Christmas has been been filled with fond memories in the Carlson family, and in both or our extended families. Just a few days ago we received a Christmas card from Connie's niece, Dana Huffman, that reminded all of us connected with the Cutlan family of a venerable Christmas tradition from Connie's mother. Here is Dana's excellent recollection of Grandma Cutlan's "manger scene" and its significant Christmas memory.
Grandma’s Manger Scene
I have a manger scene that has been in my family for about 70 years. The old figures are beautiful but many of them are showing wear and have been damaged. Both the shepherd and the angel are missing their legs. Years ago grandma fastened cardboard to the bottom of each so they won't fall over. One of the sheep has been glued back together. The other has uneven feet and must lean against the shepherd to stay upright. And the donkey, he's a mystery. I think his tail has been pulled and he looks sort of chewed on. I'm sure if I took this bunch of characters to The Antiques Road Show they would be declared of little value because of their flaws. But to me, these little figures are priceless. They perfectly depict who Christ came to save.
The Christmas story comes alive when we feel it. I felt God's love and acceptance through grandma. How she treated these little figures is the way she treated me. In spite of my shortcomings she loved me dearly and never would have banished me from "the scene." She always set a place for me at her beautiful table and put a gift for me under her tree. How simply and powerfully she showed the love of God.
On the Carlson side of the family we also have many fond memories of Christmas past. Grandma Carlson was always known for her nicknacks, picture albums, and Christmas goodies. Kirk has a special memory that incorporated all of those remembrances, plus a special gift that he was able to give to Grandma.
Grandma was well known for her frugal and resourceful ways, but also for her many "finds" that she managed to acquire from various sources. One of her "used treasures" was an old color TV that had its early life in a hospital somewhere. It may have worked well in its early days, but never did work well after Grandma rescued it from the throwaway junk heap. Anyway, our kids would always razz Grandma about her less than perfect TV.
In 2002 Kirk and Grandma spent Christmas together at her
Scandia Shores apartment. On that occasion Kirk presented to Grandma a new TV for her Christmas gift. She could not hear too well, but she did have to admit that she could see the evening news much clearer on "Kirk's TV." Kirk has that TV today as a Christmas memory of Grandma.
On the Carlson side of the family we also have many fond memories of Christmas past. Grandma Carlson was always known for her nicknacks, picture albums, and Christmas goodies. Kirk has a special memory that incorporated all of those remembrances, plus a special gift that he was able to give to Grandma.
Our final convention trip for 2007 was to Dallas just before Thanksgiving. This gave us the opportunity to stop by Chattanooga to visit Kristy and Brian. We were able to celebrate Kristy's significant birthday (we won't mention the numbers) a little early. Diets were set aside for the evening and we tested a new Chattanooga restaurant called Food Works. It was great, and we highly recommend the food and atmosphere. 
