experienced annually.
What special family Christmas memory comes to mind over the last 25 years?
There are too many to list but recent recollections are bittersweet due to the fact that I lost both my parents within the last two years.
I’ll always remember my dad sitting at the head of the table chewing on a cigar after Christmas dinner holding court, sharing stories, and telling jokes to the family audience.
I recall my Mom’s last Christmas playing the games of ‘Taboo’ and ‘Apples to Apples’ with family. She was a tenacious competitor and very entertaining to watch.
I miss them.
In your own words, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
Pardon the cliché, but you cannot have Christmas without Christ. Acceptance of God’s grace and the faith to follow and trust His example gives Christmas its sincerest meaning. Relationships intensify and the yearning to be together with family and loved ones is strengthened immeasurably by God’s presence. The heartfelt desire to give is also wonderfully enhanced. He is the origin and the center. We are the beneficiaries of His omnipotent love.
Which is your best Christmas ever?
2008….Hope yours is too!
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