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| The Julian & Ina Dobson Family, c. 1912 |
Like
any mother of her era, Ina took pride in having raised children to adulthood,
and now that her nest was empty, she missed that role. Ina wished that her
children would come home for Christmas so that she might share with them again
that happy celebration. But – it was not to be. The distances were too great,
the farm too remote, the travel too difficult, and times too hard.
So,
it had finally come to this – Christmas 1934 would be celebrated without any of
her children at home.
But
Ina loved Christmas and knew how to make a magic celebration in hard times. There
would be gifts and remembrances, visiting and feasting, and lots of fun.
Ina
believed in the importance of exchanging gifts with her family at Christmas. She
thought of both giving and receiving as Christian virtues. Every year she gave
of her storehouse. Most gifts were not new. Most gifts would not satisfy the
recipient’s wishes. That didn’t matter. Unselfish giving was her part, and she
fulfilled it. And she expected her children to share with her in like manner – imaginatively
– though she knew they didn’t quite see it her way. But not to exchange gifts?
Unthinkable!
And
then sometimes there would be a delightful surprise. This year, after opening
the box from Ethel, as she was clearing away the packaging, Ina discovered a
small, flat folder tucked into the string on the bottom of Ethel’s box. It was
magic! The folder contained a lovely handkerchief from an acquaintance including
a newsy letter.
“Yes,”
thought Ina happily to herself, “people can do things like this, and it helps
to make a memorable Christmas.” KW
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1896 -- on this date at Gilbert:
This A.M. the same ones helped me finish laying up the body of my house. The day has been fine with a light wind from the east.
~M. L. Dickson
2 comments:
What a lovely picture of your Dad's family. A treasure for certain! And I remember receiving hankies for gifts in my younger days. Those days are certainly long past.
Chris -- We were touched that you came here on the eve of Christmas Eve to visit with us. Yes, I also had hankies. In childhood I had several colorful sets on children's themes. I remember especially "The Three Bears." And I have a small collection that I received as gifts on certain special occasions, including graduation. Giving hankies was an inexpensive way to remember someone with something special.
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