PROLONGING CHRISTMAS 1936

Your beautiful box came on Dec. 26^th so we still had Christmas, but I almost wept when I saw the lovely tapers, silver table ornament and luscious holly! Those were the most beautiful holly I’ve ever seen, it seems to me – so full of berries, and how beautifully your blue boxes looked in among the silver sprays. It was a veritable treasure chest. You were very generous to remember each one, and who but you would think of buying a screwdriver for Dad and writing such a tag! Ethel to Vance, January 1937

Every year since 1928 when he moved to Raymond, Washington, Vance had prepared a box of greens, holly, candles, and gifts to enhance Ina’s Christmas. This year he was a little late mailing the box and was disappointed that it was not received before Christmas. He meant that the greens should be used to decorate the house for Christmas.

Much to Shirley Jean’s delight, it snowed the day after Christmas – not much, just enough to make the world white. When Jack went for the mail, Shirley Jean trotted along at his side, chattering excitedly the whole quarter mile. At the mailbox they found the large box from Vance. Jack handed the cards and letters to Shirley Jean and then lifted the big box to his shoulder. He was curious about the contents of the box. He hoped that Ina wouldn’t find some excuse to postpone the opening, noting to himself that it would be just like her to decide they should wait until after supper.

But Ina was just as excited as everyone else. Had the box arrived before Christmas, she would have opened it herself and taken care of the contents accordingly, but today she gathered the household all around as she carefully untied the green string and removed the brown paper from the box. (She would save the string and paper for re-use.) As she slowly opened the box, Ethel gasped in awe.

Oh! Vance had surely outdone himself this time. Not only were the greens exceptional, but he had included a wrapped gift for everyone there! Ina’s and Ethel’s gifts were tied with silvered leaves. Each tag was written with a special little verse just for the recipient.

“Who but Vance would think to send Dad a screwdriver and write such a tag!” remarked Ethel. “And how does he come to know that such a quaint little jewelry box would delight a young girl?” The gift was perfect for Shirley Jean as she had received a necklace and a ring for Christmas.

Ernest commented that his gift would serve to make the holidays more enjoyable. And Ethel’s gift was a package of lovely handkerchiefs with a tag that read, “Ethel is always making her nose go round and round.”

For Ina, Vance sent salt and pepper shakers which she liked very much. She immediately filled them for use at the table.

Shirley and Henry took the holly and greens and began to further embellish the house with them. They took down the big etching over the mantel and hung the large swag Vance had made in its place. Silvered branches were placed over other pictures.

And then the next day – a Sunday – was another festive celebration. Henry put the new area rug down in the living room, and it was fine! Everyone noted that the addition served to make the room appear more spacious.  Then Henry and Shirley made a centerpiece for the table with some of the silvered branches, “ball sprays,” and holly. The table was then set with the best tablecloth and dishes. Ina prepared a special dinner of roast stuffed chicken and the family dined in state by candlelight, using the beautiful red tapers that Vance had sent. KW