A memorable childhood Christmas

Chinle, Ariz., December 20, 2007

At the age of 8 or 9, I was enrolled at Ganado Presbyterian Mission School. This is where I experienced the most memorable Christmas as a child.

Prior to this time, Christmas was just another special day. At school and church I had received a bag of candy with peanuts, apples and oranges. The church gave us a bag of items, which were eventually taken away by older girls.

At the mission school, the month of December held exciting joyous activities. An annual Christmas pageant recital began with students' performances of the following characters: Mary, Joseph, three wise men, shepherds, a multitude of heavenly angels, and three little boys who each sang a solo.

I remember Wallace Hanley singing "I Set the Ram With Curly Horns."

The pageant usually concluded with students of different tribes dressed in their tribal attire singing, "Joy to the World." It was the most wonderful, interesting and exciting pageant I've gotten to know.

Then there was a program called "White Christmas." Each student and employee wrapped a gift in white wrapper and labeled it male or female, boy or girl. These gifts were taken to an evening service there.

We were taught that Christmas was a time of giving, not receiving. God gave us his son, so at Christmas we give. As a child, I didn't want to believe this. I wanted to receive. I never had money so I did some chores for an employee who paid me and I used that money to purchase a gift.

Then there was a community Christmas. Families around the community arrived. There were white-haired grandmas and grandpas. There were a lot of mothers, fathers and tiny tots. I saw all the excitement in them.

A dinner was served. The pageant was performed by students, which was followed by presentation of Christmas bags. Our white Christmas gifts were in the bags.

The Christmas pageant for the mission campus and adjacent trading post employees was given. We were all excited as the pageant was performed. To actually see our fellow schoolmates perform or act out the Christmas story was exciting.

One morning we saw a huge anonymous Christmas tree in our living room plastered with plaster and sprinkled with glitter. The weight of the white plaster bent the branches down just like real snow does. There was a colored revolving light that made the glitter reflect. It was the most magnificent tree I've ever seen.

During the following evening we all gathered in the living room. Most of us sat on the floor as we sang Christmas carols. Then a tray of homemade candy was passed around. We listened to Christmas stories that Miss Ellerton read.

Then there was the school Christmas held in the gym. We all sang Christmas carols prior to passing out gifts. We all received a Christmas bag, which contained school supplies, pieces of clothing and personal cosmetics of soap, lotion, toothpaste, and the like.

I was thrilled with items in my bag. There were a lot of laughter and joy seen in the students.

Early Christmas morning we were wakened by high school girls caroling. We all excitedly rushed to the living room in our pajamas. We saw a lot of presents piled under the tree. Some of the presents included packages that came through the mail from parents and friends. Could one be mine?

We joined the carolers in singing Christmas carols. Thereafter presents were passed out. There was a lot of excitement.

I carefully listened for my name. Then when I was called I excitedly reached for the gift as others did. I pulled the wrapping off and saw my gift. I received a gift! The joy of Christmas! Wow!

The carolers had gone to Hubbell Trading Post as well as to the local one and Round Top Trading Post. Miss Ellerton had led them on the walk.

We quickly got ready for breakfast and rushed there. When we got to the dining hall we all stood behind our assigned chair. Miss Ellerton sang "Joy to the World," followed by Charley Hagerton's prayer. Then we were served cafeteria style.

After breakfast, chores were done and we readied ourselves for church service. During the service a special song of "O' Holy Night" was sung by Hoskie Haswood.

All these joyous memories return during Christmas seasons. Christmas is Jesus Christ's birthday celebrated by giving as God gave his son Jesus Christ.

Celebrate a joyous Christmas season by giving. Merry Christmas to all of you! Joy to the World!

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