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Viewing comments for Chapter 27 "X for X-traordinary Christmases"
A Tribute to Our Family Home

7 total reviews 
Comment from Mary Vigasin
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A wonderful image of a family Christmas as many of us wish we could have had, a close family, wonderful decorations, and enjoying the holiday.
A Very well charming and cozy Christmas poem.
Thank you for the images.
Best wishes,
Mary

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    My dear Mary, I know something of your family life by your writings. I am so very sorry. Life is not fair in the least! I sometimes hesitate to post things because I know we all come from very different experiences. I also know my memory romanticizes events. Maybe that is why I tend to write about the past, because in my current situation, my husband suffers so with depression. He finds very little joy in anything, and cannot be around the children/grandchildren much. Thank goodness we can retreat into our writing worlds. You do not know how much your support means to me.
Comment from Goosey Gander
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Brilliant poem, GMA! I never realized you put a star atop the flagpole, as said in your poem. I don't think I ever visited Gramps' house at Christmastime, or maybe I just don't remember. Either way, you did a lovely job with your acrostic poem, title, and image! Love you always <3
-GGG

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Ah, yes, GGG! Gramps had a big star they put on the flagpole. It had white lights, just like the deer they put below. So fun! Thanks for reading! Sending lots and lots of love!!
Comment from LisaMay
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What lovely memories...I bet you all looked forward to happy times where effort was put towards enjoying time together and with neighbours.

(My own Christmases are times of sad memories and I have gotten into a habit of spending them alone on 'retreat'. Bad things seem to happen at Christmastime for me ever since my brother died when I was 10. It would most likely be different if I had a partner and children.) Sorry to be a downer... that was all probably rather unnecessary when your poem is full of pleasure.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Oh, LisaMay--thank you for sharing with me. That was one downside of writing up my memories. I realize we all have different pasts, and it is no fun to read about others' happy times when we have a much different experience. Maybe that's why I tend to think back on the past so much. My current situation is not at all like I pictured. My husband struggles terribly with depression and often can't handle having the children/grandchildren visit. He finds very little pleasure in anything. Writing has become, for me, much needed therapy. I do apologize if my poems make you sad in any way. I'm sure my memory has idealized many situations. It's hard to differentiate between memory and reality. But I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy your work and appreciate your encouragement!
reply by LisaMay on 29-Apr-2022
    Thank you for your response - By putting the spotlight on our own situations it certainly highlights the struggle behind the scenes in many lives. It seems many of us escape into writing. I think it is only natural to idealize happy times, as a counter to the sad ones. I feel for you with your husband's depression. xx
Comment from juliaSjames
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What lovely Christmas traditions you bring to life in this acrostic. I'm intrigued by the village and the train set. These are going to be family heirlooms, if they aren't already. Mama Baer, you chose a wonderful theme for this challenge. It's been a pleasure seeing your childhood home through your loving eyes.

Stay safe and blessed, Julia

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Dear Julia, I cannot thank you enough for joining me on this very fun and challenging April! It is so fun to get to know you and your wonderful work. Your words of support and encouragement mean so much. There were a few times this month I didn't know if I could do it. But, here we are, with the end in sight. It as a bit funny to write about Christmas in April, but I cannot think about our family home without remembering Christmas times. Yes, Dad's little train set was given to my nephew, and now Mom collects Lego Christmas sets. It is quite a display! Sending good wishes!
reply by juliaSjames on 29-Apr-2022
    Yes, one more to go. In addition to the writing practice, I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected benefits of taking up this challenge. Foremost, getting to know talented and friendly writers like you; secondly discovering a whole host of poetic forms; and also entering contests that I'd ignored. Hugs
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Ditto! :)
Comment from Ric Myworld
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Oh, it sounds like your parents knew how to make Christmas extra special. A magical celebration for a magical time, and unforgettable memories that you and keep and share for a lifetime to come. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Dear Ric, thanks so much for going on this April journey with me. It was therapeutic to record my memories to help me through this hard life event (selling the family home). I have been so lucky to have you all there for support and encouragement! There were a few spots along the way where I didn't know if I could actually compose 30 poems!! Thanks for cheering me on.
reply by Ric Myworld on 29-Apr-2022
    You have made the 30 poems feat look easy, while entertaining me and your other readers too, I'm sure. Congratulations!
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Many thanks, Ric!
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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You brought Christmas to life here and it is odd reading a Christmas poem in April, but your words reminded me of all the joys of Christmas, a fine presentation, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Hehe, it was a bit strange writing about Christmas in April, Dolly! But I cannot think about our family home without thinking about Christmas times. Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment!
Comment from lyenochka
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So great that you are continuing the writing tradition of your family. And your parents knew how to create those special Christmas memories for all of you. Enjoyed your acrostic poem!

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Thank you! It was funny to write about Christmas in April, but I cannot think about our house without thinking of Christmas times.