My Childhood's Christmas Stories

Mom ,what's Christmas about ?

Oh my dear , for some it's about gifts ,for others about eating well ,for us it had always been celebrating that we are one family .

Old fashioned girl ready for school
by

bonnievoyage

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View more Vintage Historical Cards

Welcome at Alma Wad's Xmas page . What does this page can offer to the visitors ?

1. Three different inspirational stories on Alma Wad's Xmas memories . They are true stories written in easy to understand way .

2. Readers' stories

3. Beautiful Xmas cards to watch , to send as a free e -card or buy them at Zazzle

4 You can learn how to make Hungarian Xmas cake , walnut/poppy seed rolls

5. you can find gift ideas from E-bay , Amazon , Zazzle , cafepress , Etsy

6 you can donate to hungry people

7 you can leave a comment or write your story

8 you can add your Xmas shop link at the bottom of the page 's link list and you can vote

9 you can browse selected links and visit a Christmas Museum , learn how to make cakes , crafts etc.

10 you can vote on the poll about Santa Mtyh

Xmas card of the day

Xmas & Winter Card

Xmas & Winter by giskard
Browse other Winter Cards

Grandma 's arrival was the greatest present for Christmas

Grandma used to visit us every December coming all the way from her village . She lived on the Great Hungarian Plane . With her two large baskets she got on the train in her small town's station before sunrise .Soon she arrived in a bigger town and she had to change to another train heading to Budapest .Once she arrived in the capital she had to go across the whole city with her two large baskets to get to the right train station where she got on the third train on the very same day .From there she had to travel 3 more hours before reaching our town.On this final stretch the train was huffing and puffing with her all along the picturesque lake Balaton.

Her arrival was the greatest present for us. Her baskets were hiding delicacy out of this world. Duck drippings, duck livers, plum jam in a clay pot, raspberry jam and syrup, walnuts.
Once there was a very cold winter .My father had spent much money and more on wood and kerosene .He had nearly frozen to death during WWII as a little guy .As a result - he overprotected his family against the cold .
When it was about to buy the Xmas presents -simply- there was no money left . My mother told us about it very sadly :-No presents this year .Sorry kids .
But we were not sad at all .All we wanted to know; "Will Grandma come as usual?
As she did come -we were cheerful .She had her crocheting and wool at hand and she would make us each and every year a new pair of crocheted slippers.
And On Xmas Eve my father came home from work with a wonderful metal sled .He had made it himself somehow. How wonderful it was ! On Christmas day after having the duck liver and walnut cake we went to a hill not far from a stream and were sliding all the day.

My mum says that era financially was very tough for our family .
I always remember those days in the 1960's as the most wonderful time of my childhood .

WAY BACK THEN SERIES
by

cjvega410

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"I love the story of your Granma .Whimsical and soft spoken."

MPiggy from Canada

said so after reading this story

How to make beigli /Hungarian poppy seed /walnut rolls?

slide show tale of this homemade cake with English subtitles

Also see this page it explains step by step with photos how to make bejgli (alias this walnut/poppy seed rolls )

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walnut and poppyseed rolls

Hungarian festive delight

These delicious authentic Hungarian rolls are made from walnuts or poppy seeds.
This is actually a Hungarian Xmas cake .
They are not too sweet, which makes it a perfect mate for your morning coffee, or a unique dessert for any family gatherings.
Actually , I remember that my grandma used to make it for harvest time - so we would have it while picking grapes .

HOME MADE CAKES

YOU CAN ORDER FRESH HUNGARIAN CAKES

Little Taste of Europe.

Little Taste of Europe.

The seller is from Hungary . I stumbled upon her online cake shop at Etsy last year .The cakes ,cookies she is offering are delicious, fluffy and not too sweet . If you live in North America you can get them within two days .

All the cookies, cakes and pastries will be shipped in a clear bag tied with a beautiful ribbon, then she will put them in a white pastry box, filled with packing peanuts, so the cookies will not break.

Picture : Hungarian Xmas dinner served

Little Taste of Europe.: YOU CAN ORDER FRESH HUNGARIAN CAKES here .

To MY READERS

REMEMBER PUTTING YOUR STORIES DOWN AT THE READER'S TALES SECTION !
ADD YOUR LINKS AS WELL !

All about Christmas

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Fly to your loved ones

Peace joy togetherness - that is what Xmas is all about . Can you find it at the place where you actually live ?Then you are a lucky one . If not then visit them for your holidays !

How an ugly book turnes into a nice memorable gift

Could you suggest something for a nine year old boy ?" she asked ."For this money we've a book " the assistant had pointed to an ugly looking book with gray cover in the shop window . It was meant for summer visitors - a travel book on lake Balaton at discount price .
" No " was the first reaction of my mum " it can not be a present for him "

Christmas story or the ugly book's tale - PART ONE

Whimsical Art by artist Joann Loftus

It was a very difficult year . To get a better position - my father had gone to the capital to study . It made us suffer financially and emotionally as well . He came home just for a short visit for the weekends .After kissing him good-bye at the bus station my mum came home with grim face - then before arriving home she burst out crying .I cried with her . The next door women were laughing at us . "are you crazy " He is coming back next week - he didn't go to war , but to college .
It was hard for my mum .She was left alone with three kids and very little money .My father had to concentrate on his studies . We had to suffer for a better future .
Christmas was very near and my mother had very little money for presents . She hoped to get something unexpected : bonus or some money from my father - but nothing came .She had to arrange all the presents somehow on her own means ..
The shops were going to close and remain closed for Christmas time when
my mother ran to the toy shop : she had found a wooden toy car for my little brother and a doll for me - after paying she was left with very little money . " could you suggest something for a nine year old boy ?" she asked ."For this money we've a book " the assistant had pointed to an ugly looking book with gray cover in the shop window . It was meant for summer visitors - a travel book on lake Balaton at discount price .
" No " was the first reaction of my mum " it can not be a present for him "

"today's thorn might be tomorrow's flower"

Anonymous said

this after reading my childhood Xmas story :

retro xmas in Hungary

my mom's pride

It was a great event when my mum found this photo of us in the shop window. For a week or two it had been displayed .I'm wearing a dress designed by my mum decorated by South Hungarian folk motifs

"God writes lines that immediately we do not understand, but they are exactly for our good."

Geraldo from Brasil

told these after reading this story ...

CHRISTMAS STORY or the ugly book's tale - PART TWO

We do not have anything else -and sorry we are closing Are you taking the book or not ?"
My mother recognized that she had no other option . She bought an ugly looking discount

priced book for her first born son . What will he say when he sees it under the tree? What a

life ! How far were her dreams from the reality !
MY father was not scared at all ." I will arrange that " he had told her with confidence .

They never lied us about the presents - it was always clear for us that they bought it or

they prepared them on their own .
" My son ! You get no toys this winter , because we thought with your mum that you are big

enough to have a book - and not any book but a book written for adults . I consider that you

are smart enough to read it and tell us later about it" That was my father's trick .
This worked wonderfully . MY brother was not disappointed but proud .He started to read as

soon as he could . And the book turned out to be very interesting : it told stories and

legends on the origin of the mountains surrounding us . WE have lived in Tapolca basin

surrounded by so many different type of mountains . He had learned a lot about them .First

he told stories only to us at home . Then he shared his knowledge with his buddies as well

.Finally , he became famous -as an expert of mountains -and often even adults stopped him -

and asked him to tell about the story of this or that mountain .
When they asked amazed:where did you learn all this : he answered proudly : from a book I

got for Christmas .

Snowflakes Christmas Fairy Holiday Card card

Snowflakes Christmas Fairy Holiday Card by fat_fa_tin
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Retro gifts

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1970's learning the art of giving

The 1970's found us at a new town ,my father was in new position at work . I missed very much my hometown -which was the lost paradise for me .
On day my father told us that it was high time that we got some pocket money .It was something really new I had not expected.It was a big sum :50 forint per month .It was enough for 50 scoops of ice cream !
When Xmas was approaching we decided with my brother to buy some presents to our parents this year .
We found a whisk . It was a very hot design in 1972 .

EMERALD NIGHT ORNAMENT

BEAUTIFUL CARDS TO BUY OR SEND AS A FREE E -CARD

ALMA'S SELECTION

Holiday Bird Greeting Card by SBCSTUDIO
More Holiday Cards

Xmas Card: Draper Family Portrait by nobodyssweetheart
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Christmas Tree Card by markmurphycreative
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Winter Wonderland Cards Seasons Greetings Cards card

Winter Wonderland Cards Seasons Greetings Cards by artist_kim_hunter
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Old World Sparkle Holiday Card by SBCSTUDIO
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'Tis the Season! Christmas Card by epclarke
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Robin, greeting card by kasei_lee
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HOW TO SEND THESE AS FREE E-CARD ?
Just click on the image - you will find yourself at zazzle.com - there near the image you will find a button "e-mail" -click on this and a form will appear .Fill in the form and it will be sent to your loved one .He/she wont need to click on a link -but the card will appear right in your message ...

Blue Christmas card by BluePlanet
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Snowman and tree - Card by cycreation
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Season's Greetings - Star Tree Christmas Card card

Season's Greetings - Star Tree Christmas Card by SquirrelHugger
card made at Zazzle

festive lights in the city by almawad
Shop for a greeting card on zazzle.com

cute kitten in winter by Lucia_Salemi
cards by zazzle

Kokeshi Girl Christmas by naomitan
Make a photo note card on zaz

Christmas Tree Card Blue by Rewards4life
Shop for another card online at zazzle

abstract xmas ornament :

Buy this ornament at my cafepress shop

xmas design by alma

joyeux noel by almawad

powered by Zazzle.com

retro xmas at zazzle

Sparkling Mini X'mas Tree Light Holiday Photo Card by fat_fa_tin

Snowflakes Christmas Fairy Holiday Photo Card by fat_fa_tin

Abstract Red X'mas Tree Swirls Holiday Photo Card by fat_fa_tin

Swirly Magical Christmas Elf Holiday Stationery by fat_fa_tin

Retro Holiday Stars Christmas Thank You Gift Tag / by fat_fa_tin

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Christmas Craft ideas

Just see these clips and do it yourself

As the holidays are approaching more and more people are sharing their ideas of Xmas craft

Christmas Crafts : How to Make a Giant Holiday Wreath

Making a giant holiday wreath involves gluing a large ribbon bow to the top of a wreath, gluing down small presents, holly sprigs and trinkets and wrapping the excess ribbon around the greenery. Create a large Christmas wreath, adding any items that go with the holiday spirit, with instructions from an experienced craftswoman in this free video on Christmas crafts. Expert: Coral Stoudt Bio: Coral Stoudt has been a creative force in the arts and crafts world since she could walk. Filmmaker: Nathan Boehme

2.035294

Runtime: 191
93769 views
92 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

How precious Xmas traditions are ?

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vanillapud_vanillapod says:

Same here, it happened to me to work on Christmas day and it's horrible. It just doesn't feel right and I really wished all the way that I could be with my family. It's always a very important family gathering and it does feel very wrong not to be part of it!

Posted November 24, 2009

almawad says:

Once I had to work on Xmas Eve and I could not join my family until the next day . I had the terrible feeling all the year that I missed something very important .Since then I know that I would not miss any Xmas eve with my family for any reason .Even if I were payed a million dollar .
Would you ?

Posted November 08, 2008

sandyspider says:

Some years ago our family ordered pizza for Christmas Eve. Now it is expected to do so. This may sound like a strange tradition.

Posted December 01, 2009

Evelyn_Saenz says:

Christmas presents don't need to be bought in stores. They don't need to be new. Sometimes the most meaningful present is an old ugly book ore something passed down for generations.

Posted November 22, 2009

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Hungarian cakeshop

pataki cukraszda

You can see a slide show of various Hungarian Christmas cake made by professional confectioners .

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Christmas tree

Category: File - :Arbol Navidad 03.gif|thumb|200px|

Category: File - :Christmas Tree.JPG|thumb|An indoor Christmas tree

Category: File - :12242008 ChristmasEve00028.JPG|thumb|An artificial Christmas tree inside a home.

The Christmas tree is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial, and a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas or the original name Yule. The Christmas tree is often brought into a home, but can also be used in the open, and can be decorated with Chris...

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Christmas controversy

Christmas controversy refers to controversy or disagreement surrounding the celebration or acknowledgment of the Christmas holiday in government, media, advertising and various secular environments. Modern-day controversy occurs mainly in the United States,[http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-01-trimming-debate_x.htm Trimming 'Christmas' from trees stirs debate] ? USA Today article. Retrieved August 11, 2008.Bishop, Tricia. "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/bal-te.bz.christmas24...

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Xmas and winter decoration

Reindeer Decorations

Pre-Tree Decor

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Light show X

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GIRL BY A CHRISTMAS TREE CARD with winter melodies

GIRL BY A CHRISTMAS TREE CARD by amazingvintage
card online with Zazzle
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She has been longing for a little brother or sister for years and she has been writing letters to Santa to get one .

Lesson on real gifts

Pretty Vintage Miss by almawad
Browse other Winter Posters

Every thing used to be so beautiful at my auntie's house . High ceilings , odd geometric patterned curtains ,fine ceramics ,gorgeous old furnitures ... as all the house had been covered by some golden dust of a bygone era .As a little girl I did no tknow words and notions like art-deco or bourgoise or artistic sense . Firmly believed that all those beauty was due to the fact that they had only one child .

Their Christmas tree was so beautiful too - full of interesting decoration which were not available at shops at that time ... her cakes were traditional delicacies spiced up with original ideas . I had always felt that to be with them at Christmas was a great privilegie .Our parents were chatting after lunch and we were merrily merrily playing ....

One year instead of the usual cheer we found that bad mood reigned in their house when we arrived at Christmas .My cousin did not want to come out and play with us.She closed herself inside her bedroom . Under the tree were the unopened gifts .She did not want to open them and refused to taste the wonderful lunch as well .
My aunt was sad .It was very embarrassing to hear her explanation : Santa does not exit . We had to tell her . She has been longing for a little brother or sister for years and she has been writing letters to Santa to get one .Unfortunately it is not possible .
When I first heard it I was very much surprised at the fact that she still believed in Santa. Then I remembered how nice that my parents never lied to us about this issue. They had always told us that this was just a game.

All that was sad but we were children . We did not understood the weight of their problem .We were merry as usual with my brothers .This one cheered up my aunt .We appreciated her Xmas lunch , admired her wonderfully decorated tree and were grateful for the presents .We went home sooner than usual .

Our flat was much smaller and furnished at an average level of the 1970's Hungary .There were two old paintings on the wall ,my mother had a porcelain dinner set for special occasions . That was all the luxury we had .Still all that made me very happy at that Xmas . It was then that I understood how great gift is to have brothers growing up with me .

My auntie 's home is still lovely . I live far from her and can not go home for Xmas usually . Luckily their days and their Xmas is always merry - full of laughter and cheers. Their three grandchildren live near them and they make their days very special all the year around .

Santa Myth and our Kids

Should we tell our children that Santa is only a game ,a myth ? Or should we make them believe that an old generous and loving man in red clothes can make all their dreams come true ?

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We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Action Against Hunger from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

Tell me about your holidays

your comment ,memories all welcome here

submit

Reply

almawad almawad Dec 15, 2009 @ 8:41 am

Thank You ! I love everything retro !

Reply

TNM TNM Dec 12, 2009 @ 8:06 am

Love your lense. You might find on of mine interesting Retro Gifts

Reply

almawad almawad Dec 14, 2009 @ 5:43 am

Retro is fun ! Thank you for the hint and for visiting !

Reply

cleanearth cleanearth Dec 11, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

I have fond memories of christmas today when I look back and my father was still alive. Still nice, but a lot of things have changed today of course, and I really miss christmas as it used to be. This lens reminds me of it. Thank you so much for sharing. You have a lovely lens on christmas

Reply

almawad almawad Dec 14, 2009 @ 5:45 am

CHristmas as it used to be .. it can not be brought back I think as the world and we ourselves are different from that as it used to be .Still it is nice to remember ....
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Well one year I fell madly in love with a doll that was to the right. (more expensive than Grandma's social security budget would allow)

Xmas stories from my readers

your stories are welcome !

As a little girl my Grandma would buy me a doll every Christmas.
story by iamlofra

I always knew what I was getting because I picked it out. About the middle of December she would take me "down town" (no malls back then) The Bon Marche was the nicest department store we had. They had a doll counter in their toy department. There was always a very nice lady that would wait on you. Handing you the doll you wanted from the shelves behind the counter. The dolls were arranged on the shelves by price. Left to Right, Least expensive to most expensive. Grandma would show me where on the shelf I could start and tell me I could choose any doll I wanted to the left of that spot. Well one year I fell madly in love with a doll that was to the right. (more expensive than her social security budget would allow) The nice lady behind the counter saw me looking at this particular doll and handed her to me. She told me the dolls name was "Kitten" but I might want to call her kitty for short. Well I was a pretty good kid and I know my Grandma couldn't afford "Kitten". So I returned the doll to the clerk and chose one in Grandma's price range and honestly never even thought of "kitten" again. That is until Christmas Day! You guessed it. When I opened my package from Grandma there was "My Kitten"

Antique Dolls on eBay

toys of a bygone era

Here the e - bay will automatically display its current offer of antique dolls and related items . Browsing those offers you may find something special as a gift .

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most lasting memories by Mpiggy

magical holidays during those dark, cold and slim years in Hungary

One of my most lasting memory is how we sat down every evening around my father, who just loved singing....My siblings and I sang a whole list of Christmas songs with him in the lead. They were the hymns you would sing in the church during the season..everyone knew them sang them. But it was an exhilarating and special feeling singing them at home, with my own family , while the darkness took over the world outside- The days are so short in December!

I love one of the hymns the most- that one was taught to us by father- nobody else knows it. I still sing it to myself very often during this time of the year. has a very nice melody to it...

It goes;

"Fel nagy oromre megszuletett

aki utan a fold epedett"

My other favorite things of course happened in the kitchen. My mom was an amazing cook EVERY day of the year, but the weeks before Christmas the excitement was palpable.

Everything smelled so wonderful. We had to help- and did it without complaining- :grinding the poppy seeds, peeling walnuts...beat up egg whites....

She made the best pastries in town....Our land lady had an old recipe for those fancy candies- yes "szaloncukor"- She came over to help making those. I remember there would be a sugary gooey mass-divided to several parts for the different flavouring. My favourite was the walnut flavoured. The cooling mass was rolled out on a marble board and cut into small squares by string...

We collected shiny coloured papers over the year and used them for the wrapping.

It was such a tedious work-nobody would be willing to do things like that any more.

(I understand, it is fashionable making szaloncukor again. maybe there are some shortcuts in the process...)

Just like you said, Christmas Eve was nothing short of magical. The shining tree..the small piles of presents UNDER...It was exciting-every time we had to SING of course first , the whole well reversed repertoire..before jumping on our own pile. I still remember how we tried finding out what is hiding there...and singing sort of mindlessly... I learned the Silent night's German version from our land lady- i still can remember the words. She always came over with her grown up daughter. They enjoyed the evening together with us.

I don't know how our parents did it..how could they have the energy, the money to pull this all together every years during those dark, cold and slim years. Just like Alma said , for us it was delightful..rich..wonderful.

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News from those dark , cold , slim years

Xmas news from 1957 in Hungary

There is enough coal, toys ,soap ,drinks and cigarettes this year at Xmas was the message of the news in 1957 at Xmas .

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Xmas design

list of popular designers

do you have a link to a xmas design shop ? share it with us here !

see also the other links and vote

My Childhood's Christmas Stories

Mom ,what's Christmas about ?

Xmas card of the day

Xmas & Winter Card

Grandma 's arrival was the greatest present for Christmas

"I love the story of your Granma .Whimsical and soft spoken."

MPiggy from Canada

How to make beigli /Hungarian poppy seed /walnut rolls?

slide show tale of this homemade cake with English subtitles

walnut and poppyseed rolls

Hungarian festive delight

HOME MADE CAKES

YOU CAN ORDER FRESH HUNGARIAN CAKES

To MY READERS

All about Christmas

Fly to your loved ones

How an ugly book turnes into a nice memorable gift

Christmas story or the ugly book's tale - PART ONE

"today's thorn might be tomorrow's flower"

Anonymous said

retro xmas in Hungary

my mom's pride

"God writes lines that immediately we do not understand, but they are exactly for our good."

Geraldo from Brasil

CHRISTMAS STORY or the ugly book's tale - PART TWO

Retro gifts

1970's learning the art of giving

BEAUTIFUL CARDS TO BUY OR SEND AS A FREE E -CARD

ALMA'S SELECTION

xmas design by alma

retro xmas at zazzle

MORE LINKS about Christmas

Christmas Craft ideas

Just see these clips and do it yourself

Christmas Crafts : How to Make a Giant Holiday Wreath

How precious Xmas traditions are ?

vanillapud_vanillapod says:

almawad says:

sandyspider says:

Evelyn_Saenz says:

Hungarian cakeshop

pataki cukraszda

Christmas tree

Christmas controversy

Xmas and winter decoration

GIRL BY A CHRISTMAS TREE CARD with winter melodies

Lesson on real gifts

Santa Myth and our Kids

Thanks for voting! Now invite your friends to vote.

you can help hungry people

Tell me about your holidays

your comment ,memories all welcome here

Xmas stories from my readers

your stories are welcome !

Antique Dolls on eBay

toys of a bygone era

most lasting memories by Mpiggy

magical holidays during those dark, cold and slim years in Hungary

News from those dark , cold , slim years

Xmas news from 1957 in Hungary

Xmas design

list of popular designers

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