December 24, 1964, Thursday. (It was one year ago that Howard called me and we got back together.)

This was the worst day of work. We were just flooded! I was on my feet for 9 hours without sitting. I finished my Christmas shopping. Got Mom two blouses, a skirt, capris, perfumed hangers, and a bra. And, for Daddy, brown pants, shirt, sweater, socks and a tiny Crown tie clasp. Out of everything I love the Crown the best, because he is like a King! After work I bought Nana a long white sweater coat. Granddaddy a vest and Mary a red sweater. Everyone came over for Christmas Eve and we opened presents. Then we went to the Candlelight Service at Mr. Hoag’s Church in Westwood. (The Congregational Church.) I cried so much, because it was just the same as when Mayme was there. (My grandmother, who died last year,) even the same people. We came home and I wrapped presents with Mommy until 5:00 in the morning. It was so tough assembling toys for Billee and Preston. The living room was a fantasy to behold in the candlelight. Gifts filled the chairs, couch and fireplace hearth and the smell of homemade cookies and peppermint created an atmosphere I’ll never forget it.   Looking like the Munster’s on Christmas Eve, here is a picture from left to right, of Billee, Preston, Mary, (Step-Grandmother,) me, my dad and Nana. The Christmas Stockings are hung on the Mantel, waiting for Santa Claus to fill them when he comes tonight.

  Looking like Dracula with a Pinocchio nose here, I wrapped presents with my Mom, until the Sun came up.  My Dad assembled the toys and went to bed, but my Mom and I stayed up to create a Wonderland for everyone.

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