When we were young, Thanksgivings and Christmas Celebrations were held at our grandparents’ home. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would come together once or twice a year and celebrate with a great meal in the dining room and kitchen. The dining room was centrally placed near the living room, adjoining the kitchen. The furniture in the dining room included a large mahogany table, buffet, china cabinet and mirror. The mirror was a gift to our grandparents by our mom. I have kept the buffet, mirror, and china cabinet. I had them all restored when I was in my late twenties. Again, these were done in 2012, due to a water leak in a home we had in Tennessee. The original table and chairs were replaced by me with furniture that was similar in wood color and style. There were two Waterford crystal chandeliers purchased by my Aunt Frances in New Jersey while visiting there. All these were going to be thrown out by my Aunt Jennie, when she sold Nonna’s house years later. I asked if we could have them since they meant so much to me; as they reminded me of the comfort and love felt in their house. Two of my biggest disappointments were that Nano’s opera records were thrown out. I kept his record player-radio for years, but being overwhelmed with other work, I threw it away when I saw termites.
Many Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter holidays were spent there with my two younger brothers, Raymond, and Robert, whom we always called Ray and Bobby. All the family members would exchange gifts during Christmas, eat, tell stories, and play outside after eating. Easter was a time to dress up and Thanksgiving a time to enjoy good food and turkey. When we became older, those that could drive would go off and finish the day with other activities. Joe, Jr. and I would go to Uncle Tommy Zambito’s dairy to shoot our 22 caliber guns. Chuck would bring his sports car and describe features, including how the rear view mirrors helped as you could turn the car without having to turn your head. I thought that was a neat idea at the time! Ray and Bobby usually had other activities planned and due to the age differences, they would usually go their separate ways. The toys back then were simple. Usually we received some building and electronic toys, but nothing was very complicated. Toys including the Lincoln Log House erector sets, clothes, other toys, and pens would be normal. They were all fun and exciting and got plenty of use!
Lincoln Log Set
This was a typical container and the amount of logs that were used to build sets in the 1950’s-60’s.
The Erector sets had more pieces and could be purchased with small motors at the time.
This is a picture of Nonna’s dining room taken in the late 1950’s, during Christmas time.
(Click picture to enjoy the music!) Nonna is in the dining room around Christmas time. Notice the chandelier, buffet, and mirror. The mirror was a gift from Mom to Nonna; the two Waterford chandeliers (living room and dining room) were purchased by Aunt Francis in New Jersey).
Other happy occasions included, various birthday parties and holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Easter, along with Sunday meals and Thursday pasta with meatballs (polpette di carne). Easter was a special time for getting together as a large family, as all our parents were so proud of their families! They made sure we wore our new Easter clothes; a tradition that went on for years. (We did have Easter a few times at Nonno and Nonna’s home and with the foresight of my Uncle Paul or Meme, I can now recall a time that will never be repeated). I also want to thank Chuckie, my cousin, for putting together a clip with music that expresses how we must have felt during that time. Please click on the link for a glimpse back to a simpler, but very rewarding world.
Click on Link Below to Enjoy Easter…Danny
Before you continue your reading adventure, please take a few minutes to enjoy an Easter Clip that was taken in the 1950’s. Click on link to enjoy, “Easter at Nonna’s a video back then!”
Thank you, Chuck & Steve for giving me the tools to put this together!
Many gift ideas that I thought about, but I never asked for, were there to play with on Saturday’s when Aunt Francis would take me to downtown Tampa. She would shop in her favorite stores: Maas Brothers and New York Dress Store. While in Maas Brothers, she would leave me unattended on the third floor. Here is where all the toys were stationed. They were left out for the public to play with. I would spend hours enjoying all the toys they had to offer. When she was finished, she would take me to a basement drugstore called Woolworth’s and I could choose the perfect banana for $.19 cents for them to make my banana split. (I always thought how neat it was to be able to choose the one you wanted. (We also shopped at W. T. Grants).
W. T. Grants: Late 1950’s
Price of toothpaste was $.10 at that time. W. T. Grant store downtown, (interior view of their merchandise.)
My First Purchased Christmas Presents
Since I was so accustomed to Maas Brothers for shopping, I would (throughout the year) keep a piggy bank at my grandparents’ home. It was kept on top of the dresser of Aunt Francis’ bedroom. At Christmas time (even though the bank consisted mostly of pennies), I took it with me on one of our trips to downtown. While Aunt Francis was shopping on the second floor (where lady apparel was sold), I purchased a pair of hose for Mom I can remember the clerk counting out all the change I had taken with me, and it was enough to make the purchase. I was so proud I was able to give on such a joyous holiday. On the first floor, I purchased a lighter for my father. Going downtown was a favorite pastime on Saturdays, as I earlier mentioned shopping at Maas Brothers and eating brownies on the first floor with a taste I would never forget. Later on in years, I would try to purchase something for everyone, but was not successful each year and would panic if I had missed a gift for any one of them.
Of course, there was always the visiting of Santa Claus and going to see him at Christmas was exciting. Not only could you play with the toys on the second floor, but I had an opportunity to tell him what I wanted. Included is a picture of one of my visits (not sure the age), but it was at the Maas Brothers’ downtown store. Not only did I have the excitement of Christmas, all the Christmas Specials (variety shows and cartoons) were beginning to celebrate Christmas as well.
Here I am with Santa Claus in the Mass Brothers’ store, downtown Tampa. (Santa looks like he is exhausted!)
A New Celebration
Noche Buena and Buon Natale: (Christmas Eve & Merry Christmas in Italian)
As the years moved on, everyone became older and it seemed that traditions were no longer as important in our lives. Each individual family became larger, stronger, and we began celebrating Christmas and other holidays at our own homes. I feel that they realized Nonna was getting older and it was getting too much for her. The tradition where all the aunts, uncles, and cousins gathering at one place was beginning to end.
Having my cousins, Joe, Jr., Sharron, Phyllis, Roseanne, Chuckie, Steve, Joanne, as well as John, his wife, Dorothy, and their children Bonnie, Bobbi, Polly, Johnny, along with everyone else was so much fun having everyone around! It was a huge play day with everything done for us, so we could enjoy the day with great food and family. Uncle John must have taken movies as I remember a few years ago that my Cousin, Bobbi, gave Jr. a copy to share with those who wanted one.
My parents would celebrate Christmas with parties or we would go to Uncle Tommy and Aunt Mary’s house for Noche Buena for a family gathering at night. We were no longer meeting for a daylong Christmas Day Celebration. We had a great meal, exchanged presents, and everyone enjoyed talking. I remember looking up at the sky, seeing the stars and visualizing how the North Star was during the birth of Jesus. I would give thanks to God, for my wonderful family and I would say a special blessing for every member of the family by naming each one of them in the prayer.
Christmas was always a very special occasion for me! Even before that special day, I would always pray for my family starting with my parents, brothers, and every relative I knew. To me even though I prayed throughout the year; Christmas Eve was the best time of the year to communicate with God and let Him know how thankful I was and how blessed I felt to have such a great family. I was excited as a young person throughout my teenage years waiting for Christmas Day. (Seldom would I sleep that night)
This practice of prayer continued for most of my life but seemed to halt after losing my grandparents, brother, and parents. Now prayer is back in my life! As I reflect on my life, many of these memories are brought back by music, movies, and by staying in touch with my cousins, my brother, and my family members!
Italian Christmas History
The Italian language is rich in expressions idioms, and Christmas time is no different. For example, durare da Natale a Santo Stefano means to last from Christmas to St. Stephen’s Day (December 26). Not only did Christmas originate in Italy, but it was also the birthplace of the first Christmas Carol.
Francis of Assisi
Founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan Order and became a saint after his death, beginning the Christmas tradition of caroling (singing joyful songs to celebrate the holiday) in the 1200s. Before that time, people had listened to priests sing solemn Christmas hymns during formal church services, but Francis wanted people to be able to express their joy at Christmas by singing simple songs wherever they happened to be (Such as in their own homes or even while walking around outside).
Italian Christmas Sayings
Merry Christmas Babbo Natale (Santa Claus)
To hear how these words sound: click on the link, then use your back arrow to return to this page.
· il Natale— Christmas
· Babbo Natale— Santa Claus
· Buon Natale — Merry Christmas
· il regalo di Natale— Christmas present
· la vigilia di Natale— Christmas Eve
· l’albero di Natale— Christmas tree
· il canto di Natale— Christmas carol
· il biglietto d’auguri— Christmas card
· il presepio— nativity
· Gesù Bambino—the Christ Child or Infant Jesus
· la festa di Santo Stefano— Saint Stephen’s Day
· il Capodanno— New Year’s Day
· la Befana— kindly old witch who brings children toys on Twelfth Night
· la festa dell’Epifania— Epiphany
· i Re Magi — the Magi, or the Three Kings or Wise Men
“Click to hear Winter Wonderland”
You may continue your reading…enjoy!(beautiful song, by Dean Martin)
What Christmas Means to Me
As a young child, I attended church and Sunday school at various times during my growing up years. I heard Bible stories from my parents, grandparents, and was fascinated with the birth of Jesus.
Even though my version of the birth of Jesus is probably not as accurate or as complete as it should be; this is my story of Christmas: less some of the perhaps more important details.
Jesus was born to the virgin mother, Mary. Joseph was the dad; although in theory not the father as the Father was God. Jesus was born in a manager and since Mary and Joseph were not able to find a place to stay during the birth of Jesus, they were given space in a manger. As time went on, the North Star guided the Shepherds and the Wise Men to Jesus bringing gifts for him. Of course, there is much more to the story, such as the Shepherds and the animals in the manger. From the time I learned about Christmas to today, I look in the sky almost each year during Christmas Eve for a “Bright North Star”; (along with the other stars in the sky) and try to imagine what it was like during the actual birth of Jesus. When I was young, the state was less populated and fewer lights were around to interfere with my viewing the stars in the sky. It is a beautiful time for me to imagine the “miraculous event”, when viewing the sky at Christmas time. Even though there were years of cloudy skies, I still enjoy Christmas Eve viewing the sky in hopes that one day I will find a “message”.
I realize that the calendar day we celebrate Christmas, does not correspond to the actual day Jesus was born. But I still accept December 25th, as the birth day of Jesus Christ; and I for this reason use that night to glance at the skies.
As far back as I can remember I will always see Christmas Eve as a wonderful glorious night full of hope, love, and excitement. It brings such joy and love to me and those around me; providing a feeling that is difficult to describe, other than a spirit that fills my heart with all the wonderful emotions life brings; when acknowledging the loving grace of our Savior and God. That night as in every Christmas Eve, I always had a difficult time sleeping due to my feelings and emotions along with excitement of Santa Claus. It made me feel that all was right in the world!
I have tried to share this with our children during Christmas time but never knew how to use the right words. Even though I did not express my feelings as desired, they did grow up believing and for that I am thankful!
I feel the Shepherds and Wise men are important to the story, as they were leaders and guides in life.
If you read nothing else in life, read about the birth of Jesus and his death. We are not perfect, but we have been given the ability by God to make choices, knowing we will make mistakes and ask for forgiveness!
My thoughts about the holidays
Take the time to rejoice in the Day that Christ was born and wish your family and friends a joyous Merry Christmas; not only on Christmas Day, but each and every day of your life.
Dean Martin’s Christmas music has always been special to me. But, Gloria Estefan’s Christmas music holds a special place in my heart! The song I included, reminds me of the happy times of raising our children; bringing the past, present, and future to “my eyes”! I hope Gina, Dennis, and their families enjoy this song as much as I do!
Love all of you!
My thoughts on Gifting
Before I go on with my interpretation of Christmas, let me explain my thoughts on gift-giving. As with the birth of Jesus and the gifts he received from the Wise Men, Christmas has become a time of giving. I don’t want to confuse this with the commercial aspect of what Christmas is, but the idea of giving to those around you that you love and care about is important. Giving should be each and every day, as much as you can! I feel I learned at a young age that giving was more important than receiving (although that was fun, too). I’ve given to others (in my own way) all of my life to show my love. This started with my parents, my relatives, my brothers, and finally with my wife, children, and grandchildren. It was not only at Christmas time (although I enjoyed it more then). As parents I believe this is something you do even without thinking about it.
My giving was learned from my parents and relatives; as they gave material items and love. The love they gave was in the form of doing, hardly ever saying no, and always seeking a way to say yes. This is also the way I give (perhaps not perfect), but is the only way I know. As time went on, I began to realize that not only are actions important, but words as well!
When you are able to combine the two, it becomes even greater. I know “material items” may not be the best gifts in the world. Love, care, and understanding seem to outweigh what any material gift can bring, but it is my way of showing love!
My thoughts on Praying
I began prayer early in life. It has followed me all through life largely due to the stories I learned in Sunday school.
They went something like this as a younger person:
“Dear Lord, bless my family (I would name them all), protect them, forgive them of their sins, and bless them with good health and happiness all through their life”.
(It was like a direct connection to God)!
As time went on, my prayers included our children, their children, and others. I realize that when I pray, life is better! (Perhaps not at the moment or soon thereafter, but better)! There were many years (for whatever reason), prayer was eliminated from my life. My life no longer had the quality during this time.
But deep in my heart, I know that prayer can and will unlock doors; making life more meaningful. I am grateful for prayer as it is my only connection to God. It is special time (usually at nighttime before going to sleep); although, I have prayed different times during the day as the need arises.
As with many other things in my life, going to church was not number one in my life, but I realized that those around me made it a priority in life. They seemed to have a happier place in the “sun” than those who did not. (I am talking about the true believers and not those that went because it was fashionable).
Remember to love God, respect him in his house of worship, believe in the power of prayer, and use it not for selfish reasons, but to bring love and understanding in your life.
My Inner Thoughts on Christmas and Religion
“May God, Peace, Love, and Joy follow you, live in your hearts and may you share those feelings to others each and every day of your lives”. Danny
As I write my story of Christmas and share feelings of my family enjoying each other at Nonno’s house, our house, or at Church; I realize the sharing of gifts, celebrations, and food, was a feeling that just felt right to me. It was a part of childhood, hope, love and laughter.
Therefore, I share the following thoughts:
Find your love, find your spirit, and seek the meaning of life that will represent how you live throughout your lifetime. Share those feelings with those around you. Give to those you love and let them know they are the most important part of your life. For without love and the giving of love, life will be meaningless to you and those you know.
“In Jesus, in God and in me, I say this with all my heart.”
In conclusion of what Christmas means to me: Let me remind you how important the Shepherds were to the story of Christmas. The term Shepherd means to protect, to guide, and to take care of. My belief is that we are all Shepherds. We are meant to take care of and guide others, as well as ourselves!
This leads me to conclude with what I learned early in Church, which is a verse from:
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
“To me this explains Christmas, and how it was meant to be”.
Away in a Manger
This song means so much to me. Read it, learn from it and pass it on.
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there.
On December 26th, 2012, I sent an email to Gina and Dennis expressing how I have felt most my life.
“Hi and just want you to know how much I loved either being with you or hearing from you on Christmas!
It is really a special time in our lives, not due to the gift giving but for what Christmas really means.
At this special time of the year I reflect back to the stories I heard in church and in Sunday school, along with all the years I have had a Christmas without and with you and each of them are grand and wonderful.
I pray for all of you and want to say how proud I am of both of you as to how much you have done in your lifetimes and what wonderful people you are.
Continue to love, laugh, and cherish the people and things around you and to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.
For to many years I have not expressed what my true feelings are and I hope to be able to change that so that you know how much you are loved.
Take care this wonderful day as well and remember the simple pleasures that life brings each and every day”.
Love Dad!
[divider]
——Original Message——
To: Bear Dennis N. Stafford
Subject: Christmas
Sent: Dec 16, 2012 11:51 AMBear it is a special time of the year (The birth of Jesus). It does not matter when it actually was, just that it happened.
Bring him into your heart as you are going to walk in a new light.
Bring Carolyn into your soul as I know she is in your heart.
Set up traditions that you will be able to continue with her and your future family that will last a lifetime.
God is about real love and choices. Make choices that will honor both of you forever. Life flies by and you don’t want to wait. My recipe is work first play later. I hope you will apply those words in different meanings the rest of your life.
You both have so much to be thankful for, acknowledge all that you have cherished all the good learn from the bad and unite in your thoughts and heart.
Take some time out for worship, and balance your time of work family and fun.
You both mean so much to me and I am so sorry I never had time to share so many of my thoughts with you. I hope you both communicate with each other and listen. It is ok to disagree as we learn from others. As in God and as in life I love and cherish you and her.
Love these holidays think of why they began and use the holiday spirit to gain all that life has to offer.
Love you and pray for the best for you not only for the Christmas Holidays but forever.
Dad12/25/2012
Carol and I spent the entire day at Gina’s home with Bruce and all the grandchildren. What a wonderful day it was! The children were so excited and so enjoyed opening the gifts. The sounds of laughter was greater than the sounds in a music hall. The hopes and love of all were felt in the air as though magical. Carol and I both felt nothing could be better at the moment. The phone calls to Dennis and Carolyn, Bobby, and Gladys were just as exciting; although, we would have loved to have them nearby. No matter what, the joys were felt, the love was there, and the memories were being made; just as they were when I was a small child; as they were for our parents and grandparents before us.
Che la gioia della festività rimanere nei vostri cuori e nelle anime, come i pensieri di voi rimangono con me. Dad (May the Joy of the Holidays remain in your hearts and souls as the thoughts of you remain with me).
St. Anthony (A true story…)
I bring him up now, as I have worn his medallion along with Bobby for most of my life.
These medallions were given to us by our mother and purchased by Aunt Mary Zambito on one of her trips to Italy.
St. Anthony is known for many things and one of them is his ability to find things. Many prayers are said to the Saint in order for someone to find a missing wallet, love, or anything else.
Here is where I tell a true story and how the Saint found my medallion.
In the early 1980’s, along with teaching, I ran a small pressure washing business. (Now this story is after the timeline that I will write about for this part of my life, but I think it has significant meaning).
Around 1981, Charlie Gillard, husband of Mercy Gillard, worked for Gold Triangle, a retail store on Dale Mabry. They were about to go out of business and one of Charlie’s responsibilities was to have the exterior of the building cleaned.
He had asked if I would pressure wash the building to make it look better.
It was a big job, but I knew I could do in over the weekend. The job was completed. During this time my Mom and Dad owned Unit 311 at Holiday Villas III. Carol and I to show our appreciation to Charlie and Mercy took them to our parent’s condo as well as out to eat.
We did have a great time and we returned home (Carol and I were living on Oak Drive in Riverview).
It was a long weekend! When we got home, I took off my necklace, and did not pay attention to where it was placed.
The short of it, my necklace for years was lost and no matter how much I looked (including trying to replace it), I never could! I looked throughout the house and searched jewelry stores and magazines, for one like it.
Finally, we put the house up for sale (years later). I thought I would never see the necklace of St. Anthony again. At this time we thought about leaving the washer and dryer there, but at the last minute we decided they would be too expensive to replace and took them with us.
Almost a year later, after living with my parents and building a new home on Manor Oak Drive, we moved into our new home.
We had Christmas and New Year’s Day, followed my traditions of having 12 grapes, black eye peas, greens, and pork for “good luck” (buona Fortuna) for the upcoming year.
A day or so after New Year’s Day, our dryer broke down. We didn’t have money to spend for repairs, so I decided to tackle the job replacing the broken belt. After about an hour of taking the dryer apart (at the very bottom), I saw a shiny gold necklace and medallion. It was the St. Anthony medallion that had gone missing for years! You cannot imagine the joy and happiness I felt! (The washer at Oak Drive drained into a septic tank). How did it manage to make it to the dryer? It was in the dryer for years and never even had a scratch on it! (Even after seeping through the huge drum in the dryer). Call it what you want, but think of why we adore St. Anthony. (The Patron Saint of Lost Things)
It is for that reason, I give you these sayings to read and think about…
“Quotes, Sermons & Preaching of Saint Anthony of Padua”.
“Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft.”
-St Anthony
“The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God.”
– St Anthony
“Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His kingdom.”
– Saint Anthony
“The Glorious Virgin did not have a stain in her birth because she was sanctified in her mother’s womb and safeguarded there by angels.”
– St Anthony
St. Anthony wrote the above statement more than six-hundred years before the Church proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
– St Anthony of Padua Quote
“The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.”
– Anthony
“Solicitude for material things distracts the soul and divides it. The devil seizes the divided soul and drags it to hell.”
– Anthony
In his Sermons, Anthony said:
“The saints are like the stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ.”
St. Anthony was the Patron Saint of:
Lost items:
Poor:
Travelers:
I still wear my medallion today! 1-8-13 I pray it will go to the next person; who will need it in life as well!
Dennis L. Stafford aka Danny