Christmas always brings a swirl of emotions for me—joy for the present and a wistful longing for the past. This season, more than any other, makes me think of my Grandma Alice, who passed away on December 6, 2005. Though she has been gone for nearly two decades, her memory is woven into every part of the holiday season. She loved Christmas, and it was a time when the house was filled with all her children and grandchildren, bringing the family together in a way only she could.
Grandma was a warrior. Widowed in 1978, she endured unimaginable heartache after losing Grandpa Adolph. She also survived several strokes that left her partially paralyzed, but she never let those challenges dim her spirit or her love for her family. Christmas, to her, was a chance to pour love into each of us, whether through the meals she helped prepare or the gifts she so thoughtfully gave.
A Rotating Celebration of Love
Every year, Christmas Day rotated between my mom, Aunt Donna, and Aunt Mary’s homes. Regardless of whose house hosted, the warmth and joy were always the same. Grandma ensured the traditions stayed alive, even when her health declined.
One of my favorite memories was the mountain of presents under the tree. Grandma always went above and beyond to make sure every grandchild felt special. She often enlisted Aunt Judy to help her wrap gifts, and it wasn’t unusual to find something wrapped in a cereal box—a funny, practical touch that still makes me smile. The excitement of tearing into those uniquely wrapped presents is a feeling I’ll never forget.
The Feast
Of course, Christmas wasn’t complete without the feast. The table overflowed with family favorites: ham, Polish sausage, delicious potatoes, and green bean casserole. And let’s not forget the desserts! The cutout cookies and peanut butter balls were legendary, a treat we all looked forward to year after year.
It wasn’t just about the food or the gifts, though. What I treasure most is the time spent with my cousins, playing and laughing. We didn’t get to see each other every day, so Christmas was extra special. It was a time to reconnect and create memories that we’d carry with us long after the holiday ended.
Grandma’s Legacy
Looking back, I realize how much effort Grandma put into making Christmas magical for us. She made sure we had these beautiful moments to hold onto, even when life was difficult for her. Her resilience, love, and determination to keep our family close are lessons I carry with me to this day.
Now, as a parent, I pray that my children will have fond memories of Christmas, just as I do. I want them to feel the same warmth and love that Grandma Alice worked so hard to give us. Whether it’s through baking cookies, unwrapping gifts, or simply being together, I hope to pass on her legacy of making Christmas a time for family and love.
So this Christmas, as I cook the meal or watch my kids tear into their presents, I’ll be thinking of Grandma Alice. I’ll be grateful for the memories she gave me and for the lessons she taught about love, family, and resilience. And I’ll pray that somewhere, she’s smiling down on us, knowing how much she’s missed and loved.
Hey Dana Jane 