Best Christmas Gift

[epicSocialism4tw]

When I was a child and gifts meant more than what is represented in those materialistic Lexus commercials, I could imagine for an entire month what might lay underneath that thin exterior of wrap and bows. I would lay underneath the Christmas tree amongst the gifts with GI Joes in hand. They would scale the dry bark of the pine in a wonderland of multi-colored lights, swing from limb to limb, and traverse the packages. While lingering in the hope of what was to come when those gifts were revealed it seemed like those moments lasted what is now the equivalent of years, and now those memories are but disjointed flashes of smells, sights, and feelings. In retrospect, those memories are far more valuable than any gift I have received. The warm glow of the tree in the warm den against the darkened walls on a cold winter night. The wrapping paper applied by my mother with style and care. The view upward from the bottom of the Christmas tree and the wonderful smell of pine.

Anyway, there were times when my little hopes were fulfilled in an extravagant manner. Just the perfect gift was delivered. When pulling the paper back in wads, it was revealed to me a singular wonder: The Millenium Falcon. The year after? An X-wing fighter. The year after that? Optimus Prime. The greatest three Christmas gifts that I could have wished to have received.

So whatcha got?

What was your best Christmas gift?

[Florida_Bronco]

My best Christmas gift was the Christmas of 2005. Everyone got alot of great gifts, and it was the last Christmas before my father passed away. It was the best one I can remember.

[cutthemdown]

My father had a heart attack and passed away christmas day 3 yrs ago. It makes Christmas really tough.

For sure the best gift I ever got was a saxophone given to me by my mom and dad for xmas when I was about 16. I still have it, still play it, and every time i do I remember how much my dad sacrificed to buy it for me.

At the time my parents weren't very well off and the instrument cost 1500.00 dollars. I realize now that I'm older how much my parents put out and sacrificed to buy me that horn.

I miss my dad tonight and it's really tough but i think I will play some of my dads favorite tunes on the sax he bought me. That always makes me feel better.

[cutthemdown]

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

My best Christmas gift was the Christmas of 2005. Everyone got alot of great gifts, and it was the last Christmas before my father passed away. It was the best one I can remember.

Does our dads being gone ever get any easier? It's been 3 yrs for me and I still break down when I think about him being gone. I miss him so much and hasn't really gotten an easier for me yet.

[Florida_Bronco]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

Does our dads being gone ever get any easier? It's been 3 yrs for me and I still break down when I think about him being gone. I miss him so much and hasn't really gotten an easier for me yet.

I doubt it.

The hardest thing for me to deal with is that my dad was big into cars, just like me. Even to this day, I'll see something on TV about cars that I know he'll like and I catch myself going to tell him about it. That moment when you remember that he's gone is probably the worst thing I've had to deal with...ever.

I was a little helped by the fact that I had to be strong for mom and my little brother. I threw my energy into taking care of them and it's helped. We also started a Christmas tradition of getting together with several other small families here, who are also Bronco fans. We usually spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together.

[cutthemdown]

I never really got to be the one who was depressed and a mess over my fathers death. I had to be strong for my sister and my mom. I did most of my crying by myself which probably wasn't a good thing for me.

It wasn't cars with me and my dad it was westerns. My dad loved westerns and would watch them over and over. When I was a young kid I would be like awwwwwwww Dad John Wayne again!!!!!! Now when those old westerns my Dad loved come on I watch them. Sometimes it's almost like he's here watching them with me again.

One thing I do know is that anyone whose dad is still around make time to spend with him. I'd do pretty much anything just for a couple more hours with my dad.

[Florida_Bronco]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

I never really got to be the one who was depressed and a mess over my fathers death. I had to be strong for my sister and my mom. I did most of my crying by myself which probably wasn't a good thing for me.

Same here. My mom only saw me cry once, and I don't think I ever let Ryan see it.

It wasn't cars with me and my dad it was westerns. My dad loved westerns and would watch them over and over. When I was a young kid I would be like awwwwwwww Dad John Wayne again!!!!!! Now when those old westerns my Dad loved come on I watch them. Sometimes it's almost like he's here watching them with me again.

Oh geez, my dad was the same way. John Wayne was his idol and I hated westerns. Funny how, now that they are gone, we have a greater appreciation for their taste in things.

One thing I do know is that anyone whose dad is still around make time to spend with him. I'd do pretty much anything just for a couple more hours with my dad.

Amen brother.

Amen.

[cutthemdown]

The Summer before my dad passed him and my mom, brother and his family, sister and her family were all going to the high sierra's to go fishing and camping. I really wanted to go to Vegas with some friends but my Dad talked me into going. That turned out to be the last time trout fishing with my pops. Last time starting a campfire. Last time hiking through the woods trying to spot different birds and animals and take pictures of them.

I can't even begin to say how glad I am I made that trip.

Anyone reading this who hasn't went through what me and Fla have I suggest taking this all to heart. Don't miss out on things with your parents and loved ones because you never know what time will be the last time.

[Florida_Bronco]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

The Summer before my dad passed him and my mom, brother and his family, sister and her family were all going to the high sierra's to go fishing and camping. I really wanted to go to Vegas with some friends but my Dad talked me into going. That turned out to be the last time trout fishing with my pops. Last time starting a campfire. Last time hiking through the woods trying to spot different birds and animals and take pictures of them.

I can't even begin to say how glad I am I made that trip.

Anyone reading this who hasn't went through what me and Fla have I suggest taking this all to heart. Don't miss out on things with your parents and loved ones because you never know what time will be the last time.

Thats very cool.

By the time my dad passed away, he was an amputee and his health was declining, so the greatest blessing for me was knowing that it was possible anytime and we had a chance to say our goodbyes.

[TheReverend]

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

Thats very cool.

By the time my dad passed away, he was an amputee and his health was declining, so the greatest blessing for me was knowing that it was possible anytime and we had a chance to say our goodbyes.

Bleh. The last time I saw my dad right before I left for bootcamp seven years ago, he gave me a big hug and I practically pushed him off and said, "Relax, it's not like it's the last time we'll ever see each other." Naturally, it was.

[cutthemdown]

Here's to our dads!!!!!!!!!

[Florida_Bronco]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

Here's to our dads!!!!!!!!!

Amen!

[broncoblue]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

Does our dads being gone ever get any easier? It's been 3 yrs for me and I still break down when I think about him being gone. I miss him so much and hasn't really gotten an easier for me yet.

8 years since my dad passed on new years eve of all days.It gets no easier at xmas ...but ya keep going and pull for my mum.Apparently my son as made me a broncos cup for my coffee ,i only see em today fopr a couple of hours....all the best everyone

[Los Broncos]

Magic Jack

Gentleman's Jack whiskey set with glasses

Hoodie

Shirts

Boxers

[Los Broncos]

Originally Posted by cutthemdown

Here's to our dads!!!!!!!!!

Sucks I'll never see my father again.

But I spent Christmas eve with my son which is something I never did with mine.

[Bronx33]

Mattels veti bird!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET1j6qytc0U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhkRnjLxQBc&NR=1

[Bronx33]

This gave me total flashback, folks from the 60s 70s and 80s will get it.

http://retrocrush.buzznet.com/archiv...oys/index.html

lawn jarts ROCKED!!

[epicSocialism4tw]

Bump for the new Christmas! Merry Christmas!

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by McSkillet

Bump for the new Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Didn't notice this thread was a year old, because I was just nodding in agreement on the first line about Lexus ads. So terrible (the new one where the whole neighborhood puts up lights except one family that parks their two brand new Lexus in their driveway instead, which everyone then gazes at in amazement? Gag me.)

Anyway, favorite gift in terms of pure, selfish excitement when I ripped off the paper was probably a video game system or something like that. To get sentimental, though, I'll always associate the day with reunions of the entire extended family. Both parents come from big families, so no matter what side I spend Christmas and Christmas Eve with it's a lot of people, a lot of kids, and a lot of food.

I only have one sibling, so unless I marry someone with a whole lot of brothers and sisters, my hypothetical kids won't get quite the same experience. Which makes me a little sad, because all that craziness is why I have so many great memories of the holidays.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Originally Posted by McKid A

Didn't notice this thread was a year old, because I was just nodding in agreement on the first line about Lexus ads. So terrible (the new one where the whole neighborhood puts up lights except one family that parks their two brand new Lexus in their driveway instead, which everyone then gazes at in amazement? Gag me.)

Anyway, favorite gift in terms of pure, selfish excitement when I ripped off the paper was probably a video game system or something like that. To get sentimental, though, I'll always associate the day with reunions of the entire extended family. Both parents come from big families, so no matter what side I spend Christmas and Christmas Eve with it's a lot of people, a lot of kids, and a lot of food.

I only have one sibling, so unless I marry someone with a whole lot of brothers and sisters, my hypothetical kids won't get quite the same experience. Which makes me a little sad, because all that craziness is why I have so many great memories of the holidays.

You'll get a chance to make it your own, and your kids will have the same sentiment about that as you have with your memories. The fun part for me is coming up with your own traditions. Who knows...maybe you will serendipitously end up with big christmas crowds.

[Broncos_OTM]

I guess the present i remember was getting a 16/10/.22 ruger at 9 i still got it. It doesnt have one scratch on it.
This year i got a set of Pro Taper grips for my Dirtbike and some new tools from my parents. My girlfriend got me a new Gi. My sister got me a fitted broncos cap.

But really i like giving better then i like recieveing. i can usually do pretty good with the fellas. the ladies i just give em gift certificates to some make up store. or something like that.

[gunns]

I had great Christmas's as a child, can't even come up with an absolute favorite. The most enjoyable were with my kids and getting them that "must have" gift that they knew I didn't have the money to buy. My favorite Christmas was 92 when my kids saved their money and bought me a Bronco coat. It was one of those absolutely suprising moments and so thoughtful.

[sirhcyennek81]

My mom had melanoma develop over her achilles tendon in her left leg in 2002. Since then she has had surgeries to remove the growth, and eventually to remove the lymph nodes (it spread there but no where else). But the chemo they ran through her arteries in her leg made it swell, so they had to do a fasciotomy (cut her lower leg open on either side to relieve pressure). She ended up coming home with a vac bandage on the lower portion of her leg and was on a ton of medication to control the pain, we had home nursing to change the bandaging but the leg was deteriorating. Eventually they amputated in Sept of 07. I cant tell you what its like to have your mother basically be a living corpse, and to get her back the way she was before the fasciotomy (i am butchering this word but dont care) was the greatest gift. Christmas 2008 is the best Christmas I have had in my 28 years, and so far she has had great checkups, no hotspots anywhere.

[Los Broncos]

Best gift is spending it with your son and watching him smile.

I never spent one Christmas with my father.

Just great all around.

[Swedish Extrovert]

2002 - my parents gave me the Pearl Masters MRX drum set that I still use today.