My most special memories are of early childhood in the 1930s and 1940s.

When Daddy cut a Christmas tree from the hillside behind our home, we knew Santa would be coming soon. We loved to decorate for Christmas. Sometimes we made colored paper chains and hung them on the tree, windows, or walls. We hung glass balls, tinsel and garland on the tree, and a large star on top. Sometimes Daddy brought home mistletoe, when he went squirrel hunting.

Mother baked her traditional cakes and cookies a few days before Christmas. She always made Daddy’s favorite cake — caramel with black walnuts.

Sometimes we would sneak a peek at all the goodies, which were stored in the big tin drawer of our kitchen cabinet and, if we dared, try a little taste with a finger.

On Christmas Eve, Mother sat near the ...