From buckets of ashes to intolerable itches, these are the moments that shaped our Holidays and our character. From the NBC Philadelphia family to you and yours, "Happy Holidays!" Oh, and fair warning: We do talk about a few "Santa" memories that you probably don't want the kids to see!
My Christmas memories are not about that special gift, really big snowfall or someone paying a surprise visit, they are much more simple thoughts.
I remember the much anticipated walk to my grandparent's house on Christmas Eve, knowing that a mountain of toys was just a block away.
I remember having to first eat dinner "before" we could open one gift.
I remember having so many gifts to open, we had to "take a break" and often would watch home movies just to break up the night.
And then I remember getting worried when my dad had to leave for work at midnight, thinking he wouldn't be back in the morning, in time to see what Santa Claus had left.
I remember dad "made it back" every year.
And then there was the one year, I was probably nine or ten years old. I was starting to question the whole Santa Claus thing. It was very late on Christmas Eve. My little brother Timmy couldn't sleep and was asking me a million questions. And then we both heard it. Some noise coming from the other room or maybe it was outside. Either way, Timmy got up and was about to run into the living room and likely would've caught mom and dad with a bag full of gifts. So I yelled, "Timmy, I think it's the reindeer, it's Santa's sleigh." He stopped short of the door and said "what do we do David? I am scared."
I told him to get back in bed, don't be afraid, that going to sleep would make it better.
Timmy did fall asleep, and hours later, my two brothers and I ran down the hallway to the most beautiful thing we'd ever seen. Our tree was surrounded by every kind of toy you could imagine. There wasn't much left of the cookies and milk we had left for Santa. My mom and dad, looked so happy, but also very tired.
And now, being the father of three little ones, I understand why.
My parents did a wonderful job making Christmas the best time of the year for me. I will never forget that feeling. I become a little boy all over again.
