North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Kaye Collins
Many of us observe Christmas in a similar manner; following Thanksgiving, we adorn our homes with a Christmas tree embellished with sparkling lights and vibrant ornaments. In the past, individuals would thread popcorn and create chains from construction paper to enhance the tree’s decoration.
Meeting Santa Claus at shopping malls and stores brings joy to children as they express their wishes for what they hope to find under their Christmas tree. The lists are endless, including items like baby dolls, action figures, remote-controlled cars, doll cradles, candy canes, and much more.
Photographs with Santa Claus have become a cherished tradition for many families, preserving the memories of childhood innocence even after the children have outgrown the belief in Santa.
Christmas Eve is the most thrilling time for young children. Once they are tucked in bed and sound asleep, the jolly figure in a red suit parks his reindeer on the roof and descends the chimney with a sack full of treats for all the well-behaved boys and girls.
On Christmas morning, the atmosphere is filled with excitement, leading to joyful squeals, laughter, and giggles as the children explore the presents left for them beneath the Christmas tree. Some of the gifts are wrapped, while others are carefully positioned to be found with gasps and squeals of delight, with many exclaiming, ‘it’s precisely what I asked Santa to bring me.’
The novelty of Christmas, though a bit commercialized, is seeing the joy the children show as they hold their gifts.
Several residents of Loris were thrilled to share photos of their children as they unwrapped their gifts on Christmas morning.
Holden, age 7, opened a present from Santa and discovered ear pods inside. He leaped with joy, unable to hold back his excitement for receiving something from his list for well-behaved boys and girls.
Gentry, who is 3, found joy in sitting by the Christmas tree while reading ‘Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.’
Amelia, 2 years old, delighted in sitting in her little recliner with her baby doll and a dog resting in her lap on Christmas morning.
Anthem, 4, was thrilled to unwrap Santa’s gift of flavored chapsticks.
Jaxon, 5, and Cason, 7, were excited to show off their high style socks from Santa. The number 6 7 may not have a specific meaning, but it has become a trendy number this year.
Everly and her sister Sissy were surrounded by presents from Santa.
Lillie Faith, 4, woke up to find gifts under the tree and was overjoyed to see the beautifully wrapped packages placed there by Santa Claus.
Two adult children, Makenzie, 27, realized she is her parents’ favorite when she opened the sweatshirt and proudly put it on. Woody, 35, was excited to receive a sweatshirt crafted from his father’s clothing. This gift held special significance as his father had passed away almost a year ago.
Regardless of age, from one to ninety, Christmas evokes the inner child in all who celebrate the birth of Jesus. The day is filled with playing with toys for both the young and the old, enjoying a festive Christmas meal, and creating family memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Images represent the wealth of yesteryears, as we open photo albums and reflect on past Christmases, immersing ourselves in the memories and the thrill of recalling a childhood Christmas.
