Christmas Tradition

When I was growing up, I received a book from my dad for Christmas every year. From Richard Scarry, to E. B. White, to the scriptures, I always got a book from my dad, and he always wrote a little in the front. In 1976 it was short, just "Merry Christmas Rozanne, Love Dad". In 1994 it was the same but without the 'Love'. Maybe I wasn't such a great kid that year. In 1997 he wrote, "I wanted to find something that would take more than a day to read. This is volume 3 for our 3rd Daughter. Your mission, should you accept is to find volumes 1&2. Love, Dad" In 1979 I got 3 classics: Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. In the front of each was written the month that book was to be my bedtime story. In the front of Charlotte's Web it says, "Merry Christmas Rozanne -- March -- Keep smiling & being happy -- Love, Dad." I remember laying in my bed while my mom sat in a chair by my bed reading from these 3 books. I also remember re-reading them numerous times in my bed, sometimes with a flashlight under the covers when I was supposed to be asleep. In 1980 I got some Judy Blume books, including Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. In the front it reads, "Rozanne -- Merry Christmas -- Sometimes it's rough having a younger sibling -- ask your siblings. Love, Dad."

Obviously these are gifts I still have, and I still enjoy. I've read some of these same books to my kids, and read them over and over on my own. I remember laying on my bed one Saturday re-reading the entire Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing while I was supposed to be changing the sheets on my bed and cleaning my room. If the worst things my children do is read when they are supposed to be cleaning their rooms or sleeping, I guess I'm okay with that.

So, it's been quite a few years since I've received a book from my dad for Christmas. This year when he and his wife came for a Christmas visit, a mysterious present appeared under my tree. I didn't notice any labeling (although I was told later that it did have some writing on it, I just missed it). So, on Christmas morning while we were going around opening presents, it was my turn to open, and the ones with tags for me on them were all gone. I got to open the mystery gift. I was so pleased and delighted to open a book -- a book from my dad: Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein. In the front cover I read "Rozanne - Merry Christmas - 2011 It's been awhile since I bought you a book at Christmas. But when I ran across this one I was afraid you would not see this one and you would miss it. Hope you enjoy it. It is all 'new' material. He wrote it but it was never published. Hence 'new'. Love, Dad." This book brought back a memory from elementary school. Where the Sidewalk Ends was at the school book fair and I wanted it. I was told it was too expensive and it was not purchased for me at that time. It's the first book I remember REALLY wanting. (Don't worry, I got it later.)

My dad was right, I hadn't heard about Every Thing On It, and I would have missed it. I'm glad I didn't. My kids are reading it now. I finished it in one day, of course. Thanks Dad.