I have been trying to get a story from Shirley Gratton for my column for some time now. Her good natured one word reply is always "soon."
Shirley was born in Prince George and raised in Salmon Valley; watch for my write up about her in a future article - perhaps one day "soon."
There have been many other articles written about Shirley; if you Google Shirley Gratton on the Internet you will find over 20 sites to go to for some interesting reading about her.
In the meantime Shirley would like to share her annual Christmas letter from 1993. She loves Christmas and has been sending handmade Christmas cards or letters at Christmas since 1980.
Here is one of her letters from her files to share with you.
Christmas as a child, by Shirley Gratton: "I remember the 'Do not open until Christmas' parcel from grandmother Campbell always arrived by the first Advent Sunday in December and was placed high up on the cupboard's most top shelf and each day was patrolled by three pairs of eyes with a calendar countdown.
"Christmas is coming because mother's 50 pound gold lard pails were filled to the lids with all sorts of her most delicious cookies of star-shaped molasses with an almond on top, shortbreads that had small parts of red cherry pieces, peanut butter ones with a fork criss-cross and ginger snaps that were soft and spicy. Oh how good they did taste!
"My brother Allan would have his kindling cut, wood chopped and filled the wood box right up and over mother's freshly washed and ironed curtains, much to her dismay.
"Elmer the family cat got my baby sister Betty's Christmas treats by being decorated with ribbons and bells from last year's parcel.
"We would all have our baths in the big round tub in the kitchen in front of the open oven door to keep us from freezing, one side at a time. Then we would take turns watching out of the kitchen window for a small spot of light bouncing along the Fraser River's channel snow path, as my father would be coming home on foot; he would always bring us oranges from camp. I can still smell the fresh sawdust on his red and black mackinaw.
"Then off to bed with all the excitement and I can remember the first time we saw Santa on Christmas Eve. It was so scary that we pulled the covers over our heads and just peeked out a little and to add to this commotion Santa kicked over the chamber pail!
"Finally, Christmas morning in the very early hours we would sneak down the squeaky stairs for a glance at the parcel on the top of the cupboard... it's gone! Rushing in we would find the Christmas tree was up and beautifully decorated with blue-green icicles, real green and red candles in silver holders that clipped on to the branches, a rope of dusty pink and blue shiny balls that were from my father's Christmas tree as a boy, paper fans of bright rainbow colors and then all the brightly wrapped presents under the tree.
"My first doll was a beautiful big rag doll that was made for me by our neighbor Mrs. Kellar.
"All over the table were the wrappings of the parcel. 'Do not open until Christmas.'
"Christmas would have not been without the kindness of my grandmother and especially to my mother for doing without to give us a little more."
Christmas will be here and gone ten days from today. I have heard the question many times, "What do seniors want for Christmas? What can I buy for a senior who seems to have everything?"
Think outside the box; all gifts do not have to fit inside a box that is wrapped in Third World-produced wrapping paper.
Here are a few examples of gifts that will be gratefully received by most seniors:
Everyone gets their hair cut so how about gift certificates from their favorite hair salon or barber.
Give coupons for rides or for excursions; a great gift idea for seniors from a teenage grandchild, as it also will give them some special time together.
If they have to take prescription medications seniors will appreciate a gift card to their pharmacy.
Pay a month (or more) of their Internet or cable TV service. If they like to eat out get them some gift certificates for their favorite senior centre or restaurant, and keep in mind that some restaurants deliver which is extra special for those who no longer drive.
Send in a cleaning lady, a handy man or someone to help them sharpen up their computer skills or to do a computer tune up.
Audio books from our local library accompanied by an inexpensive CD player can provide many hours of relaxation and enjoyment.
In some cases it would be a big help, and it could be a lot of fun, to do some baking or make one of their meals each week, deliver it to them and then join them in eating it all. Better yet give them a book of gift certificates to book an invitation to dinner at your place.
A gift of time and attention is always at the top of any gift wish list. Enjoy the season because it will be over before you know it.
A special thank you goes out to our MLA Shirley Bond for the eighth annual Seniors Christmas Celebration that took place on Dec. 7.
The event was hosted by MLA Shirley Bond and supported by numerous community sponsors.
Thank you Shirley for always being mindful of us seniors and making us feel so special.
