Holidays

Wednesday 10/14/09 time 10:05 AM - Juli Ryan

Ahhh, the holidays are upon us....for me it starts with Halloween!  I have always loved the holidays, my fondest memories are of being a child and celebrating them.  From dressing up and going door to door to neighbor's homes, to walking in the snow to go caroling...oh, and did I say I love holidays??

So I try to pass these fond traditions of mine to my children, who are now much older, 13, 16 and 21.  They don't seem to care as much about the holidays now, not wanting to help as much with decorations outside like they have before.  My husband questioned why we were still decorating the outside for Halloween?  But when the little neighbor girls came over to help him, saying they were afraid we weren't going to put the decorations up this year, I think my husband understood.  It wasn't just for us, it was for other kids, too.  It was the first year in a long time I didn't hear him complain about doing it:)

My fondest memory of Halloween as a child was going to Mrs. Fails' house. We lived out in the country and it was a long walk, but it was worth it!  Mrs. Fail was an elderly lady, in her 90's I was told, who aways was the favorite of the kids...she gave out the large Hershey chocolate bars, not the tiny ones you usually get.  For as long as I can remember, that is all she gave out.  Every year.  And she was thrilled to see us every year.  So I guess I imagine myself being in my 90's (hopefully} and handing out the chocolate bars.  I may not give out the large ones, but the sentiment is the same.

So it is no surprise that I love to create holiday paintings.  This year I went sort of wild, doing quite a few.  But I loved every minute of it!  And that is what counts:)