Childhood Presents

I still have a few items given to me for Christmas's of my childhood.  One of the gifts was a book of Nursery Rhymes.

Growing up in the 50's, books were treasured and we didn't have many.  This book of rhymes came from my godfather, who lived in Florida.  I don't remember the package being delivered; but I imagine it was wrapped with brown grocery sack paper, and tied with string.  My name would have been printed very clearly in big black letters!!!

The worn binding tells the story of how many hours that special gift kept me occupied. 

 I loved looking at the colored illustrations.

Aren't they wonderful?  

Another gift was from 'Santa' when I was about five or six.  I remember it well.  My dad was a builder; in the summer he build homes and during the fall and winter months he did remodeling jobs.  I can remember the heated discussion my parents had about money. 

 Dad finished a remodeling job, and was told by the customer that he would be paid after Christmas, because this particular customer needed the 'milk check' to purchase Christmas gifts for his own family.  

That set my mother in a tail spin,  her kids were going to go without!!!  

True to his word, Christmas passed, and the farmer appeared at the back door with the money he owed dad.    

Later that afternoon mom went to town, where she ran into Santa.  Santa told her he missed our house and was sorry, and sent gifts home with her.  I don't know what my brother got that year, but I received this china set.  

If  you look closely, you can see it is hand painted with pine cones. 

 Isn't that an unusual design for a little girl? 

My theory is: when mom finally had the money to buy Santa gifts, all the tea-sets with pretty flowers painted on them were sold out, and this is what was left on the shelf.  I wonder how many little girls with their flowery sets still have them.  I treasure mine and the story that goes with it.  

And that's the way it is.................