Class of 1963  ~  Mary Glassburn

Nostalgia:  Christmas Past and Present



Dear classmates of 1963,

  I’m sure you all have memories of the way Christmas was when we were in high school, and the way it is today. In our family, we had a live cut Christmas tree; now we have an artificial tree. At least, we don’t have to dig the pine needles out of the carpet anymore.

   We were not exactly what you would call rich in terms of money, but our family was rich in love. We would string popcorn and wrap it around the tree; then, oh so carefully hang icicles one by one to hang down beautifully. Before, it was over, there were about as many icicles on the floor.

   Do you remember how it snowed more in those days? I recall getting snowed in at the Whiteland gym during sectional time. I didn’t get home for two days. Betsy Anderson let me stay at her house, until I could get back home. The country roads would always drift so badly.

   I was dating Dean Irwin back then. One time he put 50? worth of gas in his truck to get to my house. We went to Nick’s on Christmas Eve and bought a huge homemade candy cane for my parents as a Christmas gift.

  We had a Christmas party at Diane Henry’s house. It snowed so much; my mom said I couldn’t go. I talked her into it. John Allen picked up a bunch of us kids and came to pick me up. My mom said “You will slide off in a ditch and freeze to death.” Well, we made it to the party and had a blast! On the way home, we did slide off the road. The guys got out and pushed. We made it home! I don’t know what happened after they dropped me off.

   One year, it snowed so much and drifted; then a freezing rain came on top of the snow. We could walk right over the top of the fences without sinking. We used to slide down our hill on sleds. I remember Jenny Sue Lindsey, Virginia Webb, and Jean Fulkerson sliding down the hill. We would then go in and have hot chocolate and make snow ice cream. Now the friends have all scattered. We don’t see each other much anymore. We are all too busy with our lives.

  Does anyone remember coming to my house for pizza parties after the football or basketball games? Those were fun! Remember the sock hops and Christmas Tree Dance! Wow! The good ole days!!!! Then, we had a slumber party at Kay Stucker’s house where the girls stuck my bra in the freezer. That was a hoot! Also, Virginia Webb’s slumber party at her Grandmother’s house; where we smoked corn stalks behind the barn and ate bags and bags of candy. HA!!!!!! What fun!

   This is not Christmas related, but right after Christmas; my 16th birthday party. January 12. I had a birthday party. We all danced to rock and roll and had fun! Dean Irwin was dancing with a broom! HA!!

   Smoky and I built a new house next to the old farm house on the hill. We have a lighthouse or observation tower coming out the roof. You can see for miles around. We see deer running across our yard and farmland. We have rabbits and wildlife around our house. We also have a resident skunk down by the Morton barn. We keep our distance from him. We look at him through binoculars. Actually, he is quite handsome with his bushy tail and white stripes down the side. I have trouble keeping the raccoons out of my roses.

   We have three children, all age 34 going on 35. We have two grandchildren; Teddy and Levi. Teddy is 6 and in the first grade. Levi is 2. They are lots of fun, but wear Grandma and Grandpa out.

   Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God bless you all with good health and happiness. Looking forward to Dixie’s party on Dec. 7. I am bringing macaroni and cheese.
Best wishes,
Mary (Fowler) Glassburn and Smoky Glassburn

   P.S. Oh, I can’t forget the Christmas play at church where I played an angel. Can you imagine that? Me? An angel? I don’t think so, but I’m working on it.

   P.P.S. I can’t remember anyone’s last name now, so I used maiden names. I am getting old!



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to the Class of 1963 here.

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