Steve’s first Christmas in 1970. Notice Mom’s helpful hand keeping him steady. Christmas was upstairs in the living room until Steve asked how Santa could deliver the presents (our fireplace was in the basement). I vividly remember that tree skirt, and I still have a few of those ornaments.
Steve on a new rocking horse in 1971. Such excitement on that face (obviously I’m not around yet)! Christmas cards in the Mitchell house were dutifully hung on the wall each year, with newly received cards stapled to the bottom corner of those already displayed.
My first Christmas. By 1973, Christmas was held in the basement near our wood-burning fireplace. I’ve still got that doll in an archival box, though her dress disappeared long ago. Steve, of course, is already sporting Packer gear at the age of three. Children are indoctrinated young in Wisconsin.
Christmas at our house with Grandma and Grandpa Koehler in 1974. Steve seems a bit bothered that Mom is helping me open what appears to be a dollhouse. There is a plethora of plaid in the room, and Mom and I are wearing matching blue dresses (which she likely sewed for us).
Our Mitchell family Christmas, held later that same day in 1974. Steve and I are obviously looking at Dad, who also caught the attention of our cousin Brett. I’m not sure when, but Grandma Dolly eventually moved her celebration to another day so we didn’t have to run from one feast to the another. Here, too, is a plethora of plaid.
Finally, Christmas 1975. I’m not sure how, but Steve and I were restrained enough to pause before ripping into the gifts. This was long before Dad would begin wrapping up cereal boxes and cake mix for us, so I’m sure each of those boxes held something awesome!
The shadow of things that have been is not so bad after all…
Wishing you and yours all the best for this holiday season
and the year to come!
Photos taken by Joseph Leonard Mitchell and Judith Ann (Koehler) Mitchell. All rights reserved.
