By Bernie Porter

Way back in the '30s in Stockport, Christmas was a big deal, even though we usually only got one gift and some clothing (that we really needed). One year about a week before Christmas, my sister Marie and I decided to do a little "snooping. " We had seen Mom going into the back bedroom that wasn`t used with a big sack. She didn`t think we saw her but you know how kids are!

One day she went over to the neighbors' and we saw our chance. Behind the dresser, way back in the corner were two packages: one with Marie`s name and one with mine. We pulled them out and after shaking them a few times, we ripped the paper just enough that we could see what they were. I`m not sure what mine was, some board game I think, probably Chinese Checkers.

Boy were we happy, but it took a while to "soak in." All of a sudden it hit us! What were we going to do Chrismas morning, since we already knew what we were getting? We agreed that we would do our best to act surprised. I think we pulled it off ok and I don`t think Mom ever found out, at least I never told her.

But I learned a great lesson from that. There are a lot of things you are better off NOT to know in this world. That was over 65 years ago, but never again was I even a little tempted to try to find my Christmas gifts.They could have been on the table covered with a sheet and I wouldn`t have looked.

The real meaning of Christmas has been so completely covered up and forgotten that it has been many years since any gifts that the world has to offer is of any interest to me. We are much better off spending some quiet time remembering what Christmas really is! --a celebration of Christ`s birth and reflecting on the gift he gave to us. That will take away any chance of having a miserable Christmas!


-- Another Christmas I remember in Stockport was the time my Sunday School teacher at the United Methodist Church chose me to say a poem at the annual Christmas play.

I was a little skinny bashful kid and there was no way I was going to do it. After many threats and "you can do it`s" by her and my mother, I finally agreed - if Mom would sit in the front row with me.

When the big day came I was petrified! When my turn came I froze. Mom gave me a push and I ran up as fast as I could, said my poem and ran back even faster. Everyone was laughing but I got it done.

The funny thing is I still remember the poem.
Christmas comes but once a year
and I tell you it`s mighty handy.
Now that I`ve said my little piece,
give me a sack of candy.

If I just would have been able to remember my studies in school and other things that really mattered the way I`ve remembered that, I could have been a rocket scientist instead of a machinist. Oh well,I did work over 40 years before retiring!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

---Bernie Porter