Trips down memory lane yield holiday stories

Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 20, 2006

As boxes full of ornaments, lights and Christmas cheer are brought down from attics, dusted off and opened, fond memories of holidays past are also returning to life.

In the rush of holiday shopping, many of these happy remembrances can get lost in the shuffle. Here are a few from well-known locals to rekindle recollections in households throughout the North End.

Frances Malone,

Suquamish:

About 12 years ago, in celebration of the season, Frances decided to start a tradition that remains today — themed sharing parties. Surrounded by her closest friends and family members, she and her guests share different things that make the holiday season memorable.

“One year, the theme was ‘Your ideal Christmas present,’” Frances said. “One friend of mine brought a toy farm, complete with little animals and a barn, that he had been given as a child. He still had it, and it was really touching that it was his ideal gift.”

Another year, Frances invited everyone to bring an ornament that reflecting their personality. Some of her friends went all out and decorated their ornaments to the extreme. Others brought something more mellow.

“It was wonderful,” Frances said. “It really made my holiday because it was like I had all my friends on my tree. My favorite memories always come from one of my sharing parties.”

Marilyn Bode, Kingston:

In the 1960s, Marilyn’s family built a summer cabin along the Kingston waterfront, frequently visiting and eventually moving to the Little City by the Sea. One Christmas, they decided to have a big party with their friends and family from Seattle.

“Lots of people showed up, we were crammed into our little house pretty good,” Marilyn said. “All our relatives barely fit into our summer cabin. It was wonderful and cozy, but we weren’t sure what to do with the Christmas tree.”

In hopes of protecting the tree and its ornaments, Marilyn’s family got creative.

“We hung the Christmas tree up in the peak of our A-frame house,” she laughed. “It was almost six feet off the floor. We were well-known at the Christmas tree farms, because after that, we always asked for one with a good looking bottom.”

Marilyn’s family had a lever and pulley system they used to hoist the tree up, and once in place, it has lorded over the family parties ever since.

Leonard Forsman,

Suquamish Tribal Chairman:

Leonard dug up a memory from his childhood to share with the North End, from a Christmas when he got a special present that might still be ticking somewhere.

“It was a white Christmas that year, and we decided to go play with my new football,” Leonard said. “Well, I came back in from playing, and realized that my new Timex watch was gone.”

After fruitlessly searching for the watch, he and his family continued their celebrations. About a month later, the snow melted and the Timex reappeared — still ticking.

“My dad was so proud that he had bought a watch that worked after being frozen for a whole month,” Leonard laughed.