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My Most The bicycle was beautiful and brand new. It was under the Christmas tree and had the names of my two sisters, my brother and myself on it. We saw nothing else. I was nine years old and couldn't believe it. « The year was 1940 and for us, like so many other people, the Great Depression was still not over. So the gift was almost beyond our imagination. A friend of Mom and Dad had given it to us and we were thrilled. We climbed on it, over it, danced around it. All four of us trying to ride it through the living room at the same time. Snow hadn't fallen yet that year and all morning long we rode it up and down the street literally all four of us riding it at one time. By noontime Christmas Day we were eager for Grandpa to see it. Grandpa and Grandma were com- ing for Christmas dinner by bus. There had been a time, long before I was born that there was hired help to run Grandpa's fine house, summer cottage and cars. The Depression took it all. Mortgages forclosed and finally there were ten of us in one small house with no money RT RA Re ar Ra TRE FA PORT PERRY STAR CHRISTMAS GREETINGS -- Tuesday, December 19, 1989 -- 13 when my brother, the oldest of the four pulled me back. He said, "Hide the bike quick!" I didn't understand, "Guess who this is for?"' Grandpa beamed. His chest struck out like a proud peacock. "It's not the stur- diest, but..." "We love it Grandpa!" I shreaked, rubbing my fingers over the rusted handlebars. "It's the best Christmas present ever!" my sisters joined in, smothering Grandpa and Grandma with hugs and kisses. We climbed on board and again all four of us tried to get on and ride it. The front tire went flat. We pumped it up. Later, we found out Grandpa had gone to the .Salvation Army, paid a few pennies for the old bike, taken it-home, fixed it up the best he knew how, and painted it bright red. ) Grandpa and Grandma were there. And Grandpa never left the porch that afternoon. He stood there tirelessly watching us race back and forth on the street on the wobbly bike. to spare. down the street. Grandpa was a very proud man. He had once been a prominent banker on Bay Street in Toronto and now he was peniless. He was in his late seventies and very proud, but on this day even his bus fare was borrowed. "They're coming, they're coming!' my two older sisters screamed, seeing two figures get off the bus We were about to rush out with the new bicycle then looking towards the bus again, I saw Grandpa was wheeling a bicycle. It was worn, bent, beaten, but freshly painted bright red. Grandpa was smiling. It was the biggest smile I had ever seen on Grandpa. He walked as if he was display- ing a race horse that had just won first prize. The four of us looked at each other, and my brother, without another word, quickly carried the new bike of the ear- y morning down to the cellar. Then we ran out to greet em. : I know now that was the best gift we could have ever given Grandpa. For he never looked taller or prouder when he pulled out his checkered hankie and wiped his eyes. That was my most memorable Christmas ever. EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer requested anonymity, and if this story was selected, the $25.00 should be donated to the Children's Salvation Army. The Star has agreed to both requests. : 4 We rode only the rickey bicycle the whole time ] i A Senior' S CHRISTMAS MEMOR Ho Many years have long passed, since those days as a boy, The blessings of Christmas, we used to enjoy We were then five young boys, and a small sister so dear, Each counting the days until Christmas was here " Christmas morn, each full stocking we unpacked with delight, Couldn't wait any longer, it was barely quite light! First, a small sugar mouse, with a tail made of string, An orange, chocolate bar, little joy bells to ring. And then came the toy, just one each it would be, The doll for my sister, Mom had dressed prettily, That sweet doll was dressed, and undressed, all the day! By my young little sister, in her own dainty way. Later on, we helped Mom in preparing the meal, The knives and forks clean, the potatoes to peel, A late night ahead, then upstairs for a rest, And now for the party, in our best clothes we dressed. The neighbours next door, so friendly and true, Came to dinner each Christmas, bringing greetings anew, A speech by the husband, in words so sincere, To me, as a child, seemed the same every year! A 'party piece' each was performed by us all, We sang, played the piano, the tunes I recall, There was no T.V. or radio, our own fun we made, For months we had planned it, and each game to be played. We recited and acted, old clothes we all wore, Those Mom had discarded, we had hidden in store! Chrismtas carols we sang, six young voices so bright, How that joy, as a boy, all comes back as I write. Now Christmas had ended, so tired, up to bed, And in our own childlike prayers, loving thanks we all said. by Frank Bye, Nestleton, Ontario. ER PAK SK PO A SK Pad 6 mk ESR I AR ES A A ES PR a pe Chrispmas and presints pull the slay that holds Santaclos and all the toys that Santatclos is bringing to most of the people in Chrispmas is a time when most of the people get presints. I have fun at Chrispmas. 1 get lots of resints. I like all of the presints. me tims when I choous a the world that be good. Chrispmas tree anddad Chrispmas lights. I help my dad and om bourither don't agrie. I put them up. It is easy to put up can't wait until Christmas. our Chrispmas lights. Even tho it Lots of people don't believe in takes a long time. Santaclos. And some people do believe in Santaclos. And1amone days until Christmas. On Chrispmas we hang up our It is only twenty eight more Jeasons greetings May your holiday be as happy as you've made our year. Thankyou and" a very, Merry Christmas! SWAIN SEED CLEANERS & DEALERS LTD. Blackstock -- Ontario Home for Christmas Happiness is... \ sharing a special holiday with good friends like you. \ Aan @* Nail 4 EMMERSON INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED QUEEN STREET -- PORT PERRY NORM'S GENERAL is iF emt RX ? RENE ; . of those people that do believe in Santaclos. Santaclos has flying rain deers. The flying rain deers WINT CONTRACTING Norm Tripp and Family Ian Anderson, Grade Two ERS. SUTHERLAND & MOASE. ~~ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS