Christmas at Campground, 2004, by Courtney Crume

From MemoryArchive

Who: Courtney Crume
What: Christmas
When: Christmas 2004
Where: Kentucky

My favorite Christmas memory happened two years ago when I was in the seventh grade. See, every year my family goes to this tiny brick church in the middle of nowhere for a Christmas "get together." They call it 'Christmas at Campground' and every year I am amazed at how many people actually show up. It's not anything fancy but each year they decorate a huge tree that almost touches the ceiling with paper chains, lights, popcorn strings, candy canes, homemade ornaments, and an angel at the top. They have three other trees and lots of real garland. When you are walking up to the church the sidewalk is always lined with candles or lanterns, and mistletoe is hung from a tree branch over the sidewalk. We always have a little service where we sing old christmas songs and some of the older people share their Christmas stories. Sometimes the kids play an instrument, sing, or try to do something but just end up making everyone laugh. Afterwards we always talk, eat cookies and brownies, and drink hot chocolate.

Well this particular year I played my violin in front of everyone. I don't know why but some people just won't take "no" for an answer. My sister played the harp, and my brother played the bass, two kids sang, one little girl played the piano, and another played the saxophone. Then my favorite was the drummer boy, Mark. Mark played the drums and his dad sang the little drummer boy, they were the best (and the best looking, well at least Mark was). Afterwards while I was drinking hot chocolate and talking to Sarah, Mark's sister, he came over and said, "You did a really good job playing the violin." "Thanks, you too." I said back.

Like I said before it's not anything fancy but I look forward to Christmas at Campground every year and it taught me that Christmas is not about presents or big parties, it's about spending time with the people you love because they won't be here forever.