64 Christmas dinner and opening presents
Gloria (Stafford) Hansen and Harriet (Stafford) Dukelow
December 25, 1934
Dearest Corinna,
The day is soon over and quiet has descended on this home. Daddy is going to take H and G on the paper route as it has turned very cold. The snow is drab or gray from the strong wind and it makes me feel, strongly, thanks for this good home. Uncle Paul’s came and brought Byron early this morning but they left right after dinner as they didn’t dare drive in the dark in a blizzard. But I’m so glad they came. It made Christmas more lovely. I had thot I wouldn’t stand it very well with you not home, but your lovely gifts and a letter from you last night made it seem as tho you were here.
Thank you for my lovely bed spread and scarf. The children presented the bed spread first and all waited while I opened it. I hated to open all the pretty packages from New York—I think you wrap them nearly as well as Aunt Evelyn does. I mean I hated to disturb the pretty wrappers.
We ate your candy and peanuts and talked about you and what you were doing etc. Daddy loves his scarf. When I looked at it—he was afraid the card you sent with it would get lost—because he said, “Now what did you do with the card?” So I found it and read it and I shall keep it with the scarf for him. But Kinny dear you sent us too much. The shirt for Daddy is very good quality and will wear a long time. I’ll try to get Daddy to write and thank for his own things. He means Thank you, but you know he hates to write.
Your last type written letters are as good as anybody’s I think. I hope your shorthand will improve. Frances said today, “Anyone doesn’t need to think shorthand is easy—it’s hard as mathematics.” They were both glad to hear about you all.
Tillie was here yesterday. I gave her coffee because it was Christmas Eve. She said last year she was here on Christmas Eve and you camp fire girls were here packing boxes and you sang for her and took her for a ride and home. I remembered it when she began to tell it. She said I should thank you for her hanky—told Harriet that you are a dear friend to have.
Well we had a good dinner today—if I do say it myself—turkey—rutabaga—mashed potatoes—cranberries—fresh rolls I baked yesterday –dressing–Fruit Salad on lettuce—celery–blueberry pie. Who could have better? Paul and Frances always praise my dinners a lot and they did this one. Pennie is growing and very pretty. She liked the doll I dressed for her. Frances said she needed pillow cases.
What do you think Frances brought me? Lovely Alice blue silk crepe for a dress—it’s such heavy pretty material. She said, “Now you make this for yourself.” I said I would, surely, because Kinny didn’t need it anyhow.
Winnie gave me stationary to write to you on. She and Byron will not go back till tomorrow morning.
I might as well tell you I had to sniffle just a little last night at supper time, but Daddy and all of them poked fun at me—altho I think they just did that to hide t