Christmas Eve! We have hamburger gravy on toast with green beans for supper so we can get ready to go to Grandpa and Grandma Knobloch’s house. There’s nothing under our tree but we know that when we return Santa will have dropped off some surprises for us.
Dressed in warm winter coats we set off across the street and through Uncle Pat’s yard (his family will already be at the party), across the alley to Grandma’s back gate. The stars against the mysterious blackness are as thick as the snowflakes that fell all day yesterday and our breath hangs in the air. Dad suddenly remembers he forgot something and has to go back home.
We always start the evening with Christmas carols. Aunt Lucille plays the piano and everyone sings from the song booklets that were passed out. After that we play some games but I can’t concentrate; I’m waiting for the Big Event. At last someone says, Listen, and everyone stops talking. Sleigh Bells! Outside on the front porch. An uncle goes to the door and returns with Santa, live and in person.