Only four more days until Christmas, and the season always seems too short. Though when we were children, the opposite was true, and Christmas seemed to be soooo long in coming. But either way, there are always memories to be gleaned from Christmases past. I’m bringing a sampling here of ~50 years of journals and diaries and other recorded memories. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
ca. 1936, recorded in 1994: Looking through stuff in Grandma’s [Hoffmann’s] basement once, I found a neat little compact. Gram remembered that Grandpa had bought that for her while they were dating. He’d asked her what she wanted for Christmas. She’d listed several things, & he bought her all of them.
December 1941 Diary of Grandma Hoffmann
Sun. 7 — U.S. attacked by Japan
Mon. 8 — Work U.S. declared War on Japan.
Tues. x 16 ? — Finished ironing & mended. Went to Caldwell at nite.
Thurs. 18 x — Got telegram — left for home 12:00 noon.
Sun. x 21 — Hoffmann’s for supper — stayed at folks all nite.
Mon. 22 — Mom’s birthday — Bill [Grandma’s sister Marilyn] & Fran married. Went home w/Sam & Norm
Thurs. 25 — Christmas — stayed at Joe’s Mother’s all nite.
Christmas Memories by Mom, Recorded by Me
Christmas remembered most — so exciting. By. Nov. 25 would keep track, maybe mark off calendar — couldn’t wait to put up tree, Gram let put up 2 weeks before (in front of living room window as now). Would get box from Illinois — Gram & Aunt Leona made candy (some kind of caramels, & yummy divinity) — candy separate & opened before, but wrapped presents waited to open. Fifth grade or so, really wanted Heidi book; usually knew they’d probably get what they wanted (no real outlandish wishes).
Never went to Christmas services on Christmas; opened gifts Christmas morning; might’ve for a while chosen one to open Christmas Eve. Got quite a few presents, maybe 10 or 12, not all big. Stockings probably behind chairs, etc., in living room — always oranges and candy canes. Grandma [mom’s mom, that is] always made Christmas fun. Weren’t supposed to get up before 7 — but once Mom and Jay got up really early — Santa presents weren’t wrapped, and one year Paula really wanted a doll buggy (still there!), & Mom & Jay saw it & were really excited for her & thought it really neat she’d gotten it.
Memory, ca. 1955, Sent to Me Years Later by Aunt Linda (Montgomery) Schor
One of my favorite Christmas stories happened when Laura and I were about four and five years old respectively. It was a few days before Christmas and Deanna, Gene, and Ted were whispering and laughing. The Christmas tree was up but I don’t remember if there were any presents under it. Deanna made Laura and I go in the bathroom and shut the door and promise not to peek! We listened for a few seconds at the door and then cracked the door open just a sliver. The three of them were looking at two big packages that held the three foot dolls that were so popular that year. Laura and I had seen them at the local grocery store on one of their high shelves. I don’t remember if we had asked for these particular dolls, but Deanna, Gene, and Ted seemed very excited to be wrapping them. I remember they chose the dark haired one for me and the blonde one for Laura. I closed the bathroom door and in a few minutes Laura and I were allowed to exit the bathroom. I don’t even remember opening the doll packages at Christmas or if Laura and I acted surprised to receive them. The memory most indelible was the excitement and happiness that my older siblings experienced giving the two of us a present for Christmas.
December 1975: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Monday, Dec. 22, 1975: Joe still didn’t feel good so went to the Dr. & his lung was collapsed again. Put the tube in & it came up. Then started bleeding so had to take it out again. Gave him a shot of Demarol & he had a reaction to it. They wanted to operate tomorrow but couldn’t get his blood back to normal. Had a bag of plasma two pints of blood. Put him in ICU.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1975: Decided to operate. Dad had quite a time making up his mind to it but finally decided it had to be. Set for 8:00 tomorrow morning. Jay & Nancy went up to trailer tonite. Will be down tomorrow. Girls were all over to see Dad tonite & will be with me tomorrow.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 1975: Day before Christmas! Jay , Nancy, & Mike come today. Got up at 6:15—got ready to go over to hosp. Ice about 1/8 thick on everything when I went out. Saw 2 cars in median on way over—one on its top. Paula went off road twice on way over. What a day! Linda didn’t try to make it & I was glad. Got over about 10:30. All went well with surgery. Stayed till about 10:00. Jay & Nancy came about 5:00. They made it O.K. Came home & put out stockings & went to bed. Paula & Jim came & I fixed bed for them & I slept on couch.
Thursday, Dec. 25, 1975: Got up around 8:00. Opened gifts & then Linda, Ted & kids came over. Sure missed Dad. Called over about 9:00 & they said he was doing fine. Can only go in about 10 min. every hour, so pretty tiring waiting. Had a nice Christmas except for missing Joe. Came home & had dinner—kind of a buffet—then went back & spent the evening.
Friday, Dec. 26, 1975: Got up & had breakfast. Went over to see Dad in afternoon & stayed all evening, since Jay & Nancy, Paula & Jim went skiing. Linda kept Mike. They came over to see Dad & I kept the kids in waiting room. Then went I went home, I picked Mike up at Ted’s folks….Mike went right to sleep for me. He’s so good! A dear little boy. Dad still pretty groggy.
December 1976: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Friday, December 24, 1976: Cleaned living room & kitchen. Brought up rest of gifts. Got supper. (Washed & put up my hair). Took shower & got ready to go to Matt & Meg’s program. Jay Nancy & Mike got here about 5:30—just in time for supper. The program was nice & Matt did just great on his piece. Really enjoyed it.
Saturday, December 25, 1976: Christmas Day. Paula & Jim slept in camper with doggies. Carla & I downstairs & Dad and Mike upstairs. Got up about 8:30. Opened gifts. Just got a good start when Linda & Ted & kids came. Had a great time! Got the turkey in about 11:00 so ate about 6:00. Linda & Ted went home fairly early as kids were tired & Paula & Jim left about 9:00. I finished cleaning up about 10:30. To bed about 12:00. Leona called & may come Tuesday.
December 1977: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Seal – A –Meal – 10.00 – Nancy
Bean bag chair 13.00 – ?
Little lamp – 5.00 – Nancy
Jackets – 3.00 – Matt Mike
Top – 2.25 – Meg
Dishes – 54. – Linda & Ted
December 1978: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Wednesday, December 13, 1978: Wrote letters. Mailed the bulk of my greetings. UPS. Picked up my pkg. this A.M. Ironed Matt’s robe. He & Linda came over – think the robe is going to do just fine. Fixed his beard and head scarf. Linda is going to fix his crown.
Thursday, December 14, 1978: Got the tree – $7.00 and it’s not very big. We ate at new Red Steer and saw Mr. & Mrs. Reid there. Picked up Mattie at school. Kids came home with me for supper. Tried Matt’s robe on again since I worked it over and really looks neat. He really likes it.
Sunday, December 24, 1978: Got up about 9:00. Fixed breakfast. Took shower & washed hair. Paula & Jim came while I was putting it up. They went to run & kids stayed here. Finished cleaning up house. Carla came. Paula & Jim went down to his folks. Linda Ted & kids left. I fixed supper. Kids came back about 6:45 & I fixed them some supper. Linda & Ted came back for them & they all went down to his folks. I got ready to go to church with Carla. Everybody came back at same time. Linda went home pretty soon & Paula, Jim & Dad played cards. Carla & I (over) went to Boise to Mass. Got home about 2:00. Paula, Jim & Dad were still playing cards. I got to bed about 3:00.
Monday, December 25, 1978: What a hectic day! Got up about 8:15. Ted had to go on a service call. Linda & kids finally came over about 9:00. Started opening presents. Didn’t get to see anybody open gifts because Dad had to get the coffee going & I had to help. Got the turkey in about 12:00. Ate about 5:00. Kids had a big time. Carla left around 8:00. Linda, Ted & kids around 9:00 & Paula & Jim a little after that.
December 1979: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Saturday, December 15, 1979: Wrote letters. Got pkgs. ready to send. Jelly to Alice & Al, candy to Sams, Leona & Marie. Got lunch & supper. Meg not feeling very well in morning so suspicious. By evening she was breaking out so has the chicken pox. Cried & cried when she found out because she won’t get to go to Church program tomorrow nite.
Tuesday, December 25, 1979: Mike came down & woke us at 7:10. Got up & opened presents. Then had breakfast. Got turkey in oven at 11:00, then did dishes. Washed & dressed. Fixed cran. sauce & jello. Cleaned off tables & got them set. Finished up supper & ate about 6:00. Did dishes, then Paula cut my hair. Did more dishes & straightened kitchen. To bed about 12:00. Boy! Am I tired!
December 1980: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Thursday, December 25, 1980: CHRISTMAS! Up at 7:30. Cloudy, raining still. Dad & Mike up. Waited for Carla & Bill to come, then started opening presents. Got done about 8:30. Fixed breakfast. Made dressing & got turkey in oven. Made jello. ← (Washed & dressed). Did dishes. Set out lunch. Made pies. Took tiny nap. Finished up dinner. Ate about 5:00. Turkey very good. Cleared up & did dishes. Carla & Bill left, then later Linda, Ted & kids. Paula & Jim about 11:00. Got to bed about 1:00. Was a nice Christmas.
Friday, December 26, 1980: Up at 8:30. Matt & Megan over to play with Mike good part of day. To bed about 1:00. Matt & Megan stayed over & the 3 slept in sleeping bags in family room.
December 1981: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Thursday, December 17, 1981: Dad gone fishing. Tire on car low again so took Linda’s. Went to banks, ate lunch, got groc., went to Sears, MW, 88¢ store, tel. co., got Matt. Then to P.W. Drug. Forgot my list so didn’t get everything there. Darn! Picked Megan up from Brownies & took her to dancing, then went home, unloaded & put away groc. Matt stayed with me. Linda came back & we picked up Meg. Ate sandwiches at Jacks, then went to Meg’s dance program. She is very good. Afterwards came home & Dad was here. Says he couldn’t see well enough to fish. Has eye Dr. appt. Monday after Christmas so hope he can help him. Linda & Matt stayed a while. After they left Dad soon went to bed.
Thursday, December 24, 1981: Up at 8:40. Snowing! Finished getting ready for Christmas. Snowed off & on all day – about 3-4 inches. Looks like we’ll have a white Christmas for once. Got supper. Got ready to go to church program with Linda, Ted & kids. Enjoyed it. When I got home, I did dishes, read paper, (also, cleaned turkey, cut up celery & onions, & got bread ready for dressing) watched TV. Paula & Jim came about 10:30. Soon all went to bed. I finished getting stockings ready, wrapped Matt’s eagle, etc. To bed at 1:00.
Friday, December 25, 1981: WHITE CHRISTMAS Up at 8:00 – alternate sunny & cloudy, mostly sunny, really a nice day. Had coffee & rolls. Carla & Bill came. Linda soon called & kids walked over. Then Linda & Ted came so we opened gifts. They soon left to go to church. I got turkey in oven. Washed & dressed, made bed. Then I made cran. jelly, set Jello. Lindas came back, then Paula & Jim went out to Marilyns for a while. We cleared off dining room table & girls set table. Used the red cloth & my new dishes – really looked beautiful. Ate about 4-4:30. Afterwards cleared up, did dishes. Carla & Bill left. Said the roads were pretty clear when she called. Linda, Ted & kids left about 8:30 or so. Paula wanted to play pinochle so we played until about 10:00. Then they left. Beautiful Christmas. Except Jays weren’t here.
December 1982: My Diary
Friday, December 3: Went to Kings and to see the big Christmas tree lit up.
Saturday, December 4: Me & Ma went to a bazaar. I bought a teeny candle & a [arrow to “teeny”] picture. Me & Mommy went to King’s. Got a pen & candy canes. & Matt a Christmas present. Me & Pa picked up Matt. Ma worked at the bazaar from 4 to 5.
Saturday, December 11: Watched cartoons. Matt’s greens came. We took them to Wendy’s & Grandma’s. Bryce came over, then Randy, Will, Mark, John, then Karl and we went to Chuck E. Cheese’s for Matt’s birthday party. Washed hair.
Monday, December 20: Went to Matt’s pack meeting. & a fake Santa was there & gave out candy.
Thursday, December 23: Went to Grandma’s H. We watched game shows before we left. It snowed a bit. Mike came to our house. We went back And ate Supper there. Watched part of A Christm. Carol at Grandma H’s. finished it at home.
Saturday, December 25: opened presents & then stayed at Gramma H’s all day. Stocking-stufers: piggy-bank-pendant two suits for dress-me-snoopy. orange, a fan, Spanish doll, wind-up-cradle-doll Presents: Clydsedale pretend horse, a dress-me-Snoppy a Dutch doll, Baby Snoppy, a color with yarn kit, a yarnkins kit, and a needlepoint kit, a dollhouse, and dollhouse furntle [?]
December 1982: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Wednesday, December 22, 1982: Worked on doll house again, washed another load of clothes. Found rest of porch roof. Linda came & left Megan, Mike went with Matt. Got supper, did dishes. Linda, Matt, & Megan came over again. Jay & Nancy went downtown. I made more candy. Snowed this evening & kids were excited.
Thursday, December 23, 1982: Clear, quite a bit of snow. Not too cold. Matt & Megan came. Linda went downtown & kids stayed here. Then Nancy & I went downtown & kids stayed w/Linda. Matt & Megan here for supper. Linda & Ted came about 8:30 & they went home about 9:00. Read paper, not much on TV. Then I went down & worked on doll house.
Friday, December 24, 1982: Up at 8:30. Washed & fixed cranberry sauce. Nancy made green jello. Fixed celery, carrots, cauliflower for tomorrow. Kids went over to Lindas so Nancy & I cleaned up the house. Paula & Jim came. Jay, Nancy & kids went to church program. When they got home, Jay & Paula worked on the doll house. Got it nearly finished except for porch railing.
Saturday, December 25, 1982. WHITE CHRISTMAS AGAIN! Up at 7:45. Carla called & woke me. Mike & Cindy opened their presents from Santa Claus. We fixed breakfast & then Carla & Bill & Linda, Ted & kids came. They had breakfast, I fixed dressing & put turkey in oven. Then we opened rest of presents: Kids had a big time. Made bed, did dishes, then laid down & took a nap. Got up about 3:15 & then finished up supper. Ate about 5:30. Everything tasted real good. After supper Carla & Bill left. We cleared up & did dishes. Paula & Jim left then Linda Ted & kids.
Sunday, December 26, 1982: Matt & Meg came &, after a while, Linda & Ted. I helped Meg with doll furn. Linda fixed them some supper. Kids decided to stay all night so we fixed their beds. Linda & Ted went home. Kids finally went to sleep.
December 1983: My Diary
Sun., December 25: Christmas! Stormy ran away very early. I got up at 3:15 am & watched the clock periodically til 5:30 AM when we got up. Opened presents. Daddy searched for Pooch & found him. Went to Gramma H’s. Worked on Macramé kit with Aunt Paula.
December 1983: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Sunday, December 25, 1983: Up at 7:45. Mike woke us. Made coffee & called Paula & Jim. Kids finally started opening presents & then Paula & Jim came. Carla called & they soon came & then Linda, Ted & kids. After we opened presents, got breakfast. Then I got turkey ready & put in oven. Did dishes & ran dishwasher, then Ted put in new garbage disposal. Drain still leaks but just needs new gasket. At least could use sink. Put my new curio cabinet together but have to redo it: door upside down. Started snowing again. Finished up dinner & ate about 5:30. All very good. Worked X-word. Carla & Bill left early. We cleared up & did dishes, then Linda, Ted & kids left. About 9:30 Paula & Jim left.
December 1984: My Diary
Thursday, December 6: Had singing & violin program. Sang “White Christmas” & “Silent Night” played “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas”, “Jingle Bells” & “Silent Night.”
Saturday, December 8: Marched in Girl Scout parade. Went to a craft & game things. Painted ornaments from King’s.
Monday, December 24: Went to King’s. Matt got a Cabbage Patch Preemie. Went to the Christmas eve service. Held candles.
Tuesday, December 25: Opened presents. Christmas presents. A snow suit & a rose petal doll from Gram H. A tote bag & a candy cane with M & M’s in it from Gram, Gramp, and Aunt Laura. Cody clothes from Aunt Paula & Uncle Jim. Orchid doll from Aunt Carla & Uncle Bill. A Playpour kit from Aunt Nancy, from Cindy a little bead pin & some other stuff. Snow on ground. Not real cold. Opened presents at our house, then went & opened them at Gram H’s. Got a grape pen, a small pen for my violin, 2 candy canes, a big sucker, some Rose Petal place doll clothes a birthday book, a science kit, Spirograph & a light for my bed, a Daffodil doll, & care bears from Mom. Turkey, dressing cranberry sauce vegetable tray & cracker, milk, water, turkey, green jello, fudge, frozen fruit
December 1984: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Sunday, December 23, 1984: Got ready & went to church, took Mike and Nancy. The program was very nice. Had coffee & cookies after church. Nancy & Mike & Cindy went out for lunch w/Linda & Ted, I came home & finished cleaning dining room & back porch. Left for Boise shortly after 6:15. Plane was a little late. Carla & Paula were there. So good to see Paul. Got his luggage, then came home. Got here about 9:30. Visited a while, looked at paper. Fixed sandwiches for kids, then they went home.
Monday, December 24, 1984: Made bed, Mike came over & soon Cindy & Nancy. They decided to go to Boise to try & get Mike’s gift. Cindy stayed with me. I cooked cranberry sauce, Linda picked up few groceries for me. She pressed her choir robe & then I pressed Carla’s skirt. Wrapped her gift, also Ted’s for Linda. Put on meat for supper, asked kids to stay, too. Ralph called. Paula & Jim came & brought gifts, then went down to his mom’s. I cleaned turkey, after supper we cleared up & I rinsed dishes. Cleaned & cut up celery & onion. Nancy & kids went home about 8:30, Paul to bed about 10:00. I emptied dishwasher, Linda, Ted & kids came a little while.
Tuesday, December 25, 1984: Woke about 6:30, went back to sleep until about 8:00. Paul was up. He had coffee, then took shower & shaved. I had breakfast, Paula & Jim came. Nancy & kids came and then Carla & Bill. Ted, Linda & kids soon after & we opened presents. Everyone seemed pleased with gifts. I got turkey in oven about 10:30, then washed & dressed. Carla tried on skirt, then helped me make bed. I fixed dips & set out veg. & crax. Also cheeses, lunch meat & bread. Rested a little, then fixed potatoes, green beans, etc. Paula & Meg set table. Ate about 5:00. Afterwards, cleared table, rinsed dishes & ran 1 load. Carla & Bill left & Linda, Nancy & Cindy went over to cemetery. All went home by about 9:30. Paul & I watched TV & I finished clean up kitchen.
December 1985: My Diary
Monday, December 9: Had Christmas Concert at Jefferson. In orchestra, we played “Rudolph/Holly Jolly Christmas Medley”, “Candy Cane Christmas”, and “The Little Sleigh. In Christmas choir, we sang Angels we have Heard on High, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, & African Noel
12-18-85: Christmas: Every year, I give little presents to people in my family. I usually buy them at bazaars. The presents, not my family. I already owe my mom $10.08 for presents I bought with her money. The lead in this mechanical pencil keeps bouncing up & down every time I lift the pencil so it writes messy. On Christmas morning, we open presents at my house & then go over to my grandma’s & stay for most of the day. Today, I am going to buy the rest of the present for my family.
12-19-85: Yesterday: Yesterday, my mom picked me up from school. We went Christmas shopping at Trolley Square, King’s, and Summer’s. I’m done now except for my Grandpa. Then my mom took me to piano lesson. I think the farthest Christmas back that I can remember is the year I got my furniture. All I remember is the part at my grandma’s. We went over there, and everyone was eating bacon and sausage for breakfast. I got some toy furniture. Everybody ate oranges out of their stockings. One year I got a little food cart.
12-20-85: The weekend (14 days): After school today, I have a piano recital. I’m going to play “The Happy Fiddler”, “March of the Troll Dolls”, “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly Christmas”. I hope that won’t take too long. Then, since I am done with Christmas shopping, I will sleep in until noon everyday except for Christmas, Saturday, and Sunday. Saturday is the church program practice, Sun. the program, and, well, Christmas is Christmas.
Wednesday, December 25: Went to Church after opening presents. Then we went to Gram H’s & opened more. Snow on ground Turkey Mashed potatoes corn green jello Paula Jim Carla Bill Nancy Mike Cindy Dom Buffy Ted Linda Matt Megan Gram H Uncle Paul Lil Matt Cody Josie Rafael Rachel Jaybird Melinda Travis Me: Heart Family Barbie Bed Peaches & Cream Barbie Prince, her dog Day to Night Ken Heart Family Nursery; Playset Quilt Glo shirt Jeans Cody: Xylophone dinosaur clothes Played Michigan Rummy
December 1985: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Thursday, December 19, 1985: Drove over to see little Xmas tree at cemetery, looks so pretty.
Wednesday, December 25, 1985: Christmas I started working on turkey, Paula & Jim & kids came over so we opened presents. Carla & Bill came about the time we started. I went back & got turkey in oven about 10:30. When Linda, Ted & kids got back from church we opened rest of gifts. Kids all played Tripoli, I laid down & took nap. Sure did feel good. Got up about 3:00 & peeled potatoes for supper. Finally got everything ready about 6:00, everything real good. Ran load of dishes in dishwasher, Carla & Bill left about 7:30. After a while Paula & Jim left, too, and then the rest about 9:00.
December 1986: My Diary
Saturday, December 13: G. Scouts went to Molly’s early. We decorated their truck & were in X-mas Parade. Then we sang at a retirement home. SNOWED.
Sunday, December 14: Went to S.S. & Church. Molly, Steph Rainey, & [I] played X-mas music of violins for prelude. Cindy, A. Nancy, Mom, & I went w/S.S. to sing X-mas carols to shut-ins. Went home. Snow melted. BOO!! Me, Mike, Cindy & Matt helped Gram H. decorate for Xmas.
Tuesday, December 16: Had Xmas concert. Played “Edelweiss,” “Silent Night” , “Little Drummer Boy” & “Happy Hannukah”
Thursday, December 25: Woke up at 7:30!!! Too late. Opened stockings & presents. Went to Gram H’s. Mom & Dad went to church. Opened presents, etc. at Gram H’s. Taped people on tape recorder.
December 1986: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Saturday, December 13, 1986: Sat down & wrote letters until about 11:30. Got ready to go to Parade. Found a good place to park on Cleveland across from Odd Fellows Hall; nice parade. Snow on the ground now.
Thursday, December 25, 1986: 8:30 when I woke up again, got up & soon Paula got up too. After a while Nancy & kids came over, later on Paul came. Matt & Megan came & then Carla & Bill so we started opening gifts. Later on Linda & Ted came from church. We all had breakfast & then Paula & I worked on the turkey & got it in the oven about 11:30. Watched TV, read paper, etc., about 3:30 peeled potatoes & finished up supper. Was very good. Afterwards, cleared up & ran one load of dishes. Carla & Bill left, then Paula & Jim. Linda, Ted & kids a little later & then Nancy & kids. Paul left I guess soon after Carla & Bill. Sam [the cat] was so glad to get to come back upstairs. Got slippers, scissors set – Paula; wall decor. – Linda; games – Carla; microwave dishes – Paul.
December 1987: My Diary
Saturday, December 19: Went to Christmas program practice. I have a big part. I have to sit up on this platform w/Greg Hopp & Mr. Navis. Me & Mom went shopping. Got presents for everyone. Martin ate a big Hersheys kiss.
Thursday, December 24: Went to Christmas Eve service. Matt was Gabriel, Mike Joseph, Matt S a wise man. Dumb old Matt couldn’t figure out where to turn the page. Lit candles at the cemetery. Went to Gramp & Gram M’s.
Friday, December 25: Got up. Opened presents. Went to Gram H’s. Opened presents. Received from: Aimee-a Japanese fan, miniature gumball machine, mini. food cans split pea bag Betsy-reindeer pen-holder Fob-handkerchief Mom-nightshirt 4 shirts poster stocky stuffers Mike-$3 A. Carla & U. Bill-$15 A.Paula & U. Jim-a sweater A.Nancy-4,5,6, Anne books Gram-black sweatshirt, mirror Given to: Mom-bathroom soap-rock Dad-stocking full of candy bars Cody-cow puzzle Meara-Pound Puppies Playform Titus-chocolate Santa Mike-stocking w/assorted candy Gram H.-a thimble Gram. M, Gramp M., A. Laura-a neat box for cotton balls Aimee-ring, candy money, funny pen Molly – Stenny-lip glosses (3) Teresa-a little doggie Betsy-a notepad w/pencil Amy F.-a notepad-chicken thing
December 1987: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Candy – 1 dbl. w/o nuts – in Nov.
1 “ w/nuts – 12/7/87
Saturday, December 12, 1987: Did my shopping at Kings, then watched parade. Never did see Cindy or Nancy, was a pretty nice parade. Went to Summers afterwards, then home. Started to put ornaments on tree, Bill & Carla came. Nancy came over, also Cindy. She helped decorate tree & put icicles on. When we finished I said something about the floor being full of needles & tinsel so she went & got the carpet sweeper & cleaned the floor.
Sunday, December 20, 1987: Woke at 7:15, had been dreaming about those songs for choir. Got ready to go to church, called Paul & asked him for supper. Left about 10:00, practiced a little downstairs. Program went pretty good & guess our songs were O.K. too. Megan & Cindy did real well, could hear them real well upstairs.
Thursday, December 24, 1987: Woke at 7:20, got up & watched VCR a while. Got turkey in, dusted in fam. room. Listened to Xmas carols, Paula called. I called Linda, baked pecan pie. Had breakfast, cleaned & washed turkey & put it back outside. Cut up celery & onions, cooked so they’re ready for tomorrow. Got ready to go to church, had supper. Read paper & watched for Linda & Ted, services went pretty good. Got home about 9:00, watched rest of original Walton program “The Homecoming”, read paper. Wrapped rest of gifts, finished stockings.
Friday, December 25, 1987: CHRISTMAS DAY Turned up heat, turned on Xmas lights & unlocked doors. Mixed up dressing, stuffed turkey & put in oven. Also put in ham. Cindy, Paul & Ruth came, also Paula & Jim. Then Matt & Megan & finally Carla & Bill. Linda & Ted came & we started opening presents. Didn’t realize Nancy & Mike weren’t here yet – he had a nosebleed & Nancy’s Dad called. After we got through opening gifts, fixed breakfast. Did dishes & ran dishwasher, talked with Judy. Set out stuff for sandwiches, veggies & dips, etc. Soon was time to finish up supper, all turned out real good. Some played games, some worked on jigsaw.
December 1988: My Diary
Sunday, December 25, 1988: Woke up around 7:00. Opened presents. Went to church & SS. No one came to SS, so we watched ‘The Little Troll Prince’ in opening w/others. Johanna gave me some nice stationery. Went to A. Paula’s around 1:00. Opened presents. Read new books & got autographs for family book, etc. Ate. Yummy. Sat about. Went home.
Presents
Mom – Shakespeare book, myth book, black pants, white/grey/black socks, earrings/pin set, family history book, candy,
Matt – Mozart book
Dad – for me & Matt – car horn that plays songs for when we get a car
Gram H – a sweater
A. Carla – a lovely diamond ring.
A. Paula – ‘A Day in the Life of America’
Gram’s stocking – candy, plastic jewelry box, walking California raisin, little diary, chapstick
Cindy – a Miss Piggy doll, candy cane bracelet
December 1988: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
CHRISTMAS. Sunday, December 25, 1988: Set jello, made raspberry dessert. Carried all presents, etc., to the car. Got ready to go to Paula’s. Nancy, Paul, Cindy & Mike came over to see her gift – Paul & Mike carried it home. They said I might as well ride with them, so we transferred everything to Paul’s van. Roads to Boise were real [?] going over, icy when we came back. We visited, fixed the table, etc. After Carla & Bill came & then Linda, Ted & kids, we opened presents. Everybody seemed happy with what they got, was a nice Christmas. We finished up dinner, ate about 4:30. Cleared up & Paula ran load of dishes. We left for home about 7:00, made it O.K. Put away gifts, then read paper & watched TV. To bed at 12:10.
December 1989: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Saturday, December 9, 1989: Got ready & went down to Christmas Parade, saw Cindy & Nancy. Parade was pretty long, wind got pretty cold by the time it was over.
Thursday, December 21, 1989: Nancy called, wanted me to come over & see her poinsettia Paul brought down. It is huge & beautiful. Went back to wrapping gifts, Cindy came over. Later Megan & 3 friends came & brought me a “Christmas Gram,” played “Silent Night” on cello, viola & 2 violins. Was very pretty! Cindy came over, I made that marshm. divinity. Sent some home w/Cindy & they said it was good!
Sunday, December 24, 1989: Finished getting ready for church. Left about 8:50, went through program. Actual performance went real well & think everybody liked it. I called Paula, Nancy, Paul & kids came over. We all went out to J.B.s for supper, then went to church. Was a nice service, mostly carols.
CHRISTMAS DAY ‘89 Monday, December 25, 1989: Turned on all Xmas lights, put on Xmas records. Cleaned off kitchen table, put in ham to warm. Got in rolls & bread, put socks in living room. Nancy, Paul & Mike came over & took ^their candles & my candles to cemetery. Carla & Bill came. Cindy came with Ab, soon took him home. Paula, Jim & Judy came & then Linda, Ted & kids. Started opening gifts, Linda, Ted & Megan went to church. All got such nice gifts, had lots of fun. Fixed breakfast and got turkey in oven, got sleepy so laid down a while. Linda, Ted & kids went down to see Ted’s folks, when they got back we ate. Everybody played games, we ran a load of dishes. Cleared up some more. Everybody finally left about 10:30. I straightened up some. To bed at 1:15.
December 1990: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
Started snowing about 9:00. Thursday, December 13, 1990: Made a big batch of fudge, half w/nuts & half w/o. Then worked on cards the rest of the day. Got ready to go to Cindy’s concert, had supper. Nancy came about 6:45 & we went to Jewett, roads pretty slick.
CHRISTMAS EVE! Monday, December 24, 1990: Mike stopped by. Later on Meg & Cindy were here, called Linda about church. Washed & changed clothes & got ready. Had soup & salad, Linda & Ted picked me up. Church service was very nice & we sang a lot of songs, both choir & congregation. Got home about 9:00, Linda, Ted, Meg & Cindy stopped by & brought in presents. Had candy & Linda looked at cards.
CHRISTMAS Tuesday, December 25, 1990: Turned up heat & turned on all Xmas lites, played Xmas carols. Mike came over & swept my sidewalks; Nancy, Paul & Cindy came & we had breakfast. Linda, Ted & kids went to church, got here about 11:15. Rest late, too. I got turkeys in oven about noon, then we opened presents. Everyone did their thing till I got dinner ready about 4:30-5:00. Carla & Bill left about 6:00, dogs were not behaving. Ran 1 load in dishwasher, had a concert (Cindy & Megan) about 7:30. Rest played Farkle & 31.
December 1991: Grandma Hoffmann’s Diary
CHRISTMAS DAY. SUNNY DAY – NO SNOW. Gorbachev resigned. Wednesday, December 25, 1991: Turned on Xmas lights. Put ham in oven & made coffee, Carla & Bill soon came. Then Paula & Jim, Paul, Nancy, Mike & Cindy & then Linda, Ted, Matt & Megan. We opened presents, then Linda, Ted & kids left to get ready for church. I fixed breakfast, then everyone laid down & slept except me. I emptied dishwasher, then rinsed dishes. Linda & Ted came back so I fixed their breakfast, rinsed rest of dishes & ran dishwasher. Linda went home to fix Jello & Carla & Bill left. We sat & talked & then I laid down a little. Got up & changed clothes, etc., left for Bill & Ruth’s about 4:00. Everything looked so nice & was really good. Jim helped do dishes afterward! Afterwards they played Farkle. Carla & I played w/Peaches. He loved Carla –sure is cute. Came home about 9:45, Mike drove us home & we brought Judy home.
P.S. If you’ve read this far and want to read more of Grandma’s adventures, you can find them here.