Debbie's Christmas Memoir

Debbie’s Christmas memoir

“He was my favorite uncle; but I was terrified of him.” Debbie began her story of Christmas past, when she was four years old.

Uncle Dave was a joker. His idea of great, teasing fun was taking the children’s toys and pretending he wasn’t going to give them back. Debbie’s brother and cousins thought this was hilarious, but she watched him carefully, fearing that he would someday forget to return the toys before leaving for home. Without anyone realizing it, Debbie became his little shadow, always keeping an wary eye on Uncle Dave.

When Debbie was four, the family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa’s house a few days before Christmas. Uncle Dave slipped away from the group. Debbie was curious about where he could have gone. Just a few minutes later, there was a knock at the door and Santa Claus appeared in the living room. At least, all the other kids thought it was Santa. Debbie, however, cried out, “It’s Uncle Dave!”

She was whisked away by her mother who insisted Santa was in their house. “No, Mommy. It’s Uncle Dave. Can’t you see?” She was aghast that no one could tell it was obviously her uncle. What could be wrong with everyone?

Debbie was completely taken aback. Was Santa/Uncle Dave there to give them toys? Or was he there to take their toys? If Santa was in the house now, did that mean he wouldn’t come down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Was it really Uncle Dave who would come down the chimney? Or would it be the real Santa Claus?

Her four-year-old mind was whirling with possibilities as she hid behind the sofa. The fake Santa was calling her name! Her mom took her aside later and explained away her concerns. “Uncle Dave was only pretending to be Santa because the real Santa Claus was very busy. But, don’t tell the other children because we wouldn’t want to spoil their fun.” She accepted this explanation and agreed to keep the secret.

As the years went on, she learned that Uncle Dave was all about teasing and fun and loved her very much. Uncle Dave has a special place in Debbie’s memories and she grew up to appreciate his sense of fun.