Silver Bells and Heartwarming Memories
First, I’d like to give a huge virtual hug to all those who cannot be home for Christmas. And a sincere thank you to all of our enlisted folks who willingly sacrifice their time with family to serve our country. Below are photographs of my Uncle Ray and Uncle Carl, who were both WWII vets. Aren’t they handsome?
Everyone knows I’m a sucker for a classic. Here is the original version of Silver Bells with Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in The Lemon Drop Kid (1951). Love this song and love this man!
My Uncle Ray Hahn
A life-long farmer from southern Illinois who married my dad’s sister. He always had a smile and time to tweak our cheeks and toss us in the air when we visited. I held my first piglet with him and have loved pigs ever since. Yes, the swine barn is my favorite stop at the county fair!
My Uncle Carl Hahn
YES! They were cousins. He also married one of my dad’s sisters. Aunt Pauline made the best strawberry rhubarb pie in the Midwest. Uncle Carl loved fruitcake. When I was little, I dubbed him Uncle Fruitcake and it stuck. My first attempt on ice skates was during a visit to their house.
Laura Beth Walters fell in love with Joe McCall when she was six years old. Now she is counting the days until Joey graduates from college so they can marry and begin their life together. But the Korean War rips their neatly laid plans to shreds. Instead of a college fraternity, Joey joins a platoon. Laura Beth trades a traditional wedding for a quick trip to the courthouse.
The couple endure the hardship of separation, but the true battle begins when Joey returns. Their marriage is soon tested beyond endurance. Joey deals with the aftermath of war, and a family tragedy sends Laura into a downward spiral. Determined to save the woman who has kept them anchored for so long, Joey will fight anyone or anything…for the love of Laura Beth.
Based on the original novella, Love’s Challenge
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Now for crazy Christmas traditions. Did you know:
In Portugal, you live on even in death. The Portuguese have what is known as “consoda,” a Christmas feast where they set places and leave food for loved ones who have died.
The French government takes Christmas very seriously. Since 1962, any letter to Père Noël (Santa Claus in French) must be answered with a postcard from Monsieur Noël himself, according to the law.
Christmas carolers in Greece go from house to house spreading music and Christmas cheer (often with small instruments like a triangle or harmonica), and when they’re done singing they’re rewarded with holiday sweets and even loose change.
Instead of musical chairs, Belgium plays “musical gifts” at Christmas parties. A popular version of the game is to play a Christmas song and pass a wrapped gift around the room; when the music stops, whoever holds the present gets to keep it.
Does you family have a crazy holiday tradition? A random comment will recieve a signed copy, choosing from one of the award-winning A Chicago Christmas series.
U.S only. Winners will be announced December 31st in my newsletter. So be sure to sign up!
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No crazy holiday tradition
Well, we need to keep up the traditional ones too!
Hello, our family does a “white elephant” exchange on Christmas, 20$ limit. So much fun.
I have loved every White Elephant Exchange I’ve participated in. And ended up with some awesome stuff!