A CHRISTMAS STORY: TWO HOMES, ONE HEART

Dad teaching me the joy of Christmas.

Today, I find myself wrapped in a flurry of nostalgia, joy, and a deep sense of gratitude for the magic of Christmas. For me, the holiday isn’t merely about twinkling lights or perfectly wrapped presents (although I love this too), but rather a time to reflect, connect and celebrate the stories and traditions that make life so rich.

Growing up in Dupo, Illinois, a small town just outside St. Louis, my early memories of Christmas are shaped by the complexities of family. When my parents divorced when I was two years old, my life became a balancing act between two homes. Despite the challenges, the love and care I received from both my Mom and Dad and Mary and Jim Johnson, who played a significant role in helping to raise me, ensured that Christmas

Meeting Santa with my cousin Steve Lowry.

was always magical.

Now I’m taking a moment to remember what this holiday has always meant to me. My

family wasn’t very religious although I was baptized an Episcopalian. My trips to church were few and far between and only occurred when my aunt forced my dad to take me. I am still deeply spiritual though, so there’s that.

My Christmases weren’t centered around honoring the night Baby Jesus was born but rather about decorating, baking and receiving and giving gifts. I know this isn’t a very well-balanced way to experience the holidays, but this was my reality.

Decorating the tree is the highlight for me. You see, each and every ornament we put on that tree holds very special memories. I have a crocheted ornament of Santa that my second-grade teacher (Mrs. Lackey ) made for me; I have 3 ornaments related to my life with Playboy (two plastic Bunnies, thank you Diana Peterson, and also a silver Bunny head). We have ornaments from most all of our travels and a very special one from NYC’s now defunct “21 Club.” I have a tiny plastic Barbie doll in her original striped bathing suit that was a gift from my late mom. (This ornament holds pride of place). My late half-sister made a post office building out of popsicle sticks that I cherish (our dad was a third-generation mail carrier).

We have loads of Chihuahua ornaments too- in honor of our late pups Daisy, Mickey and

Willing to make a fool of myself for Christmas.

Rooney, as well as a few dedicated to our current dog Penny the Pencil Neck. I could stare at our tree for hours as it takes me back to so many beautiful moments in time.

When my parents divorced, God Bless them, they never let any anger or frustration spill over on me. As a matter of fact, they made sure I had two perfect Christmases, one at each house. At my dad’s, my stepmom and I would bake cookies and decorate the tree with tinsel. There was always a load of gifts under the tree, and I remember always being happy there.

At my mom’s house, she was more progressive putting up one of the newer silver trees (which wasn’t my favorite), but she tried. Decorating was not my mom’s strong suit although she loved Christmas. My mom’s workdays started at 4 am for as long as I can remember so I’m sure exhaustion was a factor here. She retired as a teletypist from TWA (Trans World Airlines) after decades of hard work. We still had fun until my stepdad came home drunk. That’s when the parties always stopped. But this never diminished my love for Christmas. If anything, it made me cherish it even more.

When my stepfather passed, Chuck was kind enough to invite my mom to live with us.

Every ornament tells a story.

That’s when the real parties began! We had a tree over 12-ft-tall with presents stacked sky- high around it every year. We also had a big chili party for family and friends at Christmastime which was always so much fun! The house was decorated inside, front, back and on our deck. I think you could see it from the International Space Station.

But these days, I realize Christmas isn’t just about nostalgia or beauty—it’s about giving back too. Through my  involvement with our city’s nonprofit community, I’ve seen firsthand how the spirit of the season inspires generosity. Whether it’s supporting causes close to my heart or sharing stories of others’ kindness, Christmas magnifies the power of coming together to make a difference.

This holiday is a reminder of the joy found in both the

Happy times with my mom during Christmas in Chicago.

smallest acts of kindness and the grandest displays of love. It’s in the handwritten notes, the laughter shared over a holiday meal and the sparkle of snowflakes on a winter’s night.

As I reflect on the Christmases of my childhood, I’m reminded of the lessons they taught me: that love, even when divided, is still abundant. That family extends beyond bloodlines. And that the magic of Christmas lies not in the gifts under the tree but in the memories we make and the connections we cherish.

Wishing you and yours a Christmas and New Year filled with wonder, joy and the warmth of those you hold dear.

Love,

Candace

Comments

[Jerri L Small]

I can't love this story more. It was a delight growing up down the street from you. Love you always. Happy New Year

[Candace Jordan]

Dear Sylvia,

My, what a lovely comment! Thanks so much for taking the time to send it. I so appreciate it! :-)

[Candace Jordan]

Dearest Thomas! So nice to hear from you! Thank you for this lovely comment! We miss you and hope all is well!

[Candace Jordan]

Dearest Linda! Thank you so very much! I so appreciate this. I hope all is well with you and that Santa has been very good to YOU!!!

[Candace Jordan]

Thanks so much Donna! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[Candace Jordan]

Thank you so much Barbara, A) for taking the time to read my blog and B) for this lovely comment. I hope you and your family are having a great holiday season! :-)

[Candace Jordan]

Dearest Mike,

Thank you so very much for this lovely comment. You know I've always been your biggest fan so this means so much to me. Sure love you and miss you, always. Candace :-)

[Candace Jordan]

Dear Richard, what an incredibly sweet message! Thank you so much for taking the time to send this. It means a lot. We feel the same about you and think of Paul every day and thank him for the gift of you! We may be far apart but we're always close in spirit!

[Candace Jordan]

Wow, Mary, I didn't know you were from Belleville! No wonder I love you! Hope you and the fam had a great Christmas!

[Yvette Marie Dostatni]

Merry Merry Christmas Candace/Chuck! (And, Penny;)) Have a blessed, joyous and wondrous new year as well——

[Mary Lasky]

Candace, this is a beautiful tribute to you and your family. I enjoyed the walk down your memory lane. I love that you are from
Dupo, as I am from
Belleville! We have a close kinship! Thank you. Sending love.
Xoxo Mary Lasky. 🎄💋

[richard zering]

This blog shows the real Candace. Sentimental, kind, family-oriented and loveable. I don't want to gush but I can't help it. With Candace what you see is what you get. It has been a joy to know you all these years. Thank you for being you. Best wishes to you and Chuck for the New Year. May it be filled with blessings.

[Mike Sneed]

Bless you Candace for being the special and loving snd giving person you are. I am always in awe of your kindness and the light you bring to all of us. You are a blessing and the real spirit of Christmas! Mike Sneed

[Barbara J Nosek]

Candace, such a heartwarming journey through your years. Family ties, bio, step, half, all can be so precious, so good for the soul. Thank you for sharing some true holiday spirit and {with apologies maybe twice} to me spirituality always trumps religion. All the best to you and Chuck in the new year.

[Donna Marie Tuke]

Thank you for sharing! Nicely written.

[Laurie Ogren (Jacobi)]

A Very Merry Christmas to You and Your Family...the memories are the best at this time :)

[John & Alice Huff]

Dear Candace,
What a lovely Christmas message. We wish you, Chuck and Penny a Blessed Christmas and continued happiness, good health and prosperity in 2025 and the years beyond.
Cheers!
John & Alice

[Linda Shafran]

I so enjoyed reading your memories of past Christmas' It is exactly what Xmas is about, memories, love, fun, joy, laughter, family and giving. Thank you and enjoy your holidays

[Thomas Joyce]

Candace, thank you for this memory. Christmas is bigger than Christmas. It brightens the darkness of the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Chuck. Tom

[Sylvia Rollins]

What a heartwarming story that moved me to tears of joy. Times have certainly changed as our world has and your story reinforced the spirit of being grateful as we journey through life with all of its ups and downs.
Thank you so much for sharing and know that your story serves as a bright light for us all.
Happy Holidays,

Sylvia Rollins