Gifts of Heritage

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Victoria Classics Book Club selection Little House on the Prairie, observed, “Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” Readers reminisce about past holidays, sharing cherished moments from their youth that still claim an important role in today’s celebrations.

Living with my grandparents, Yuletide was always special. An old-fashioned, real tree took center stage in our living room, with brightly colored bulbs and glass ornaments from Germany adorning the boughs. Grandpa’s handmade wooden manger and wooden candlesticks added to the scene, while Grandma’s carefully stitched Christmas curtains hung in the kitchen.

Those shimmering ornaments now