<Previous Page

I’ve attached a picture of me in my pajamas this past Christmas, with my parents’ dog in my lap. Growing up, every year, Christmas morning was a big deal in our house. Mom had a rule that none of us kids were allowed to go downstairs until all of us were together and ready, the Christmas lights turned on, and the music playing. And let me say, even when we were all grown up and in our 20s, the “everyone has to come downstairs together” rule still applied. It started as a way to keep any of us from digging into the presents before all of us were there and ready, and Mom and Dad had cameras in position. I still remember sitting on the top step yelling at my sisters and brother to hurry up so we could go down and open presents. When Mom gave the OK, we’d all go tearing down the stairs in our pajamas to find our pile under the tree.

We’re all grown up now, some with children of their own and some of us having moved far away out of state. Still though, it’s not Christmas unless I’m at Mom and Dad’s. Most years it’s just me, since I have no kids of my own, now first thing in the morning with Mom and Dad, at least until my brother or sister arrive with their kids. So the waiting at the top of the steps rule no longer applies. But I still feel a little  bit uncomfortable heading downstairs before Mom gives me the OK, with all lights on and music playing. This year, my sister and her family is living with my parents for a while, so she was there with her three kids Christmas AM. And let me say, that zing of excitement waiting to be allowed downstairs was once again back, as Mom and my sister made the boys wait until everyone was there. I waited with them, even though I didn’t have to, just to have one more Christmas morning with that special moment when we all first see the tree with presents on display, together, for the first time.

I may be all grown up, but I got to experience a little bit of that Christmas magic one more time through the eyes of three VERY excited little boys. So I had to share a picture from this year for your contest. Kelley
__________________________

Suzanne,

I have many fond memories of pajamas - from the annual Christmas pj's as a kid, to sewing matching Christmas pjs' for MY kids, to my favorite nightshirt received from my kids (a puppy dog with flapping ears on the front and tail on the back - now preserved for posterity in it's very worn thin condition).  But, I have to share this story:

I am a 13.5 year breast cancer survivor (and I'm only 50!)  As part of my treatment I underwent treatment with tamoxifen and eventually had a hysterectomy.  Can you say HOT FLASH! ! !  Always being one to don my jammies and snuggle in under the covers, experiencing night sweats meant I needed to shed the jammies - I just couldn't handle even a light gown. I was soooo sad as I opened my drawer and saw the myriad nighties, flannels, and tshirts!  I wondered if I should donate them to charity or would I ever ever be able to wear jammies again?!  Even my morning "pj's with coffee and the paper" ritual turned into shorts and a t-shirt!

I am so happy and pleased to report that after finishing my medication, my flashes have subsided.  SO now, not only am I a survivor, but I am wearing my jammies again!!And, after reading all about your pj party and other readers stories, on my list of things to do this weekend - indulge in some new pajamas!!  (and in case you're wondering  I did end up donating some of the newer pj's to a women's shelter too!)

Thanks for doing this Suzanne - it's brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart this very cold Houston morning. Jacquie
__________________________

Hi Suzanne -

Living up here in the northern part of Canada, pyjamas were a big part of our daily lives.  The long cold winters meant flannelette nightgowns for me and my younger sister.  My mother was a seamstress and made just about everything we wore - the only thing she couldn't master was shoes !!

My sister is 8 years younger than me, and from her second Christmas in 1964, Lorrie and I were decked out in floor length, ruffled, buttoned up "granny" nightgowns - they were full and "swirly" and we waltzed around the livingroom every Christmas eve in our new matching gowns.  I still have remnants of these gowns in the many quilts my mother has made over the years.  My mother kept everything and put it to use. 

The tradition continued when I had my own daughter and my mother made her the same nightgowns each Christmas - she too loves her swirly granny gown and asks her Gran to make her a new one every year.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a happy memory !   I truly enjoy your bookclub !!! Kathie

Next Page>