Editor’s note: We asked readers to share what keeps them nurtured and fulfilled during the holiday season. Here is a selection of their letters. The remainder will appear in Wednesday’s edition.
Carrying on traditions
As I grow older, I am often drawn to words from Charles Dickens’ novel “The Pickwick Papers” describing a family’s annual Christmas gathering.
“We write these words now, many miles distant from the spot at which, year after year, we met on that day, a merry and joyous circle. Many of the hearts that throbbed so gaily then, have ceased to beat; many of the looks that shone so brightly then, have ceased to glow; the hands we grasped, have grown cold; the eyes we sought, have hid their lustre in the grave; and yet the old house, the room, the merry voices and smiling faces, the jest, the laugh, the most minute and trivial circumstances connected with those happy meetings, crowd upon our mind at each recurrence of the season, as if the last assemblage had been but yesterday!”
Regardless of where our family has scattered, be it Colorado, New York, St. Louis, California or elsewhere, it is the vivid memories of past Christmases and future meetings that sustain us — lovingly decorating our family Christmas tree, harmonizing classic Christmas carols at midnight Mass, laughing at the misfortune of certain recipients during our traditional white elephant gift exchange and traveling great distances for the opportunity of sharing Christmas traditions, building new ones and becoming closer to our family.
While our parents passed away several years ago, our family carries forward through our children, grandchildren and friends, touched by the season and the imprint left by our connection and relationship. Memories may sadly fade, but the feelings of love and hope remain and nurture us until our next encounter, our next celebration.
Like every generation before us and those that lie ahead, there is always apprehension that the old ways, the traditions of the past, will be moved aside. But there is always hope, a spark.
One of my daughters, graduating from college this month, called me recently. She didn’t speak of final exams or graduation but rather reminded me there was still time to make it to the Christkindlmarket upon her return. A spark, a glowing ember, an inspiration for the future.
May the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season remain ever in your heart.
— Richard H. Korst, Western Springs
Hearts of gold inspire
All year long and especially during the dark days of winter near the holidays, I am always inspired and uplifted by the people I see each day who have the hearts of gold that I aspire to have. There is so much attention focused on the people in our world who do bad and treat others with disrespect for what they have accomplished. We hear about the people in our world who take things from others, take others’ lives and live their lives with total disregard for anyone else who has worked hard to have a peaceful, secure life for themselves and their families.
The folks who look out for each other, are honest and reach out with a helping hand or words of encouragement inspire me to continue trying to block out the noise of all the ugliness in our world. I am choosing to emulate all the good, kind, hardworking and respectful people I pass each day, and this fills me with joy.
I really believe this feeling is contagious, and I hope it spreads this holiday season.
— Carol Hausmann, Tinley Park
Religious, secular merge
This is our first holiday season without our dad and the 10th without our mom. They inspire us every day but especially at this time of year. Both were performing artists, and every October during my childhood, they began preparations for December concerts and performances.
Mom was an opera singer. Her “Messiah” practice began in October with work on her runs for “Rejoice.” My recollections of her working at the piano, between the typical holiday mom behavior of baking cookies and writing Christmas cards, brings a feeling of nostalgia. Every time I rehearse my own “Messiah” performances as a conductor, I can see her and hear her and am in awe that she was my mother.
Dad was a dancer of some note. He was Bob Fosse’s vaudeville partner but also a wonderful ballet dancer. His weekly rehearsals for “The Nutcracker” also began in October. Dad had studied with a student of Marius Petipa, the original choreographer of “The Nutcracker,” and his Trepak dance was something to behold. At the age of 15, I was given the solemn duty of dropping off his Trepak boots at the Capezio cobbler downtown for re-soling. When the boots were ready and I picked them up, the cobbler told me to tell Dad — Charles Grass — hello, and he wished him well for his performances that year. I felt so proud.
While we enjoyed “The Grinch” and “Mr. Magoo,” just like our peers, we didn’t realize how lucky we were to have Handel and Tchaikovsky also play such a large part in our holidays. The religious, secular and artistic all came together in those long-ago Decembers of youth, making it uniquely our own celebration. This year, it especially rings true.
Mom and Dad led by example, showing us that being different should be embraced, not discouraged. The way they lived, their love for us and for each other, will continue to inspire each day of our lives. Dad always said there is nothing new under the sun, so take something old and make it new and your own. He practiced what he preached right until the very end, leaving us this past Leap Day, Feb. 29.
We miss you, Mommy and Daddy, and we love you forever!
— Marie Grass Amenta, Flossmoor
Give us some winners
If it’s not asking too much this year, could Santa Claus please drop off a winning sports team or at the very least new management for the Bears, Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks? Winter is difficult enough around here without someone or something to cheer for. I promise we’ll all be extra good in 2025 if only Santa would grant us one and only wish.
— Bob Ory, Elgin
Fulfilled by coupons
During this holiday season, I am inspired by my wife’s love for coupons! Yes, I said coupons. This embrace does not negate the inspiration and fulfillment I have gained from family, faith and friends. In fact, I have gained another level of respect and fulfillment after convincing some of my associates they, too, should invest in coupons.
Early in our marriage, I had a fairly serious discussion with my wife about why I didn’t use some of her coupons when I purchased some groceries. I told her I intended to pick up only a few things. I also said: “You don’t save much, and you delay checkout!” In a somewhat cynical way, I called her “the coupon queen.”
My wife convinced me of the value of coupons when we were able to purchase four fairly expensive pieces of furniture for half price. Also, I noticed that our budget was cut around 20% when prices were rising. A major furniture store was offering a buy one, get one free sale. I must admit, without my wife, I would have missed the sale and paid full price for all four items.
We probably spend more during the holidays than at any other time. Despite these inflationary times, the use of coupons has allowed us to maintain a good level of expenditures without an increase in our budget. I must admit the inspiration came from my wife.
The fulfillment is reflected on our budget sheets!
— George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana
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