Christmas Eve Gift!
My Granddad, Papa Hop Weathers, exclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!” is my first recollection of this family tradition that has been kept alive through the years. Where, when, and how it started in our family will remain an unsolved mystery, but I am sure it goes a way back. Papa Hop always got up before day break and put a fire under the coffee pot before seeing to the stock and chores. As soon as someone would come straggling up to the coffee pot about half asleep on Christmas Eve he would be waiting for them. “Christmas Eve Gift!” Papa Hop would sing out. He was always first to give that greeting in my younger years. Later, my Mom, we called her Mammy, carried on this tradition. She was already mixing the biscuit dough by the time anybody straggled in because nobody got up before she had coffee ready. Our family still observes this tradition that Papa Hop and Mammy kept alive during their time. Now, each of her kids, especially Sister Ann, extoll to the world, “Christmas Eve Gift!” We believe in family unity; and this tradition is one of the glues that hold us close. Of course, the umbrella that covers all of us is our belief in and trust of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And soon we celebrate the birth of Jesus as we each enjoy Christmas. But , on Christmas Eve, if you happen to ride by the Walker Ranch on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the community of Sattler, Texas, you will undoubtedly hear our daughter Frances exclaiming to the world, “ CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!” Proudly carrying on a living tribute to our ancestors by keeping the tradition alive!
Headin’ Home
Christmas Eve came to the Texas plain, An’ he rode toward home range.
Excitement was hard to contain, Made him feel sorta strange.
He’d left years ago when he was young, But it was time to come home.
He had some guilt, an’ it kinda stung, But he’d had the need to roam.
A small church appeared in the moonlit scene, There in the valley below. A place to rest in the moonlights sheen, Beneath the starry glow. It was weathered an’ old, kinder run down, A landmark from years ago, Stood proud, with a bell tower for a crown, An’ then time seemed to slow.
He could hear the people from the past,
With the children’s laughter, Windows shake an’ rattle from north winds blast, Then silence thereafter. Mem’orys from yesteryear came thick an’ fast, A flood that never ends. Recollectin’ a time in his past, Of family an’ friends. Papa Hop with his “Christmas Eve Gift!”
As folk gathered around, The smells of Mom’s cookin’ made spirits lift, Happy voices abound. Dad readin’ of Jesus at His birth, The Christmas Story told, Peace an’ Goodwill to all men on Earth, This Glory to behold! Then his yearnin’ for home gripped him tight, An’ he felt his Mama’s love, Filled him with peace on this Christmas night, As he thanked the Lord above His horse was up to a few more miles, Where he would top a hill, To view his home, an’ that gave him smiles, The thought brought him a thrill.
His rest complete, his spirit renewed, ‘Twas time to make his start, Expressed to the Lord his gratitude With a new joy in his heart!
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Christmas Eve Gift!
Find an opportunity to honor Jesus in a church of your choice, And know that you are always welcome at First Baptist Church Marlin.
God bless each of you and God Bless America!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!