You have read my books for two years now and every fiction book (including A Lancaster County Christmas) has hit a bestseller list. So let me say thanks with a California-made giveaway to sweeten your holiday.
Remembering…
I took a train on a snowy winter day. For just one moment, as the train chugged along the tracks, the sun broke through the gray skies and lit up the landscape. It was exquisitely beautiful. Trees glistened with icicles, fence rails were encrusted with icy snow. I wished I had a camera. Then again, maybe the memory is even better.
Now it’s your turn. What is a favorite winter memory for you?
Leave a comment on this post with your special recollection, between Dec. 10-17th, and you’ll be entered into a giveaway for a box of See’s truffles! I’ll also throw in a non-California-made Starbucks coffee card (to help fuel your holiday to-do list).
Appreciate you. Merry Christmas!
My favorite winter tradition is looking for the one lone coffee stand open on Christmas day. This is something that my dad and I love to do. We've done this for the past 6 years or so 🙂 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
My favorite memory was last year when we got to play in the snow as a family!
mommydoesblog at yahoo dot com
My favorite winter memory is making snow forts with cousins and grandpa!
immortalb4 at gmail dot com
I love playing in the snow! With the kids, of course… lol
stonemedic76@hotmail.com
My favorite winter tradition is when i was a child and had christmas mornings with my mom she would make big home made ginger bread men and snowman and christmas trees cookies and put them on the tree with our names on them and when we were able to eat them they were as soft as the day she made them..
I grew up in Minneapolis. My favorite winter tradition was different people in the neighborhood flooding their yard so we had our own little private ice skating rink in the neighbor from November to late March when it thawed out.
We always look forward to spending Christmas day at my sister's house. She has a beautiful huge turn-of-the-century house, and we spend the day with the whole family, eating and giving presents!
Doreen
rm2_mah@att.net
One of my favorite memories is talking to my little brother on the phone. He was in Wisconsin, I'm in Austin. As he was complaining about the cold, the ice cream truck drove down my street…reminding him I was enjoying weather in the 70's!
My favorite memory of Christmas is the year I got my first bicycle. We didn't have a lot of money, so my Dad got the bicycle from the Goodwill, repainted the bike and fixed it up. I loved it.
Debra B. debsredbirds@yahoo.com
My favorite memory was when I was a kid. My brother and I would peek in the closet at Christmas gifts that my mother bought.
My favorite winter memory is when I was a little girl, my mom would put one of my Christmas presents (like a doll) in my bed during the night. I would be so suprised when I woke up in the morning.
Candlelight services on Christmas eve, big family gathering on Christmas day, then skating in the park with all my cousins.
Mary lou Paulson
mlpaulson@att.net
Favorite winter memory… so many to choose from. First one that pops to mind is odd, I know. It was getting a Flip Wilson doll that flipped over to be Geraldine on the other side and said things like, "The devil made me do it!" and "Sock-it-to-me!" I was a child of the 60's, clearly.
Making hot chocolate before opening presents. Seeing the rewarding delight of the perfect gift received by each child. Singing Christmas carols and laughing at ourselves. Everyone together again. Thanks for the opportunity to remember such sweetness – and I LOVE See's chocolates, having lived in CA for nine years before coming out to NC.
My favorite would be taking the kids up to a cabin for a week. We built snow tunnels. We crawled around and through them laughing. That was one of my most memorable times spent with
my children. They are now married with their own families.
As a child living in the North having all those snowy winters and as an Adult in the warmer south enjoying some winters in short sleeves, I have a fond memory of them all as they led to a fantastic Christmas and I look forward to many more.
The winter of 1991-1992 was the coldest I ever remember. Night-time temps ranged from -30 to -40 degrees and lower while the days warmed up to a balmy -30 up to possibly -20 but no higher. The air was so crisp, walking on the paths shoveled from 4 foot deep snow echo-ed the crunching snow like we were in a tunnel. The wind didn't blow for the whole month it stayed this cold which allowed the frost to build upon itself thicker and thicker with each night's chill. The frost collecting on our 5 foot tall horse-fence that enclosed our dog pen got so thick that in places, the holes were completely closed up. The frost on the trees and anything outside, that birds or rabbits didn't touch to shake the frost, grew thicker and more plush than the longest pine needles on a tree. The coldest, but the most beautiful.
cepjwms at wb4me dot com
We took the kids up to the snow for a week of fun. We built snow tunnels and hid from one another. We took big tires and slid down the snow. There was so much love and laughing that week. This would be one of my most memorable moments.
I have had a lot of special Christmas memories….love being outside….playing in the snow….sleigh riding down the big hills here in the country,stayin out and enjoying the fresh crisp air, the wild critters such as squirrels, wild deer, rabbits, and all the beautiful birds are such a special sight to behold…..there is nothing quite like time spend with family and having a good time….that is what life is all about….and we also make a good sized snowman..with his own corn-cob pipe..button nose, scarf around his head..and of course take oodles of pics oh what special times…..babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
My favorite memory was my husband being laid off during the holidays no money, no job and my daughter coming home and making homemade cookies and the family ( me my hubby, son and daughter ) all being together it was the best Christmas ever!!
Geri Kelley
Gkkel@aol.com
Growing up in Ohio, I loved watching the first snowfall of the season. Especially at night, through the glow of the moon and streetlights. Now living in the south, I enjoy watching the snow fall at night for the first time. Of course in the South when it snows this means we don't have to go anywhere the next day haha!! Thanks Melissa racky@carolina.rr.com
Relaxing in my chair next to the bay window overlooking the newly fallen snow and drinking a cup of freshly brewed vanilla coffee. Trying to decide if I want to go downstairs and play in the snow….or pick up my laptop and start writing…the pull of both can be very strong…
One of my favorite winter memories is going sledding at one of Grandpa's friend's house. His backyard was just a steep hill perfect for the activity. We'd grab our sleds, rafting tubes, or just trash bags and just have fun for a few hours. Then, we would go inside to warm up, and have some hot chocolate before Grandpa took us home.
-Heather
hmckenty (at) gmail (dot) com
I remember when i was 23 and i went to England and Scottland by myself. I have a rail pass and could not believe the great sites i saw while going across county. it was great!
thanks for this great goodie giveaway.My favorite memory during the week before Christmas my two boys hubby and my mom went on a trek to find the perfect tree. With our permit we all hiked in the bush. The boys were all laughing and having fun. Then, there it was the TREE, they were so pleased when their Dad, let them saw the tree down. It was so much a fun family time to decorate the tree. Thank for letting me remember. cheers AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL dayle b at telus dot net
I was in a play on Christmas Eve and my dad gave me a present to open. (I was one of 8 children, so gifts were hard to come by). It was a ruby ring–my birthstone. I loved it, but I mostly loved that he had cared enough to give it to me that night. I was playing the part of a nurse who was caring for a small child who was sick. I had to hold the little girl while I sang "Away In a Manger" and I was really scared…I looked at that ring the whole time I sang, picturing the love on Dad's face when he handed it to me. He has gone to be with the Lord, but I will never forget that special Christmas. (And I still have that ring).
I was very, very lucky to have wonderful holidays with my family. My mother and I lived with her parents, and the four of us were a "family unit". Mama could sing and play piano. She said she "played by ear". I always teased her about adding extra notes to the music! My grandmother was the greatest cook ever, and we had so many good things to eat! My grandfather was a "Christmas Tree Specialist". He and I always picked out the tree, and he very precisely added the lights. Then we added the ornaments (and I mean all the ornaments). The silver icicles had to placed on the tree one by one. More than once, I got scolded for throwing little handfuls of icicles at random. Hey…I was a kid! I have to admit, they were beautiful trees. My grandfather knew what he was doing! He also taught me that if you have more than you need, you have enough to share. He worked with a man who had a large family, so I passed some of my clothes and toys along to them each year.
My grandmother filled the house with edible delights. Fruitcake, fudge, cookies, country ham, homemade rolls, pies, turkey & dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, veggies & salads…how could we even move! We also had a "gumdrop tree". Our Christmas stockings were filled with tangerines, peppermints, nuts and chocolates. The scent of Christmas is truly a magical fragrance! I love Christmas, and I carry the spirit of Christmas in my heart all year long. Remember the reason for the season.
I collect little Christmas keepsake boxes. I have a mirrored mantle piece which I use to display them during the holidays. I have a small lamp shining on them, and I must say they are immensely cheering and comforting. My favorite Christmas ornament is a little blue glass basket which was my grandmother's when she was a young girl. Most of the blue has chipped away, and the ornament is now over 100 years old. I cherish it so because I remember the look on my grandmother's face each year when she hung it on the tree.
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
One of my favorite memories is as a child going to my great-aunt's for Christmas Eve and seeing all the extended family and enjoying all the Norwegian "treats" that we only had at Christmas time.
nancy6@graffiti.net
My favorite memories of Christmas all revolved around Grandmama's house. She had the most beautiful natural blue spruce trees, trimmed with ribbons and bows, popcorn, and candy canes. She had cinnamon and other spices simmering in a kettle on the wood stove. Somehow I can never quite get the blend right. But I smile just thinking about the love that lived in that house and the winter fun we always had there.
barlenbay@comcast.net Carol Ellmore
The best memory I have is when my son and his wife and daughter came home for Christmas on a train from Idaho to Pennsylvania. We had a big turkey dinner at our house with all my children and their familes, then we took turns each night going to the homes of their brother's and sister to have a Christmas dinner each with a differnt theme. My youngest daughter had a wonderful sea-food dinner for them. My brother and sisters came to our house for lunch to see them, and we stopped at his Aunt & uncle's house for a day in the country and lunch. Next to where my kids grew up.
My favorite memory is getting together with family and singing Christmas songs all evening on Christmas eve. and also walking through our many trails when it snows big fluffy snowflakes calmly.. the trees are all white.. it felt so magical!
Favorite winter memory..there are so many of them but about 8 yrs ago my birthday (12/22) request was to move from our temporary home to our unfinished new home. My brother was visiting with his 2 kids & once my hubby got the gas going in the house we loaded up a trailer and moved on it. We had scaffolding in the living room, sub flooring and 1 bedroom done. I ended up with 9 weekend guests and made make-shift bedrooms between moving boxes and used ladders for chairs, saw horses for tables…it was a blast, crazy, but a lot of fun!
~Lauri
http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
l_meinhardt@yahoo.com
My favorite winter memory is back 35 years ago when I lived in LaVista NE. My best friend and I couldn't wait for one of those famous NE snow storms to cover our big hills with lots of snow. We would drag my huge toboggan to the very top (seemed to take forever to get up there) of our favorite hill and jump on the tobaggon and let what would be…be………..Man oh man were we crazy. Good thing our parents never knew how close we came over and over to massive injury. : ) What a fantastic childhood.
My farvorite was going to grandmas to make cookies. She has passed on so now I do the baking. I love it because it keeps the house warm and people eating them makes them happy. Everyone ask when I walk in the door what I made.
cindy flynn
cindyflynn2001@aol.com
My favorite memory was when we had a big snow storms. The kids had off school. Neighbors pulled together to get our cars and walks clean. The kids build snow forts and we took pictures of videos of all the snow. Homemade soup to warm us up.
amhengst at verizon dot net
My favorite winter memory is sledding as a child with my friends. I grew up in the city and there were very few hills, but we had the best one around. It had 3 huge dips in it and we never failed to get some fantastic "air time" on the way down. We would often fly off the sled and roll down the hill – we were cold and tired but we had a lot of fun! And we always came home to hot chocolate with marshmallows to warm us up. 🙂
betherzg at yahoo dot com
When I finally got old enough to go to midnight mass with my mother and brother and then coming home and our mom letting us open one present before we went to bed.
florida982002[at]yahoo.com
I remember watching the snow fall and listening to the wind blow. Everything sparkled with the snow covering and the soft lowing sound the wind made was so mysterious and exciting. My mother would make big cups of tea with lots of lemon to ward off cold germs. I'd add lots of sugar to mine and sit at the window watching the beautiful winter show.
building a snowman with my kids and throwing snowballs
lilkitty16us@yahoo.com
Hi Suzanne and Merry Christmas to you and your Family… First Christmas to your little sweet Grandbaby 🙂 We had moved to Santa Maria, CA from North Dakota and had just adopted 2 kids from California. They had never seen snow and of course, we missed the snow…Santa Maria was not a place where it snowed. Guess what??? At 6
5 AM hubby looked out and could see a fine mist of snow coming down as he looked toward a street light. I remember he carried our newly adopted son (Ruben was 12) outside to see the snow.. I think Ruben was not too happpy to be woken up at that hour of the morning EVEN TO SEE THE SNOW, EVEN FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!With Ruben hollering, all the kids were up to see the snow!!! WOW However by the time they were ready for school, the snow was all gone 🙂 I love the snow. Of course now living in Oklahoma, we do get snow and I hardly dare say I LOVE SNOW, as the "Native Okies" just don't
appreciate it" like I do LOL
Judi Williams mrst72443@yahoo.com
my fav winter memory is driving around at night and looking at all of the Christmas decorations. When we're gone, /Santa comes!
chichijunk at cs dot com
One of my favorite memories is going to the Old Raco store for family Christmas on Christmas day after all of the presents had been opened and everything had been cleaned up. We would each take our favorite new toy and play with the cousins and go for snowmobile rides and just have a great time together.
My favorite winter memory was going out to Nubble Lighthouse to see it decorated for christmas. The rocks were all covered with ice and everything was glistening!!We used to go out every yr from NH. Now I live in Ohio and haven't been for 16 yrs or so. Thanks and God Bless!! Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Winter is my least favorite season – but for the last three years I have spent the week between Christmas and New Years with my grandchildren so that is my favorite week of the year now!
Our long time family tradition is shopping for Toys for Tots and other organizations that help make Christmas wishes come true. It is so much shopping for the toys we know will put a smile on child's face.
My favorite Christmas memory was all the Christmases spent with my Grandparents. My grandmother took special delight in shopping for just the right presents for everyone, and in addition, she handmade something special for each person. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress and crafter, but most of all she was a wonderful Grandmother.
We've spent over 30 Christmases since she and my grandfather passed, but the memories are still vivid and precious to me.
Now, I have grandchildren of my own, and just as my grandmother did, I try to make the holidays a magical and special time. We have formed our own traditions, and I hope when they are adults, they remember the precious times we have spent together.
Merry Christmas to you all!
My most favorite memory was standing with my grandmother in her driveway when I was very young and looking at all the trees seeing them covered in frost which looked like one big white wonderland. Way back then her house was surrounded by trees and it did indeed look beautiful.Grandma is gone now but the memory sure isn't. Nancy Lynn
A favorite winter memory is making snow angels!! I think I need to try that again!
Blessings –
Andrea
andrealschultz at gmail dot com
http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com
I loved to go to my mom's family Christmas party on Christmas Eve. It was so fun and crowded. Everyone was excited about Christmas and we all had so much fun. It was nice to see everyone.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
My best winter memory has to be when I got my first doll – Tiny Tears. I still have her today!
My favorite time would be with the family going out and picking our tree out. Getting o so cold then coming in to hot coco and homemade donuts from MOm. The smell of the pine and I can remember o so well. Those were years gone by and recently the loss of my father. so now that smell reminds me of him. and most of all the story being read the story of Christ birth the reason for the season. Merry Christmas and may God Bless u this season.
My favorite winter memory was the first time my husband and I took our girls skiing. They were 5 and 7 I think and just watching them come down the bunny hill was great!
kherbrand at comcast dot net
One of my favorite memories of winter was when my husband proposed. We had taken a quick trip to Gatlinburg, TN in mid-December and arrived after midnight. While we were walking around looking at the lights and snow, he asked me to marry him.
My favorite winter moment was being snow bound with 4 young children at our cabin. No electricity or water so we melted snow on the wood stove and stayed toasty. The sledding was fantastic and battery powered lamps are ideal for playing board games!
Enjoying the snow here in Alaska today:)
My favorite winter memory would have to be as a child, every year before Christmas my mother and I would go out and build snowman together then when we were done we would go inside and have a cup of hot coco with whip cream on top and watch Christmas movies all night. That is a memory I will treasure for along time and soon will start the tradition with my own children.
My favorite memory is when we got together with some good friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was really nice to see them and hang around for a while! Would love to be entered in this giveaway:) Never been to Cali and this might give me a feel. Thanks so much!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
One Christmas eve when I was 4, we were driving from Massachusetts to my grandparents house in PA. The weather took a turn for the worse so my parents decided to stop in a hotel. Christmas morning I got to open my presents in the hotel room. I got a record player and a stack of 45's. My favorite was Cinderella and the Bippidy Boppidy Boo song.
tmyoung at rochester dot rr dot com
My favorite winter/ Christmas tradition is the memory of my brothers and myself gathered around my dad on Christmas Eve while he read us about the birth of a very special baby from the Bible. After we heard the story and my dad said a prayer of thanks, we would be given one gift at a time , each one opening his/her gift while the others watched our joy at a new book, doll ( in my case) or another special treat. My dad passed away when I was 20 and I will forever cherish that memory. My dad and his Bible- a twosome!
Forgot my email- karla_hanns@yahoo.com
Our favorite Christmas memory always includes our 6 pets! Waking up Christmas morning, knowing they are safe and happy! I know not all animals are as fortunate as ours. We are blessed and very thankful!
Merry Christmas, Angie
leka1722(at)live.com
It would have to be while staying with my Grandpa for awhile in the Bronx, My Brother, Sister and I got all dressed for the cold, I was the youngest so I was bundled up like like that kid from Christmas Story, least ways it felt that way. It was the only time of the year you could actually get on the grass because you try to keep kids of the snow covered grass…I would slide down the snow covered hill areas on my stomach, no sled, box, or anything else, it was a blast and worth every bit of what was to come next….all my coat buttons popped off somewhere in the snow, but what a blast.
My favorite winter memory was my first snow on the farm where we played for hours with my dog bundled up in hats, scarves, and mittens.
My favorite winter memory is sitting in front of the fire drinking hot chocolate and watching A Cheistmas Story with family. Susn steveac@bellsouth.net
My favorite winter memory is going to China to adopt my second child. My husband, youngest daughter and my mother-in-law accompanied me to Urumqi in northwestern China to adopt our 6 1/2 yr old daughter. It was so cold that November, because the hotel had not turned on their heating system yet! We live in Florida so it seemed extra cold…but we would not trade that experience for the world. Our two daughters light up our lives.
My most memorable memory was Christmas two years ago. We all gathered together knowing that it would be my sisters last Christmas. She had fought cancer for three years. But alas, the chemo and radiation would no longer help. She never complained and never showed her pain, although we all knew she was suffering. God ended her suffering and took her home…she was only 50.
When you reach the age of 64, you have LOTS of winter memories to choose from. From my childhood: My family would travel from our small Ohio town to the city of Akron…about 1 1/2 hrs away, to experience the wondrously decorated windows of the various stores in the downtown area. The big draw was the 2 large department stores…Polsky's & O'Neil's The windows were wonders to behold through my 8yr old eyes!lldietz@gmail.com
Sledding as a kid with my cousins. Also skating on a pond with my fine skates with the pom poms with bells I made for them. So beautiful, silent and wonderful.
spcale at yahoo dot com.
My fave memory was last year sledding with my husband for the first time! 🙂
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
My favorite winter memory was the year we went to Tennessee for Christmas. We stayed in a log cabin, decorated with a tree, put lights up outside and waited for snow, they said we might get some. We were there for a week and still no snow….we got up Christmas morning and still no snow, so we started unwrapping presents and I just happened to look out the window and YES….it had started snowing…..very special memory for us… Hope you and your family have a very Blessed CHRISTmas this year, it will be with little Blake to play with….
Mardi Moye
mardisgators@verizon.net
All my favorite memories return to those with family. The smells , gifts laughter and jokes. What a blessing it was to have us all together. My grandparents were very special to us and made our Christmas more memorable very year just by coming over.
Growing up in the south, I had never seen snow until I was about ten when we took a family trip to the Ozark Mountains. I was mesmerized by the snow I saw there.
One favorite winter memory is when the electricity was out due to heavy ice storms.
I had to bathe the kiddos in the kitchen and we had to play silly games in the dark.
It was the best family time ever!
My Favorite winter memory is when any snow comes in Beaverton,Or,,I love seeing the flakes and the snow coming down,,wish we had some snow now,and hope we get some..
Susan E.
My favorite winter memory is going out and making snow in the goose wheels and playing tag in them. I need to teach my little 3 that game…the older 5 loved it.
Then again…was it going out and making snow men & forts with the little kids? Or snowmen on the low roof top?
I should take more time to "play"…
My favorite winter memory is walking into the house after school to smell fresh-baked bread and cinnamon rolls made lovingly by a mother who taught me to love books and reading at a young age.
My favorite memory from winter is that when my oldest son was born, in early December, the hospital gave us a little Elf hat for him to wear. He was the cutest little elf! Now whenever I see an elf, I smile thinking of my wonderful sweet son. tenglert (at) bellsouth (dot) net
Two favorite memories – one, caroling with friends in Seminary – I loved Christmas in Seminary, so meaningful.
Second, the year I came home from seminary and it was "late" and the only tree we could find in Joplin was a "charlie brown" style tree….that Christmas is huge in my heart.
When I was in high school (many years ago) I loved it once we started practicing Christmas music in Choir. It always made Christmas seem to last a little longer.
Our family also has a very special breakfast of Chipped Beef Gravey over bisquits on Christmas morning. It is a tradition that happens every Christmas morning in every family members home since we are pretty spread out.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Bundling up against the cold and going Christmas caroling with my church. Now that I'm grown, I'm planning my church's first Christmas caroling night!
My favorite winder memory was when I was a kid. We got a snowmoblie. And when there was fresh snow and you got to ride through the woods it was breathtaking. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite winter memory is sledding with my dad, sister and brother while mom got hot chocolate and cookies ready then Dad reading aloud by the fire before bed.
quiltenbea@yahoo.com
One winter I remember well was one when our horses escaped the field in the middle of the night. By the time we chased them down and returned them to the field it was softly snowing flakes as large as fifty-cent coins. 3 o'clock in the morning and we were playing in a winter wonderland! jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com
My favorite Christmas memory was waking up Christmas morning and seeing the silver tree with the color wheel reflecting off of the gifts SANTA brought to me and my 2 sisters…it was incredible!
eileenaltieri@hotmail.com
my favorite winter memory is we as a family built a snow fort when we were young out of blocks of snow and had so much fun playing in it. We, the kids, could stand up in it I believe.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Growing up in the dark deep woods of Sweden and driving threw newly snowed roads – sun shining and you hear classic christmas music on the radio – is it quiet and nice and driving by a small cottage you smell the smoke from the chimney! just lovely!
My Mother passed away when I was 19 but one of My best memories the last year Mom was alive I came downstairs to get something to eat just before Christmas and it was very late and My Mother was sitting on My Dad's chair arm rest and they were talking quietly together and snuggling. I love that memory of My Mother…Miss You Mom….
My favorite tradition is helping my kids make a cardboard box sled for our church's youth group annual Snowball Derby!
My favorite winter memory was delivering my first baby boy on Xmas eve. The look of him and holding him was one of the best memories of my life. I don't think I can ever except with my second son say there would be a better moment in this life to remember. Rita Spratlen rj_angel_house@yahoo.com
My favorite winter memory is from my childhood. It is memories of my grandmama in her long black skirt sliding down the icy snow covered hill with ua.
we live at a marina on the coast, we love to see the ships all decorated in lights for the xmas parade!
Making cut out Christmas cookies with my mom..Diane braddock
My favorite winter memory occurred in December a few weeks after I had moved into my new home. My son flew home for Christmas, and my parents drove almost 1,000 miles to join us. The three of them stayed a week. Mom made enchiladas on Christmas Eve and brought homemade Christmas cookies. I fixed a turkey and California stuffing on Christmas Day. During that week, my dad and my son installed a storm door for me and put down flooring in the attic as they laughed and teased each other. We gathered around the piano to sing Christmas carols, sat by the fireplace and watched Christmas specials on TV, went out for Chinese food, a favorite with all of us, and drove around the city to see the Christmas lights. After Christmas we went to the mall for the big sales. The week flew by. Little did I know it would be the last Christmas we would all be together. Two years ago, Mom and my son went to heaven, but nothing will take away the wonderful memory of that week together in my new home.
I don't know that it would be considered a "favorite" but definitely one I will not forget: winter of 77-78 we had a blizzard type snow storm that dumped feet of snow along with blowing wind. Our heat in our trailor went out…the furnace wouldn't relight, we had a 7 yr old and a 6 month old, who was sick and needed medicine. We had to go stay with a neighbor til we could be plowed out several days later. Medicine was brought to us by snowmobile! Quite an experience…definitely one I won't forget!
My favorite winter memory is getting up early…even as a teen, going down stairs, making coffee..lighting the tree… and waiting for my family.Sitting there…one at a time opening and watching…the most perfect times possible…
My favorite winter memory is sleigh-riding with my cousins. We grew up next door to each other in the country and were always outside playing. My uncle drove a dump truck and he would blow up the innertubes and we would go flying over the hills on those huge black innertubes with three or four of us piled on one. They really went fast and we had so much fun!
jociadam@hotmail.com
My favorite winter tradition has always been decorating sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles. My family has done that since I can remember and now I have the opportunity to do this tradition with sweet boys. We listen to Christmas music and eat our decorated cookies, I cherish our family traditions!!
Playing in South Dakota in the winter of 1975. It was 40 below zero, a recent blizzard had left snow drifts and snowplow piles 10 feet high in places, and I was out playing for HOURS with no idea how cold it was. The low humidity allowed me to play like I never could have in my normal Virginia winters. The weather never aligned in such a way again in my childhood.
My favorite winter tradition is dancing in the snow and catching the flakes on my tongue and teaching my children to do the same, can not wait to do the same to the grand kids
clarenecochrane@juno.com
My favorite winter memory is taking the snowcoach into Yellowstone National Park and staying at the Lodge in the park. We cross-country skied along the snow covered road and trails seeing erupting geysers and encountering bisons.
eugeniewu at gmail dot com
When I was about 6 or 7 my uncle was home from the Navy one Christmas. John was always a big joker. This particular holiday it had decided to snow and on Christmas Eve. I lived in Asheville,NC and we really did not get much snow and never on that day. I went to sleep with great anticipation of Santa and had not a worry in the world because of the snow. His reindeer would be able to fly. When I woke up the next morning sure enough Santa had found my house. My uncle told me to come outside, Up on the roof was Reindeer poop! Boy was MOM going to be mad. Santas reindeer had pooped on her roof. I was worried that she would never let Santa come back. I cried and was so upset that my uncle confessed to his deed. We still laugh about this 40 some years later!
My mom always has a Christmas Eve gathering for friends family. We would all go to the candlelight service at church, and watch as the little ones acted out the nativity scene. Then back to my mom's where the tree was lit, the food was good and the company was great! As I looked outside one of those Christmas Eve's, the snow had started, and was gently falling from the sky. The street lamps made it look like glitter falling from the sky. It was such a beautifully peaceful moment. The trees, bushes and ground were all sparkling and in the background I could hear the love and laughter of our guests. It was such an overwhelming and perfect moment, and the first time I had ever experienced tears of joy being only around ten at the time.That was 45 years ago and I can remember it like it was yesterday.
When I was a teenager there was a bad storm one year. It happened right before Christmas, on the 23rd of December. Several inches of snow fell, ice formed and power lines went down for miles around. It was obviously a VERY inconvenient time for such an event, but what could we do? The only way my family had to keep warm was to build a fire in our woodburner, which was downstairs in our basement-cum-family room. Since that was the warmest place in the house, we all slept down there that night, and to keep boredom at bay we played games until it was time to sleep. We spent the whole night in sleeping bags, warmed by the fire, giggling and playing and having a great time–something a teenager doesn't often appreciate with her family. It is one of the best family memories I have!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
Wow…I am LOVING these beautiful memories! Thank you so much for sharing them with me. Warmly, Suzanne
We live in the deep south and rarely see snow on Christmas Day. One year about 20 years ago when we lived on the lake and when the kids were still young, we awoke on Christmas Day to a beautiful snowfall. I'll always remember that special Christmas….our White Christmas.
When I was in middle school and my brother and sister were in high school, my parents bought everyone passes to the local ski resort one Christmas. I can still remember bundling up in snowmobile suits, driving to the resort, and grabbing the tow rope to the top of the "Bunny Hill". We'd ski until we were too cold, then go into the hut for big cups of hot chocolate. Those were incredible winter days!
One of my favorite winter memories is ice skating my sister and I would go out almost everyday after school, we just loved it
Merry Christmas to you and yours
One of my favorite winter memories is playing in the snow and Ice skating out in the woods among the trees
My favorite winter has to be living in Mariposa, CA (near Yosemite) when we were all young! We had a large home on 3 acres full of pine trees and little ponds and rivers! We had this huge hill on the side of our house and back then who knew what a raft was, so we used big garbage bags, trash can lids and cardboard to slide all the way down that hill!! Best time I have Ever had with my big family of 6 kids!! Good thing I have a great memory! Anytime I feel down, I think of the snow fun we had in Mariposa all together as "our family!"
My favorite memories are breaking off icicle from the roof and eating them, and taking the fresh snow and add milk and sugar and making it like ice cream 🙂
My favorite memories are breaking off icicle from the roof and eating them, and taking the fresh snow and add milk and sugar and making it like ice cream 🙂
One of my favorite winter time memories is sled riding down my grandparents steep lot on a reburbished sled that my grandfather had painted gold with red trim and my name on the top. At the bottom of the lot was a split rail fence leading into my aunts yard. There were a lot of knots on the forehead and skinned noses from going under the bottom rail. Good memories of home.
when my oldest daughter was 2 she seen her first snow fall . Her daddy was so excited to take her ut in the snow and it really made her excited so he bundled her up in what was termed her fat man clothes . He had so many layers on the poor child she couldnt even lower her arms ( first child). after spending a good 30 mins getting her ready he grab the waddling ( cause she couldnt bend her legs)girl up and carried her out the door. He went to stand her in the snow and she freaked out screamed her head off ( She was an odd child scared of leafs and things touching her shoes) back in they came . I still laugh now thinking about the poor girl in 10 layers of snowsuits
meandi09@yahoo.com
My favorite memory of Christmas is when we would decorate the Christmas tree. Growing up, my mom would collect Hallmark ornaments. There was something so magical about unwrapping each ornament, playing with it or admiring it for a moment before we found the perfect place for it on the tree.
My favorite winter memory would have to be all the witnters that I got to spend with my children when they were young…we had so much fun.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
When you get to my age there are so many winter memory's and most center around Christmas. But there are a few that really don't have anything to do with Christmas and that is going to my Grandparents house up in the mountains and hoping the whole say there, there would be snow and lots of cousins to play with outside in the white stuff. Oh the times when there was, what a great memory Aunts and Uncle close to my own age and cousins of all ages….
I remember getting up early one Christmas morning when I first started living alone after my divorce. It was a cold, but sunny morning and I decided to take myself for a walk around the neighborhood to keep from feeling lonely. Being Christmas, most of the neighborhood left their lighted displays on and from within houses I could hear kids laughing and having a good time. From some houses I could smell breakfast being made and the smell of woodsmoke from the many fireplaces being lit. It was a calming, beautiful time and I realized I was going to be ok alone through the winter.
LIAlleyCat at Hotmail dot com
One of my all time favorite winter (Christmas) memories, is the year we brought our son (who was born in Spain)home for his first Christmas. It was a magical year, and Christmas has never been quite the same since our children were born. We loved snuggling under blankets and drinking hot cocoa and watching movies on the long dreary days of winter.Great memories.
My favorite Winter Memory was the year my Mother passed away. I was staying with my father during Christmas. On Christmas eve that year the nurses from the Hospice care my mother was in came to sing Christmas Carols on his door step. It was beyond amazing. Yes I cried through every song.
I think my favorite Winter Memory is the year my son, Matthew, was about four years old. We had him outside with us while we fed some of our baby lambs. He wanted to hold the bottle for one of the tiny lambs, so we let him. The giggles and joy on his face I was able to capture and it has become one of my favorite pictures. We were able to pass on many great lessons about God/Jesus and us and His "sheep" to our son. Such precious memories. Blessings on your day.
A sweet memory I have happened over thirty years ago. Our son and two daughters rushing in to wake us up to open presents on Christmas morning…we found we didn't have eiectricity because a snow-strom was blowing outside. We spent the day playing board games, telling stories, eating cheese crackers and peanut butter and trying to stay warm…we think back fondly on that christmas so different from most, but thankful for the time we spent snow-bound in our own little home.
Having my sisters huskey pull me on a rickety wood sled down main street in our small town. She will be missed this year.
My favorite winter memory happened in the winter on 1985. My beautiful daughter Kelly was 4 1/2 years old & she had been struggling to learn to walk (she has Downs Syndrome & many people with that have low muscle tone). The therapists at her school had been working very hard with her to help her walk. One day, just before the Christmas break, Kelly actually started walking down the hallway. Word spread throughout the school & the teachers & staff throughout the school threw their doors open to watch & cheer her on. I wasn't actually there to see the very first steps she took all on her own, but every time I think of all the dedicated teachers & therapists cheering her on, it gives me goosebumps. Kelly learning to walk at that time of year, was truly the best gift I ever could have received.
Lynn K.
mrssir188@yahoo.com
Lansing, MI
Sledding with my dad! I loved doing that.
amybradsher@gmail.com
I don't have just one, but right now I am gaining more and more with my 3 little love bugs. I am creating more and new traditions. Now as far as old one, I love celebrating my grandfathers then my fathers birthday! 23rd and then the 24th!
greenidmama at gmail dot com
A favorite memory of winter for me is when I was 8 and my brother was 13. We received a huge amount of snow and school was closed due to the winter storm. My brother and I went out into our back yard. Using a square dish pan, we built an igloo. That is my most favorite memory!
My most favorite wintery memory is when I was 8 and my brother was 13. School was closed due to a huge winter snow storm. My brother and I went out to our back yard which on me, the snow was waist high and using our mother's dishpan which was square in shape began constructing our very own igloo. That is my most favorite winter memory!
My favorite memory was when my sons were 6 & 7 and we had a huge snowstorm. We got to play outside all day and make a family of snow people. We have pics of the kids being the snowmen heads. Sooo cute. 🙂
What makes this even more special is because we live in the midlands of SC and rarely see snow.
tsmathews61 at gmail dot com
My favorite winter memory was the annual trip to look at Christmas lights. My mom and Aunt Alice would decide which evening it would be. Then my sister, and cousins along with our grandmother would all go out on that special night. Driving around town, ohing and ahing. If had been a good year, we may have stopped and gotten a treat at a local restaurant at the end of the evening.
One of my favorite winter memories growing up was when my dad would take me ice skating. He didn't wear skates. He wore sneakers and slid across the ice with me.
A most recent memory is last year. My baby girl was born a little over a week before Christmas and it snowed on her birthday. Definitely a memory I will treasure!
donnyandshelly at yahoo dot com
Some of my fave winter memories are of my childhoood. The annual school concert was a much anticipated event and sliding down the hills surrounding our home with my cousins and other friends was great fun as well.
As a school girl, a California winter meant being taken out of school on a Wednesday to make one-day ski trips with Mom, Dad, and my sister. One year, my parents shared a rental ski cabin for a week with another family – an extravagance for us. Before we arrived, a recent storm had dropped over four feet of snow making the Sierras look like a postcard wonderland. Little did we know the true implications of such beauty. We barely found the cabin hiding behind snow drifts. My mom wanted to turn back. My dad and I coaxed her to wait in the car with my little sister as we put on our skis to pack down a path in the snow. “We can do this Mom. Dad and I can make a path to the cabin.” What was magical from a distance proved to create a frustrating effort of falling, sinking, lifting, and flailing of legs and skis. Dad and I worked as a team, each encouraging the other when the snow seemed to overcome us. We spent almost two hours to make a narrow path of about fifty feet. The rest of the week of skiing in perfect Sierra powder is a blur in my memory now. It's working with Dad to create that path for our family that endures. Now that he is 84, those opportunities to work together are fewer, but the bonding memories are stronger.
My parents were divorced and my Mom didn't get child support so we didn't get to take many trips or go on vacations. One year we did get to travel by bus from South Sioux City, NE to Joplin, MO to see her Uncle, his family and her great aunts.
We were used to lots of snow, but when they got abount an inch of snow they were in 7th heaven and we went outside and played fox and goose with my Mom's cousins kids.
I think that was one of my best Christmas's as a child, we got to go on a trip, see family and had a lot of fun.
wfnren at aol dot com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com
My favorite winter memory is driving thru the 2 lane roads of many little towns in wisconsin, on the way to a swim meet before we go home for winter break, the roads are slushy, the snow is coming down, I look out the window of the team bus and see to the right between the trees are 2 Amish men on a carraige behind 2 horses that are pulling an enormous tree trunk through the snow….this memory make me stop and think how much hard work is involved in a simple life. Are they going to use this tree trunk to keep their homes warm?, make a new dresser? a bench?….or all of the above.
thanks for your wonderful books Suzanne, I love getting lost in them.
toaohwj
My favorite winter memory is the winter we had a storm and our power was off for a week.We had so much fun.It was right before Christmas and my son read us the story of Jesus's birth out of the Bible by candlelight.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com