A visit to Christmas Past

1955 Living room on Norman Road. Terry, Linda, Andie standing, Barbara. Momma loved driftwood. One of her driftwood lamps can be seen on the left.

1955 The whole gang! Front row: Reggie, Barbara, Linda looking at Raymond and surprised he is sitting down for the picture too. Back row: Andie, Terry cutting her eyes at Reggie (she was probably telling Terry to hold still which was very difficult for her!)

Studio picture with Santa taken in downtown Atlanta – most likely Rich’s. Raymond probably said “No way” and stayed home. Momma made all our clothes including our coats. Notice Terry’s socks – she loved to roll them down instead of folding them! 1955

I don’t think Linda wanted to be in this picture!

1956 With the addition of the large den, we moved our Christmas tree out of the living room. Standing – Cousin Chip, Raymond. Seated: Reggie, Terry, Andie, Barbara, and Linda. Momma spent a lot of time making doll clothes for all her doll “grandchildren!” Can you tell that Momma cut our hair?

1956 We thought Santa’s elves made all the gorgeous doll clothes.

1965 When we got older, Momma would let us help her decorate the sliding glass door.

1968 Kris, Cindy, and Keith sitting with Great Granny Fortenberry. Cindy and Keith have been eating chocolate. Notice the sliding glass door – one of Momma’s best – the three kings.

1968 Kris and Cindy

1969 Bachie and Barbara Grandpa Werbicki died December 26, Bachie and Aunt Reggie moved from New York to Georgia the following year. This was Bachie’s first Christmas in Georgia.

Bad picture quality but a great shot of the kitchen. All the grandchildren will remember that the candy stash was above the breadbox! Unknown year

Wonder why David has his napkin on his shoulder? Linda and David sipping on Momma’s eggnog. Unknown year – mid 1970s

Aunt Reggie and Momma getting those biscuits ready! 1975

Andie with Emily opening gift while Keith is watching. Kris putting out presents. David and John in the background.

1976 For some reason, every toddler got a train that year! The sound was deafening! We all went home with our ears ringing but not from Christmas bells! Emily and ?

Deborah being consoled by her daddy, David. 1976

We often included all the in-laws. Austin Cross and Bill Criminger were with us that year. Looking at Jenny in John’s lap, the year is By the way, the décor in the center of the ceiling was made of coat hangers tied together with ornaments hanging from the hooks. (Yes, it is out of focus.) 1977

The cause of poor picture quality during the 1970s was due to the high cost of silver. Because silver was necessary for the processing of negatives and photo development, attempts were made to use less silver. Consequently, almost all the pictures from this time period, including professional produced images are very washed out. Even with the magic of PhotoShop, the effects cannot be overcome. Original image Daddy and Mr. Cross

1980 Doing what we do well – talking! Top – Aunt Reggie, Raymond, and Andie Right – Daddy, Reggie, Raymond, John

1980 Linda, Momma, Reggie, Beth, Andie seated. I bet there is potato salad in that red bowl!

1980 Cindy received one of Momma’s many handmade pillows and quilts. Terry is holding Heather and Chuck is holding Leigh. Eric is on the edge of the couch next to Linda. Andrew and Susie are next to the couch.

1980 The Gingerbread scene before being consumed!

1980 Goodbye gingerbread scene – Cindy, Linda handing chunks to Jay and Andrew, Emily in front of Keith, Rusty, Wanda, Jenny.

1980 Deborah, Barbara, Kris, Keith behind Susie, Rusty.

Kris was reading names and the younger kids were making deliveries. Emily is waiting to know what name is on the package. 1980

Aunt Reggie, Daddy, and Momma 1980

Trolling motor for Daddy’s little beige fishing boat that sat in the back yard. About 1981

Eating at the kiddie’s table – Emily, Jenny, Eric 1981

Chopped Chicken Livers!!! Ham and Kielbasa biscuits Potato salad in the old red bowl Aunt Reggie’s Hickory nut pound cake Some of the strange mix of our “traditional” foods 1981

About 1982 – Deborah, Jay, and Heather

Jay, Wanda holding Heather, Susie, Barbara behind Leigh, Andrew, Betsy 1982

Keith filling his plate, Momma (with her eyes closed again), and the small guy is Andrew. About 1985

1985 We have quite a few pictures from this year. Andie, Andrew, Terry, Mr. Cross, Bob, Rob Cross, Reggie, Jeff, Mrs. Gee.

Momma, Jenny, Eric with gift, Betsy, Jay, John, Andie 1985

Momma, Deborah, Jenny

1985 Facing camera, Jay, Jenny in front of Andie and Terry, Mr. Cross

1985 Emily, Jenny, and “Poppo.” This picture is priceless because of the great view of the photo walls!

1985 In back: Wanda and Emily. Front: Susie, Jenny, Heather, Deborah

Front center – Chruscikis (Bow ties) next to pecan pie Jay, Heather, Leigh, Jenny About 1986

Deborah (seated), Eric, Barbara, Terry, Keith. Late 1980s

Barbara listening intently to Raymond, Andie, John.

1988 Cooking bowties! Leigh, Deborah, Jay, and Momma.

1988 David holding Josh, Momma, Chuck in the background. Girls unidentifiable!

Andie with Josh, John, Jenny, Emily, Deborah Jay, Momma, Mrs. Gee, Mrs. Criminger, sitting on a chair in front of Deborah and Emily, Mrs. Cross. About 1990

Adrian and Wanda’s first four great grandchildren - Maddie, Ashley, Josh, and Ben. 1992

They were always happiest with a house full of children and grandchildren.

Santa’s real role model for kindness and love.

I hope you have enjoyed this walk with me down memory lane. As I put this together, I must confess that I shed some tears along the way. Since Momma and Daddy died, Christmas has never been the same for me; but it is getting better now that I have two grandsons. The hole in my heart is acceptable (but often hard to manage) because it would not exist without the love for my parents that caused it to develop once they were gone. The two most important things in life are family and love. Merry Christmas to each of you!