Santa Goes All Out!

When it came to gettin’ gifts – Christmas 1963 was a banner year for Matty and I.

Never had we seen so many gifts and presents wrapped in festive paper under the tree. There was a veritable cornucopia of Christmas goodies just waiting to be pillaged. 

Santa had gone all out! 

Ah, but we had to wait. And for several agonizing hours, Matty and I sat spellbound under the Christmas tree hypnotized by the largesse Santa had seen fit to bestow on us.

Can’t say we didn’t cheat a little – as we would shake presents and peer at gift labels – checking out box size dimensions – as if they could provide clues to what treasures lurked inside.

“Mom! Dad! It’s Christmas!”

Nothing.

“Mom, Matty ate one of the styrofoam decorations offa the Tree!”

Silence.

“We wanna open our presents!!!”

“FER CHRISSAKES!  IT’S FOUR AM IN THE MORNING – GO BACK TO SLEEP!” hollered the Old Man.

“Please!”

“We’ll be down in a little while,  Boys. Let me and your Father rest for a bit, said Mom.

“Awwwwww!”

“You can open your stockings.”

“Yippee! Ok, Mom!”

Opening stockings was like throwing shark chum in the water. Its momentary distraction was a mere appetizer before the main course. But, for my parents – it was a great stalling technique.

Finally, my exhausted Folks tottered downstairs. Coffee was brewed and Christmas pastries were gnawed on in excitement as gifts were handed out.

“Alright boys, let’s see what Santa brought you this year!’

Christmas had officially arrived.