Good morning and welcome to Bobby’s World. With Christmas fast approaching on Wednesday, I want to share with you all some very special memories I have from over the years on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I will never forget the Christmas Eve when I went to midnight mass for the first time — the magical feeling I had hearing about baby Jesus and singing hymns — it lifted my spirits for sure.
Another special memory was when I happened to be awake when the gifts were being put under the tree. I yelled “hello Santa,” and he said, “Bobby, I will have to leave if you don’t go back to bed, buddy”. I went back to bed and made sure I didn’t get Santa Claus mad so we’d all receive presents.
Another special memory was when I had a chance to spend my first Christmas in our new home with all three of my children and my wife, Leslie. We moved in on Christmas Eve and had our first Christmas morning the next day, with our new Leyden hearth fireplace — it was a beautiful beginning to a place we’ve called home for 18 years.
Another special memory was when I had my first Christmas with my grandson, Gabriel. It was so emotional, even though he was too little to understand everything. When he was 4 years old, that’s when the memories really started and the fun began. Now, we have five grandchildren to share memories with.
Another special memory was when we started the tradition of eating fried dough on Christmas morning, along with all the other breakfast favorites, including maple cream.
Another special memory is our special Christmas Eve time singing Christmas carols as a family. Imagine 15 people, from 4 to 70 years old, singing Christmas carols to celebrate the holiday season. It’s absolutely awesome to hear — everyone is adding to the spirit.
Another special tradition I cherish is when my daughters and grandkids get together with my wife to do the annual tree decorating. It is a very special moment that happens every year at our house.
Another special memory is the tradition I started when my father passed away 16 years ago — a stuffed bear named Jingle Bear was given to us in honor of my dad. It’s a tradition that has continued. Each year, the grandchildren and all us adults hold Jingle Bear and have a special moment with Dad. Honestly, only one grandchild remembers him and that is my nephew, Hunter, who is now in college. It’s special all the same.
Another special tradition is our annual holiday family gift exchange, after which as we all go bowling as a group.
Another special tradition is when we all sit as a group and everyone says what they are thankful for. The things people say are so wonderful and inspiring.
As you can see, I definitely hold many special memories and traditions, which has made the Christmas season a special time of year for me.
May you all have a wonderful holiday season and may it be filled with comfort, joy, fond memories and good health. Thanks again for reading and have a wonderful weekend.
As a local personality for radio stations WHAI 98.3, Bear Country 95.3, WHMP 99.3 and Bobby C’s DJ Service for the past 36 years, Bobby C. Campbell has been connected to the community for a very long time. If you have an event that needs promotion or an idea for a future column, e-mail him at bobbyleslie25@gmail.com.