Click on a present icon above to view a favorite holiday story.
21 Responses to “Share Your Favorite Holiday Memories with Sitelab”
Lucileia Shared a Memory:
I don’t do cookies with rtetucs usually… because they always seem to expand on me, even after following the directions perfectly for no-rise cookies!BuT – I <3 me some other Christmas stuff – we always make Russian Tea Cakes, and Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate dipped pretzels!
Tammy B. Shared a Memory:
My first memory of Christmas was when I was 3 and my family lived in Brick, NJ. My parents gave me a Weebles play set and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, until I saw the Nerf basketball set my little brother got with a net so high my Dad had to lift him up to shoot. Wow! Back then I thought we were the luckiest kids on the planet, and still are today.
We’ve always had great parents to support us with everything from shooting hoops to overcoming life’s challenges and celebrating our successes too. And the Weebles are a toy that no matter how much you push them down they always return upright — my first great example for how to survive in this ca-razy world!
Heather Shared a Memory:
Growing up in California, the weather at Christmas time has always been relatively warmer than the rest of the world. However, to me, it’s cold. And my birthday falls on December 22, right next to Christmas, and I’ve always celebrated inside buddle up by the fire. I never had sunshine warm birthday and Christmas, until this year. For the first time, I celebrated my birthday (31) with my family on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. We island hoped and saw 6 tropical islands in 7 days. The weather was perfect, sunny and hot, just like I like it! It was new and terrific! The islands were beautiful and the company was great. It was the best birthday and Christmas celebration ever. Iced cold beers on a gorgeous tropical beach. Heaven!
rebecca Shared a Memory:
I married into a family whose best Christmas tradition is getting everyone matching PJs every year. The pictures of all of us lounging around the tree in identical clothing are pretty great.
Ryan Bruins Shared a Memory:
Growing up in upstate New York there was no shortage of snow. My older brother and I would spend the whole day outside enjoying the various winter sports and activities. Sometime in the early ’80s, we both received the GT Snowracer for Christmas. We took these all around town to build jumps and downhill race tracks with endless fun. Good times!
Christine L. Shared a Memory:
One of my favorite holiday memories was when I was 10-12 years old (I forget exactly how old but sometime around then). We were at my maternal cousin’s house in Allentown, PA where we spent every other Christmas ever since I was born. Everyone opened gifts and I personally don’t remember getting anything particularly special but I do remember my aunt getting a Kitchen-aid standing mixer from my cousins and uncle. She was really excited about it but my cousins, sister, and I were even more thrilled to use it. My cousin loves to bake and one of the gifts she received was a cookie recipe book. We looked up recipes in the book and made and decorated cookies all of Christmas Day. I want to say 60-80 cookies were made and probably only 20 were eaten. Whenever Christmas is at my cousin’s house, we make cookies using that standing mixer on Christmas Eve or Day. We don’t make 60-80 cookies but it’s become a tradition for me and my cousins to make some.
Anthony Miller Shared a Memory:
I was probably 4 or 5, living in Saxmundham, England and we were at a friends house up the street on Christmas Eve. All the kids were playing around upstairs while the adults were doing whatever it was they were doing downstairs, cards, eggnog etc… Outside the window all the kids noticed something flying through the air lit up like a sleigh, and of course everyone thought it was Santa Clause, or in England speak “Father Christmas”. It was most likely a little plane with Christmas lights on it but at that age we were convinced it was Father Christmas. We bugged our parents all night about it, and although I don’t remember hearing that Santa wasn’t real that night I’m sure it was on their minds to tell us.
Isaac Gonzalez Shared a Memory:
My favorite holiday memory as a child is when I was eleven years old. My uncle’s mother in law once told me “One of these days I’m going to give you a small box for Christmas and it’s going to be the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received.” Ms. Reeves was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met.
Ms. Reeves was in town while we where visiting relatives during the holidays. She gave my brother and I a hug and suddenly said “Oops almost forgot here’s your Christmas gift”. We were each handed a small present.
Quickly I untied the ribbon at the top, released the masking tape, and carefully unfolded the wrapping paper. I was trying to be polite and decided not to use the usual tear everything to shred method. Opened it up and before my eyes was a small wooden cigar box. Slowly I lifted the lid. Inside was a fresh pile of a hundred $1 bills. My face glowed like a Leprechaun with his pot of gold. It was the most cash I’ve ever held in my life. The pile of ones stood about three inches tall. I remember continually sliding my thumbs across the corners of the dollar bills just to hear the sound of the bills rubbing together. At that moment I was the happiest kid on the planet.
I’m forever thankful and will never forgot the kindness Ms. Reeves showed me.
Erin A. Shared a Memory:
One of my strongest Christmas memories (and my father’s) is the year that I asked Santa for a swing. I had played at a friend’s house who had a swingset and wanted one too. I awoke that Christmas morning to a gigantic red wood swingset with my name on it and a bow. Through the eyes of child it was perfect and I was so excited to play on it, but my dad told me “So Sorry Erin…Santa was in a big hurry putting it together and knew daddy could fix it so it’s not quite finished, you can play on it later. “ Later I found out that my dad and uncles had drank a bit too much eggnog/aquavit the night before and forgot about putting it together until midnight. So they tried to put it together in the dead of night with no power tools so it was leaning to one side and missing screws. The next day my dad ended up dismantling and reassembling the whole thing so I could even sit on it without it collapsing on me but as I said that story came later.
Jillian G Shared a Memory:
It was 1996 and my first trip to Europe with my family. It was also the coldest winter on record in recent history to hit Europe. We would walk down Champs Elysées and duck into stores mostly to warm up. The problem is the stores eventually close. The whole family ended up going to the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower – mostly for hot drinks. I had a hot chocolate, my brother an espresso with the parents chose liquor based hot drinks. By the time we got down to the street, my Dad decided it was time to take night photography while the three of us stood on the street freezing. Once the espresso had kicked in, my brother took my hands and decided we should start ballroom dancing on the sidewalk. Eventually, a small crowd gathered to watch, point and laugh at the silly Americans. It was quite possibly the most bizarre impromptu moment, and one of the funniest and memorable events of the holidays. A shame they didn’t think we were street performers – could have used some francs for more hot beverages.
Drew Vanhecke Shared a Memory:
The Christmas of 1982 started the G.I. Joe craze for me and my little brother. These miniature action figures fueled our little imaginations for days on end. Duke, Grunt, Rock-n-Roll, and Cobra, the cast of characters went on and on. With their posable limbs and tiny accessories, they provided countless hours of entertainment. Forts were built, battles ensued, cutthroat trades were made and a neighborhood fraternity of kids that were completely captivated with this toy line emerged. Yo Joe!
Kent McIntosh Shared a Memory:
My favorite holiday memory dates back to Christmas morning in 1972; – I’d like to say I was a newborn but in actuality, I was twelve at the time. I had high hopes that Santa had wedged a trampoline into his sack for me.
As I crept into the living room before sunrise, I shouted with delight to see a shiny red motorcycle awaiting my older brother. Instinctively I knew that meant something equally grand was in store for me. To my dismay and ultimate horror, my father informed me that the giant scarey machine was in fact my gift.
How could they do this to me? What were they thinking? I had pangs of nausea just imagining how I would be crushed under the massive weight of the Honda Trail 70, as I attempted to ride it for the first time.
Ultimately, I faced my fears and took my first ride. Within hours my confidence grew and my motorcycle adventures began. Over the next five years, I enjoyed endless hours of fun and exploration. Though I never became a racing daredevil, that bike helped me to man up and became my favorite holiday memory.
Ryan Barber Shared a Memory:
I was born on Christmas ( 1977 ) … so that is probably my FAVORITE… but, I don’t think anyone wants to see a pic of that.. so… Ill share my Second favorite Christmas. It was 16 years later. I was a young strapping lad with things to do, and people to see.. or was it people to.. oh.. never mind. I was on the go. We’ll leave it at that. My parents, realizing that a young man needs his freedom ( and sick and tired of driving me all over hell’s half acre ) got me a car. A sweet ass 1989 Chevy S10 blazer to be exact. I couldn’t have been happier. I have lots of great memories in that whip, and that will always be one of my favorite Christmases!
Sarah J. Shared a Memory:
Location: Chicago, IL
My sister and I finally got the New Kids on the Block Concert Video. We cried when we got it. We danced around the house like maniacs, sang at the top of our lungs and fought over which band member we would marry. Mom took it away from us after a few days of madness.
She was right to do it, if boy bands are anywhere near as annoying then as they are now. I don’t know what we were thinking.
Lori B. Shared a Memory:
Coronado, CA
My first Christmas at the beach 2011. A few days ago I visited the ice rink at Hotel Del Coronado and will never forget the sensation of ice skating outside, on a beach with Palm Trees, Beach, Sand and Ocean all around. It was an experience I’ll never forget. So glad to be a part of the SiteLab Team.
Jenn B. Shared a Memory:
Location: Flint, Michigan
My favorite memories from the holiday season were the ones tied to my Swedish heritage. Every Christmas morning we would eat Swedish Christmas Braid bread made by my grandma, then my aunt, my cousin, and now me. The smell of the yeasty, cardamom-laced bread toasting was almost more effective in rousing me out of bed than the anticipation of opening Christmas gifts.
The most special day in December to me is Santa Lucia Day, December 13th, the “festival of lights” dating back to 3rd century Sweden. Schools and many small towns in Sweden still choose a Santa Lucia every year. I was honored to be selected to be Flint’s Santa Lucia in 1993 to perform traditional Swedish dances with a children’s group. Since leaving home, I’ve carried on the tradition of celebrating Santa Lucia — at the Scandinavia House in NYC and now at the annual Santa Lucia Procession during Balboa Park’s December Night.
Jenn M. Shared a Memory:
Location: Denver, Colorado
I had a black lab named Lucy who was 11 months old. During her first Christmas, I received a box from my aunt with Christmas presents inside. Not knowing what was in the presents, I put them all under the Christmas tree and went to bed. In the morning, I woke up to find that the tree was tipped over and all of the presents were opened with paper scattered about. Unbeknownst to me, my aunt had sent “homemade” food gifts for the holidays that year. And we all know how labs LOVE their food!! Lucy opened and ate every single present! She was sick for days.
Sarah Shared a Memory:
Location: LAX, Los Angeles, CA
I really wanted a soccer ball from Peru, where my boyfriend was traveling to. He looked everywhere, found a small shop and asked for the whereabouts of soccer balls. They dug through their own belongings and produced a Madrid ball. They worked hard to find it, so my boyfriend bought it for me for their hefty sum.
He spotted some kids playing soccer with a busted ball a few days later. He gave them the ball he got for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.
Brandon Shared a Memory:
Back years ago as a wee little kid in Utah, the family had gathered at my grandparents’ house to exchange some gifts. All of the uncles and grandpa got what I thought was just about the coolest thing EVER — a fireman’s hat, that had a flashing light and a siren. I waited excitedly but patiently – I was raised properly after all – for my gift. When my gift came around, it was something else! And I did what any guy would do who didn’t get what he wanted for Christmas. I started balling like a little brat. (Did I mention I was 6?) My grandma felt so bad, that she made up some story how she must have left my fireman’s hat at the store. I ended up getting a second gift, my prized fireman’s hat with flashing light and super obnoxious siren. I was the happiest kid ever.
Matt Shared a Memory:
The Year There was No Christmas Candy
The holiday memory that sticks out for me from my childhood ironically isn’t even about presents. It’s about candy. Every year somewhere in the middle of December, there would be 4 or 5 special candy dishes brought out just for Christmas, chock full of Reese’s peanut butter cups and Hershey’s chocolate bars. These were no ordinary candy dishes…they were the most guady christmas candy dishes you could imagine; a miniature model of santa and his sleigh where the sleigh was filled with candy, a giant glass see-through christmas tree, a huge santa head with a bowl on top, and there was even a candy dish in the nativity scene.
More than anything else, these dishes meant Christmas was close to me. And even better, my family’s famed Christmas Eve party. However, there was one year when the Christmas Candy met an untimely end.
It was just like any other year…the candy dishes had made their first appearance and I had to be on my best behavior so as to not attract any attention to my increased chocolate intake. I remember creatively stacking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups so that they would look like a bigger pile than they really ere and none had been taken out of the dish (if the dish got too low we were sure to hear about because the dish HAD to be full for our party). Anyways, the next day after the dish’s appearance, I went to school and returned home as usual…looking forward to picking out a Christmas themed Hershey’s bar or Reese;s Cup, when to my dismay I happened upon one of the most frightful scenes imaginable….
I turned the corner to enter our living room only to happen upon the most candy wrappers I’ve ever seen in one place at one time. Just to be clear, these were empty candy wrappers….hundreds of ‘em. I hadn’t even gotten to enjoy more than 2 pieces of candy. It was like a little army of elves had marched through on a scorched earth campaign knocking out candy dishes and christmas decorations at will. It didn’t take long for the horror to subside and a legitmate fear crept into our heads….the only way this could happen was if our little miniature schnauzer had done this damage. Unwrapping every single candy so perfectly and neatly before devouring the treat inside. If I wasn’t so afraid of the fact that she could have died, I would’ve punted her into a snowbank. But there she was, innocent as ever just wondering what all the commotion was about.
Katy Shared a Memory:
The year was 1976, I was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My two favorite things in the whole world were Barbie and my grandpa. I was so excited to find that Santa had bought me exactly what I wanted – a Barbie RV! It was bright yellow & pink and came with a with a full kitchen, what could be better for Barbie and Skipper to travel in? But my favorite memory is of my grandpa, sitting on the floor for what seemed to be hours, while he patiently applied the hundreds of decals on that rv, down to the macrame hanging plant in the kitchen (did I mention it was the 70s?). I’ll never forget that RV, or my grandpa for making it perfect for his favorite (only) granddaughter.
I don’t do cookies with rtetucs usually… because they always seem to expand on me, even after following the directions perfectly for no-rise cookies!BuT – I <3 me some other Christmas stuff – we always make Russian Tea Cakes, and Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate dipped pretzels!
We’ve always had great parents to support us with everything from shooting hoops to overcoming life’s challenges and celebrating our successes too. And the Weebles are a toy that no matter how much you push them down they always return upright — my first great example for how to survive in this ca-razy world!
My favorite holiday memory as a child is when I was eleven years old. My uncle’s mother in law once told me “One of these days I’m going to give you a small box for Christmas and it’s going to be the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received.” Ms. Reeves was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met.
Ms. Reeves was in town while we where visiting relatives during the holidays. She gave my brother and I a hug and suddenly said “Oops almost forgot here’s your Christmas gift”. We were each handed a small present.
Quickly I untied the ribbon at the top, released the masking tape, and carefully unfolded the wrapping paper. I was trying to be polite and decided not to use the usual tear everything to shred method. Opened it up and before my eyes was a small wooden cigar box. Slowly I lifted the lid. Inside was a fresh pile of a hundred $1 bills. My face glowed like a Leprechaun with his pot of gold. It was the most cash I’ve ever held in my life. The pile of ones stood about three inches tall. I remember continually sliding my thumbs across the corners of the dollar bills just to hear the sound of the bills rubbing together. At that moment I was the happiest kid on the planet.
I’m forever thankful and will never forgot the kindness Ms. Reeves showed me.
As I crept into the living room before sunrise, I shouted with delight to see a shiny red motorcycle awaiting my older brother. Instinctively I knew that meant something equally grand was in store for me. To my dismay and ultimate horror, my father informed me that the giant scarey machine was in fact my gift.
How could they do this to me? What were they thinking? I had pangs of nausea just imagining how I would be crushed under the massive weight of the Honda Trail 70, as I attempted to ride it for the first time.
Ultimately, I faced my fears and took my first ride. Within hours my confidence grew and my motorcycle adventures began. Over the next five years, I enjoyed endless hours of fun and exploration. Though I never became a racing daredevil, that bike helped me to man up and became my favorite holiday memory.
My sister and I finally got the New Kids on the Block Concert Video. We cried when we got it. We danced around the house like maniacs, sang at the top of our lungs and fought over which band member we would marry. Mom took it away from us after a few days of madness.
She was right to do it, if boy bands are anywhere near as annoying then as they are now. I don’t know what we were thinking.
My first Christmas at the beach 2011. A few days ago I visited the ice rink at Hotel Del Coronado and will never forget the sensation of ice skating outside, on a beach with Palm Trees, Beach, Sand and Ocean all around. It was an experience I’ll never forget. So glad to be a part of the SiteLab Team.
My favorite memories from the holiday season were the ones tied to my Swedish heritage. Every Christmas morning we would eat Swedish Christmas Braid bread made by my grandma, then my aunt, my cousin, and now me. The smell of the yeasty, cardamom-laced bread toasting was almost more effective in rousing me out of bed than the anticipation of opening Christmas gifts.
The most special day in December to me is Santa Lucia Day, December 13th, the “festival of lights” dating back to 3rd century Sweden. Schools and many small towns in Sweden still choose a Santa Lucia every year. I was honored to be selected to be Flint’s Santa Lucia in 1993 to perform traditional Swedish dances with a children’s group. Since leaving home, I’ve carried on the tradition of celebrating Santa Lucia — at the Scandinavia House in NYC and now at the annual Santa Lucia Procession during Balboa Park’s December Night.
I had a black lab named Lucy who was 11 months old. During her first Christmas, I received a box from my aunt with Christmas presents inside. Not knowing what was in the presents, I put them all under the Christmas tree and went to bed. In the morning, I woke up to find that the tree was tipped over and all of the presents were opened with paper scattered about. Unbeknownst to me, my aunt had sent “homemade” food gifts for the holidays that year. And we all know how labs LOVE their food!! Lucy opened and ate every single present! She was sick for days.
I really wanted a soccer ball from Peru, where my boyfriend was traveling to. He looked everywhere, found a small shop and asked for the whereabouts of soccer balls. They dug through their own belongings and produced a Madrid ball. They worked hard to find it, so my boyfriend bought it for me for their hefty sum.
He spotted some kids playing soccer with a busted ball a few days later. He gave them the ball he got for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.
The Year There was No Christmas Candy
The holiday memory that sticks out for me from my childhood ironically isn’t even about presents. It’s about candy. Every year somewhere in the middle of December, there would be 4 or 5 special candy dishes brought out just for Christmas, chock full of Reese’s peanut butter cups and Hershey’s chocolate bars. These were no ordinary candy dishes…they were the most guady christmas candy dishes you could imagine; a miniature model of santa and his sleigh where the sleigh was filled with candy, a giant glass see-through christmas tree, a huge santa head with a bowl on top, and there was even a candy dish in the nativity scene.
More than anything else, these dishes meant Christmas was close to me. And even better, my family’s famed Christmas Eve party. However, there was one year when the Christmas Candy met an untimely end.
It was just like any other year…the candy dishes had made their first appearance and I had to be on my best behavior so as to not attract any attention to my increased chocolate intake. I remember creatively stacking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups so that they would look like a bigger pile than they really ere and none had been taken out of the dish (if the dish got too low we were sure to hear about because the dish HAD to be full for our party). Anyways, the next day after the dish’s appearance, I went to school and returned home as usual…looking forward to picking out a Christmas themed Hershey’s bar or Reese;s Cup, when to my dismay I happened upon one of the most frightful scenes imaginable….
I turned the corner to enter our living room only to happen upon the most candy wrappers I’ve ever seen in one place at one time. Just to be clear, these were empty candy wrappers….hundreds of ‘em. I hadn’t even gotten to enjoy more than 2 pieces of candy. It was like a little army of elves had marched through on a scorched earth campaign knocking out candy dishes and christmas decorations at will. It didn’t take long for the horror to subside and a legitmate fear crept into our heads….the only way this could happen was if our little miniature schnauzer had done this damage. Unwrapping every single candy so perfectly and neatly before devouring the treat inside. If I wasn’t so afraid of the fact that she could have died, I would’ve punted her into a snowbank. But there she was, innocent as ever just wondering what all the commotion was about.