In this week’s Rewind, Robert Smith sends out his latest Christmas greeting to the reading audience. This annual message has become somewhat of a tradition over the years, as he recalls some tales of Christmases long ago.

An old postcard shows a pretty winter scene. It was titled “Horse Racing on Cazenovia Lake, Cazenovia, N.Y.”

Christmas Memories and The Changing Times

Most, if not all, of the people that I know regard Christmas as the highlight of each year; not just the day, but the season. Those who truly enjoy the annual celebrations usually look beyond the superficiality that has so often crept in and see it as a wonderful and awe-inspiring time of year.

It is a time of family and friends gathering together, not only to exchange gifts but, more importantly, to be thankful for what we have and share. It is also a time to look back at times past, weighing the good and the bad, and to look forward to what we can do to make the future brighter. What we once thought may have been “hard times” were not so bad after all. I prefer to think of them as “pebbles” that have formed the foundations of our lives. Of course, the deepest of all meanings of Christmas is rooted in Scripture, and a story as old as mankind itself.

I look forward each year to penning my Christmas message to Rewind followers. I hope they will forgive me for straying from the usual weekly topics in favour of a little story or two about Christmas memories.

Christmas at our house was a pretty traditional affair. Our immediate family made up six at the table, and we were joined by grandparents, some special aunts and cousins, and others who were always a pleasure to share the day with. For all of my growing-up years, we most often alternated where we celebrated the day with my aunt. She was married to my mother’s brother, but widowed very early in life.

I can recall a little “happening” one year when we were at her house that often got mentioned in later years when the old “Remember the time?” round of storytelling started. Aunt Doris was an elementary school teacher and was pretty up to date on her profession. I believe she often took extra courses, etc., to stay current with trends.

It seems that she had learned that as children were growing up, it was quite all right to allow them to be introduced to alcoholic beverages. The thinking was that, wisely used and in moderation, it was a far better alternative than having them experiment on their own.

On Christmas Day one year, perhaps as the adults were enjoying a cocktail, my aunt informed my older brother, sister, and I that she had a special treat for us. My younger brother and a cousin were a bit too young to be included. She had selected a low-proof, perhaps sweet and supposedly appropriate beverage for our enjoyment. It DID contain alcohol! As I recall, she served her selection in a nice, fancy liqueur glass that was nicely presented on a lovely tray.

What a thoughtful idea, I thought! Apparently my older siblings were not too interested, and after a brief “sip,” their glasses soon sat idle and virtually untouched. My experience was slightly different. As I sipped on mine, I could immediately sense a future for this new “treat” my loving aunt had introduced. With each fresh taste of this newfound elixir, I was quickly, but silently, more pleased.

Without much ado, my tiny glass was soon empty. As the day’s proceedings went on in the parlour, I decided to be a thoughtful guest and headed out to the kitchen to leave my glass near the sink. As I proceeded, I noticed those two lonely, neglected, and still-full glasses sitting there.

I pondered the situation, but not for long. What a shame it would be to throw a perfectly intended glass of good cheer down the drain. Perhaps I could take a sip or two and soon head back with my absence unnoticed. No one seemed to miss me, so why not? The next snifter was even better than the first!

After a short respite in the main gathering area, I couldn’t help but think that since I was feeling no ill effects, why not head back and finish what I had started? From here the story went a bit downhill — or was it uphill? Or what was it? I believe my mother was the first to notice that I had rather subtly taken on a new aura. Apparently, I was stepping a bit higher than usual and suddenly found everything that I said was a bit funny — perhaps quite funny!

As I recall, probably after my mother assessed the situation and realized that it probably wasn’t too serious, someone was assigned the task of taking me out for a walk. Perhaps a block or two in the cool winter air would return me to some level of normality (whatever that might have been at that age?). It was maybe a bit akin to walking a horse to cool it out.

Before too long, law and order were restored and our normal day went on. I did take a bit of ribbing for a time whenever the subject arose, but as time passed it became less of a favourite topic. As I think back to that time now rooted in antiquity, I can only say, “Oh, the joys of growing up!”

Never a Christmas season occurs that several small yet meaningful things do not happen to brighten the festive season: a call or a chance meeting with someone dear, an act of kindness, an unexpected card, or even a smile from a stranger — things that don’t seem to otherwise happen throughout the year. I have a wealth of happy memories attached to this time of year, and none have a dollar sign attached to them.

Our Christmas family gatherings have always been centred around a beautiful meal as the highlight of the day; that has never changed. This year, as we have for many years, we will have three generations of our family seated at the table. I can easily remember when I was among the youngest ones (or close to it) to be seated there. Things do change, and guess who now has the honour of being the most senior one present?

A Few Photos from Years Ago at the Track

|At one time, fans at Greenwood had a special afternoon when they brought their children to the track for a hayride, as shown above. A nice team of Clydesdales pulled the sleigh.

A group of youngsters is shown thoroughly enjoying their visit from Santa as they receive a gift. As the caption shows, this photo was taken at Mohawk.

As a youngster, I think I worried that one day Christmas would no longer be enjoyable and meaningful. As I looked at the older people who attended our family get-togethers, I wondered how it could be much fun once the beloved Santa no longer included you on his list. Through the beauty of time and experience, I have found the exact opposite is true. Times change, and we all must do so too.

Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours…

In closing, I would like to wish everyone in the Rewind audience the merriest of Christmases and the best of the coming New Year. My thanks to those of you who enjoy reading my tales of bygone days and to the many who send in comments or contact me personally. You folks make this all worthwhile. Remembering our past is so important.

Christmas is a special time of year, one that is not just a day or even two, but a season. I know that everyone does not have the same feeling about the day and the season, but it is my hope that you place some special meaning on it that brings you solace at this time of year. It is truly a time to be enjoyed.

A handwritten recipe may be a rarity nowadays, but it’s nice to remember the way things used to be. (From my wife Linda’s kitchen, in her hand.)

Quote for the Week: “May peace and happiness be yours for the Christmas season and throughout the coming year.”

Christmas Issue Quiz

Shown below are a few photos connected to Christmas messages that appeared in racing journals in bygone years. If you wish, let us know who you think they are.

#1 — Who are these two folks from a few years ago? Somehow, those 52 years since this message appeared have slipped into history.

#2 — Who do we have here? Guessing who this young fellow is shouldn’t be too difficult.

#3 — Who is this gentleman?

#4 — Who do we have here? This fellow was a long-time owner and racing commission official.

#5 — Who do we have here?

(The correct answers will be posted here by Robert as a comment in a few days.)