Christmas is upon us, and I hope you get to experience your favorite events and traditions this holiday season. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens aren’t on my list, but these are a few of my favorite things:
FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS & SIGHTS
Family gatherings: eating and playing games
Family run on Christmas morning
Christmas Eve service at First Baptist Opelika
Downtown Opelika Christmas tree (the tallest in Alabama)
FAVORITE OPELIKA CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
"Lights Beautiful" when everyone wrapped trees in white lights and turned the city into a winter wonderland.
Helping my grandmother Christmas shop for my siblings
Attending First Baptist Opelika’s Living Christmas Tree
Shopping in downtown Opelika at Goodson’s Jewelers, Lazenby’s Firestone, and Hollingsworth, Norman, and Stern.
While I'm sharing memories, let me take you back to the 1970s when my brothers and I received a tent from Santa. Tim and I immediately set it up in the backyard and prepared for our first campout. Our younger brother, Ty, wanted to join us, but we had everything zipped up and wouldn’t let him in. He took matters into his own hands and put a hammer through the mesh window. I was NOT a happy camper and took matters into MY own hands. I ran out and tackled Ty and let him have it until my grandmother came to the rescue. It may not have been my finest moment, but it still makes me laugh and it demonstrates that Garners will take care of what matters to them. :)
How about you? What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Do you have a funny Christmas memory to share?
One year, my brother and I found Santa's secret stash while we were home alone. We didn't just find the stash. We got the best things out and played with them. He played a video game, and I played my miniature keyboard. This was a loooooong time ago before everyone had keyboards, and I was so excited to explore what it would do. I had the house rocking while Paul was shooting asteroids.
After our little party, we put everything back right where Santa had it. We were home-free until my brother's conscience kicked in a couple of days later. He confessed to our mom, who was upset and threatened to return everything since we had spoiled the surprise.…