Uncle Mistletoe is IN the house

Man, I just love this little guy. For those not familiar with Uncle Mistletoe, he was a holiday character created by Marshall Field’s in the 1940’s, much as Rudolph was created by Montgomery Ward’s. Growing up, Uncle Mistletoe and Aunt Holly were always carefully placed on the Christmas tree as they were very fragile. In fact, Aunt Holly doesn’t always make it to the tree as she’s feeling rather delicate these days.

When we’d go into the city at Christmas we’d go to Field’s and look at all the windows and have lunch in the Walnut Room, checking to make sure Uncle Mistletoe was at the top of the tree.

Sometimes we’d go to see the Nutcracker at the Arie Crown Theatre too, but the windows at Marshall Field’s, lunch in the Walnut Room, seeing Uncle Mistletoe, those are vivid memories for me. I started watching a wonderful WTTW show on Marshall Field’s Christmas windows and decoration and I almost cried. Sounds crazy, but those memories cut deep.

Owen came over last night (we missed Trinity sniff, sniff) and we started decorating the tree. Both the boys were tired so much of it looked like this.

They got to work though.

We still need to put more ornaments on today but it was lovely having the boys here, listening to a Charlie Brown Christmas as they decorated. It did my heart good.

Afterward, while my Christmas nostalgia was running high, I dug out some pictures from my very first Christmas. I absolutely adore these pictures of my parents. They are so young and so beautiful. I remember my mother telling me that they had a race with their neighbors across the street. The first couple to get everything assembled and wrapped and under the tree would flash their living room lights to let the other know they’d won. I don’t know who won this year but I love that story.

Christmas Eve prep

we still have those paper ornaments with my sisters’ pictures on them

the magic awaits

there I am!

I still have that stocking

my beautiful sister Debbie

and my beautiful Judi

relaxing after the carnage

later in the day with Christmas dresses made by my mother

and the parents finally relax

The holidays are officially here for us now. Uncle Mistletoe would be proud. He won’t mind that we’re a little quieter this year. Sometimes quiet is just what you need.

Onward.

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