God
rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let
nothing you dismay,
Remember
Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To
save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy! -- English Traditional Carol, 18th Century
Imagine it’s Monday, Dec. 1, 1930 – 95 years ago.
It was still dark outside when Ina arose at 5:30. Even though it was washday, her heart was light and her spirits bright. It was finally December, and she allowed herself the frivolity of the season.
As usual, Jack was already up and had stoked the fire in the stove, made coffee, and set pots of water heating for the washing. Ina quickly dressed and set about making breakfast – oatmeal, bacon, eggs, and toast. She always made a hearty breakfast.
The aroma of coffee and bacon had roused 20-year-old Shirley, their youngest child, who appeared in the kitchen to dress beside the stove. Soon breakfast was ready and as if on cue, Jack arrived from the barn. Some mornings breakfast was accomplished in a leisurely fashion, but not today. They ate quickly, anxious to get on with the daily chores and the washing.
Of
course, washing was a physically-draining, time-consuming task, and Ina was
glad that Shirley was on hand to handle the manual agitating, somewhat like
churning butter. Shirley was a strong, energetic lass and also a cheerful
worker. Meanwhile, Ina made the beds – top sheet on bottom, fresh sheet on top,
and clean pillowcases.
As
Shirley hung the last load of clothes, Jack mopped the kitchen floor with the last
rinse water before he dumped it. And that was how they did.
It
wasn’t a “Christmassy” day, but while she worked, Ina was preoccupied with her
holiday plans. That afternoon she made list after list of holiday preparations –
sewing, baking, writing, wrapping, packaging. But the truth of it was that Ina
loved the exchange of gifts most of all. She had little money, but such as she
had, she would give to those she loved.
Having thus organized, Ina was ready to move forward. She would take it one step at a time. She could stand all the Christmas doings. She knew she could! KW