Christmas at Mr. and Mrs. Clark's
By
Madelyn Shields
 

 
 
      It was Christmas time! Karen and I were anticipating everything the season had to give us. The radio sang out  "all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth," and "Silver Bells." I was seven and Karen was nine. We felt the joy of Christmas all around us as people greeted each other with a cheerful "Merry Christmas!" Excitement was in the air. 1950 was winding down and we were facing a brand new year.
 
     On this particular day we were especially excited because Mother gave us the happy news  that we were invited to Mr. and Mrs. Clark's home for a Christmas supper. They were very special people to us. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were my Aunt Jane Ann's parents. They lived in a big white house that set upon a hill and you had to walk up lots of steps to reach their front door. They lived on Waterloo close to Pearl Street school, well actually, Allen School where Karen and I attended.
 
     We couldn't wait for the time to arrive to be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Clark.  Mother, Daddy and Grandma Grace dressed up in there Sunday best. Karen and I wore our Sunday dresses and Mother combed our hair making french braids that were so tight our eyes nearly squinted. She looped the braids up and tied them with ribbons. We wore our white cotton socks and turned them down around our ankles precisely, buckling on our black patent leather baby doll shoes.
It was Christmas time and all was well with our world. My Aunt Jane Ann and Uncle Jay were going to be there too.
 
     The snow was flying and it was very cold. We arrived at Mr. and Mrs. Clark's home with a list if instructions about how we were to act, eat, use our manners, and sit in a chair unless we were invited to do something else.
 
     We walked up those step with great anticipation. Mr. Clark opened the door at our knock, inviting us in. When we stepped into the house, we coouln't believe our eyes. Karen and I walked into a Christmas fairy-tale land. It was so beautiful and magical we stood in aw. Mr. Clark took us to the Christmas tree and what a sight to behold. It was lit up with all colored light and had beautiful glass tree ornaments hanging on the limbs. but the most enchanting part of the scene was a train that went around and around the base of the tree. Mr. Clark turned it on and let it run around the tree blowing a whistle. Karen and I were enthralled with the delightful, captivating scene before us.
 
 The table was set with a beautiful white tablecloth, napkins, and beautiful china dishes. Mrs. Clark served a fabulous supper ending it with a luscious dessert. She was a very gracious hostess that left a big impression on two little girls.  Then Aunt Jane Ann took us up to the third floor of  Mr. and Mrs. Clark's house.
 
Aunt Jane Ann had grown up in this beautiful house and  we were so excited to be taking the long journey up to the third flower of the house. When we reached our destination and Aunt Jane Ann opened the door, Karen and I stood in amazement. There in that big room were all the toys that Aunt Jane Ann and her sister's had grown up with. There were dolls, games and various other toys but my favorite was the Doll House with all its furniture. It was breath-taking! I just stood there and looked with delight.
 
After a while, we went back down to the living room and Mrs. Clark handed Karen and I a gift wrapped in pretty Christmas paper tied with a beautiful bow. We unwrap the gorgeous packages and looked inside the box with amazement. Mrs. Clark had made us both a house coat that was incredible. My housecoat was pink print with heart shaped pockets in solid pink and Karen's was blue print with solid blue heart shaped pockets. Karen and I were so excited and felt so special that Mrs. Clark would make us this wonderful gift for Christmas.
 
This gift of hospitality and kindness made a lasting impression on two little girls named Karen and Madelyn. What a great example of  christian love. It was moments like these that helped to teach us graciousness and love toward others.  Mr. and Mrs. Clark have their own little room in our hearts. However, our Aunt Jane Ann will always hold a special place in the hearts of two little girls who are grown up now. Karen and I treasure all the lesson of love, hope, and grace that she taught us. Aunt Jane Ann consumes our hearts because she was always there for two little girls and that will never change.
 

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