by David Kieller, Bruderheim(47.5 m2)
A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS
by Dorothy (Willie) Rippel
Christmas was always a big thrill. We would put on our
best to attend the Christmas Eve service. Many times the
weather was cold, with plenty of snow and high drifts.
Our dad would get the big sleigh ready with straw on the
bottom of the box, warm blankets, pillows, and chairs
for Mother and himself. There were blankets for the
horses especially made for them, ordered from the T.
Eaton catalogue. Oftentimes we would hit a big drift.
Over the sleigh would go, tossing everybody and
everything out, including the gifts and candy that were
taken for our relatives and friends. When we finally made
it to church, the horses were tied to a railing and covered
with the blankets.
A beautiful, huge tree stood in church, all decorated
with burning candles, waiting for all the children to feast
their eyes as they entered. During the service the children
said their verses and sang songs. One Christmas Eve, Mr.
Christian Barth had a merry-go-round that he made with
candles and figurines placed on the platform. Some of
the smaller children watched the display turn and forgot
to say their verses. It amused the congregation, but not
the Sunday School teachers. This carousel was a great
masterpiece. Rev. Poetzsch would then deliver the
Christmas story. Huge bags were filled with oranges,
apples, candy, and nuts and given to the parents for their
children. After the service we would go to our grandparents
for the rest of the evening.
Driving home would be another highlight, watching
the Northern Lights dancing, counting the falling stars,
and looking for the Big and Little Dipper. Sometimes the
moon was at its fullest. With the jingle of the bells on the
horses, all this was the best Christmas a child could wish
for.
See: Christmas Shopping from the Eaton's Catalogue
See: The Wedding Mural for a view of the church
To see story in context see link to: Along the Fifth page 173
Usefulness Rating (8): This is a great summary of Christmas Eve, some would consider it a 9
Grade Ratings:
Gr. 1 - [8] LA [8] Social
Gr. 2 - [8] LA [5] Social
Gr. 3 - [8] LA
Gr. 4 - [8] LA [8] Social
Gr. 5 - [7] LA
Gr. 6 - [7] LA
Gr. 7 - [6] LA [5] Social
Gr. 8 - [6] LA [5] Social
Gr. 9 - [5] LA
Gr. 10 - [4] LA [3] Social
Gr. 11 - [4] LA
Gr. 12 - [4] LA
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