A CRIB FOR CHRISTMAS

One of our local TV stations is sponsoring a Christmas toy drive. People are asked to donate new toys in their original wrappers. 

This reminds me of the year I was told that if I were to leave my doll’s bed in the living room before I went to bed, one of Santa's elves would take it away and turn it into a baby crib.  My mother helped me put the doll bed in the living room where the Christmas tree would be standing in a few weeks. On Christmas morning, to my delight, Santa had left the freshly painted babydoll crib standing next to the Christmas tree. 

The crib had long legs and raised sides to keep the baby from rolling out. There was also a new blanket and a pillow in the crib. 

 A few years later, when I knew a bit more about Santa, I learned that my father, who was a volunteer fireman, had spirited the bed away to the firehouse where the fireman donned their elf hats and repaired and painted toys and bikes for Santa.  Some of the wives made clothes for different size dolls, as well as blankets or quilts for doll beds. My mother had made and crocheted around the quilt and pillowcase for my crib. 

New toys in their original wrappers are nice, but they can’t beat those that are repaired, painted and sewn with love by caring hands.

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season.

                  Until we meet again,

                 Mary Nolan Brown