Reader recalls a Christmas filled with love

Retired businessman and local resident Larry Sifford recalls a touching Christmas story, handed down from his mother.

A true story, this happened on the Christmas of 1929, during the Great depression, when money was tight for all.

"My mom, Helen, was six years old and one of six children," explained Sifford. "The kids were told that Christmas presents would not be possible that year, but Grandfather had a plan up his sleeve."

Little Helen's father and some of the older brothers in the family put in some late-night hours in the family's woodworking shop. A talented man, Helen's father built fishing boats and other items useful at that time.

"Christmas toys and other items were on his mind," said Sifford. "He built toy baby beds for the three girls, and wooden sleds and wagons for the younger boys, all being done, unbeknownst to the children. One last item was on his list—a walnut wooden candy and nut bowl as a surprise for Bessie, his wife."

On Christmas morning, the children were sitting around the Christmas tree, which was decorated with can lids and strings of popcorn singing together and playing with old toys when Helen's father came through the door with their new, wooden, hand-made toys.

"Momma told me they all jumped and screamed with happiness at the sight of the simple toys, made from love," noted Sifford. "Grandfather then presented my grandmother with her new bowl and tears flowed down her cheeks."

Sifford continued, "That was 95 Christmases ago and the story remains deeply embedded in my heart and mind."

The simple gift of a wooden nut and candy bowl that Sifford's grandfather made with love that year is still in use today, holding candy, apples and oranges in the home Sifford shares with his wife, Judy.

"It sits on display, atop Judy's cobbler's bench, daily, as a reminder to me of true love," Sifford noted. "Sometimes it's not what the gift costs, but the meaning behind it."