Kathryn Mobley Ridlehoover
I SMELL Christmas, Oh yes, I can.
It is the aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven. It is the scents of evergreens :
cedar, pine, and fir decorating the house that fill
my nostrils and invite me into homes. It is the special smells that are Grandpa, Grandma and
the ones you love. I FEEL
Christmas. Oh yes, I can. It is the warmth of the open fire that welcomes me. It is the tickle of the sweater
that can only be worn at Christmas. \ It is the refreshing snowflakes that float down and kiss
my cheek. It is the hugs from those dear. I TASTE Christmas. Oh yes, I can It is the holiday ham dotted with cloves And the mammoth fruit cake soaked in rum. It is the special cranberry sauce, where the
cranberries were individually cored by my mother’s arthritic hands. I HEAR Christmas.
Oh yes, I can. It is jungle bells and carolers ringing in the season. It is Santa with his Ho Ho Ho. It is the voice of loved ones and friends drifting
through the house or
crackling over the telephone. It is a new baby’s cry which reminds us of the true
meaning of Christmas. I SEE Christmas.
Oh yes, I can. It is poinsettia and stockings that grace the mantle. It is the tree with many lights and special ornaments. Presents wrapped in shinny foil with huge fluffy bows. Smiles on family and friends’ faces as they greet you
at the door. They give us an entry to all of the past. They help to make our memories last. 1996 
