Ho -ho-ho everybody! It’s December warriors so get your Holiday gear on and prepare to celebrate all the festivities! The Ultimate Warrior Elf down below seems intimidating (I know…) but only presents are given if you’re good, right? You might get that lump of coal in your stocking if you cross Warrior Elf… 😬 Creating that outfit was so time-consuming to me, I’m sure Warrior himself was laughing. 🤣 I had made a few. No, it’s not perfect but who truly is? It was super spontaneous so maybe I need more of that. We need the silly! 🤪
I had to get that elf outfit similar to one I wore years ago. More on that soon. This post is a 3 count as it continues on of my attic stuff AND gifts received of last week. This idea kept coming in my head but had to fit Warrior in which was quite the ULTIMATE challenge for me. The elf outfit isn’t the only connector….. Some of you may recall the mention of my Dad working at NASA for 50 years. One of the many highlights was the annual Christmas parties that took place every year, usually the 1st Saturday in December. My entire family would go and what fun we had. Dad always helped plan in some fashion and even took over the play once his friend retired. There were costume characters, a lunch, the play, and of course~ everyone’s favorite, the Santa line.
My sister and I were made up to be Raggedy Ann and Andy one year. Kids today probably don’t even know who they were. 🫤 Very hard just smiling and nodding without words all day. She even continued with friends being Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street. Us kids couldn’t be the BIG characters with those gigantic heads walking around. So many cherished memories as I believe that party tradition has been discontinued. 😞It was amazing though. I can still taste the McDonald’s orange drink along with the ice cream getting scooped by that tiny wooden spoon. Not to mention the strobe lights always being part of the show. My mom hated those! 😵💫
The toy chute was the BEST part. No, it wasn’t quite like “A Christmas Story” with Ralphie getting Santa’s boot, but kinda similar. Just like Warrior Elf below isn’t dressed like “Buddy” but still both elves, at least Warrior *** IS*** for this post. The toys kids got were incredible and not just some cheap little trinkets. NASA really went all out. One year, this giant doll came down the chute for me. Each paper had girl or boy along with your age written on it. She was beautiful with long blonde hair, a gingham dress and matching hat. Once I get to THAT box in the attic, I know she’ll be found. I loved her right away and named her Diana missing the IN in front, (just kidding…!) Elizabeth. Some might get that ‘lil tidbit, haha… Princess Diana always fascinated me so I had my own little piece of the Royal family.
I’ve had countless other gifts over the years that meant so much like I’ve written, but decided to share her story today. I also know (and here’s the other small connector) how Warrior loved when he got his very own wrestling buddy doll. Multiple people have mentioned this and no, my doll didn’t mean I achieved stardom like him BUT I treasured her as he did his buddy. I’m sure you all have presents that you can still remember loving and maybe they weren’t even from your childhood. Did you read about “Braveheart” last week? See, that wasn’t from my youth at all.
Let’s get to the elf part of the story. When I was Raggedy Andy, all I could think about was being one of those very special elves helping Santa and the kids. The woman in charge was a dear friend of my Dad’s, but if I recall correctly, you had to be at least 16. Why? I don’t really know but that year I was only 15. Guess I took a year off because at 17, I was ready! My senior year was the BEST ! April 1 especially (hint look below, ⬇️) but this was only December. I was so excited after watching those elves for years and now it was my turn. Forget the characters, I was a Christmas elf. I had my green tunic with red trim, matching hat, (like Diana), and those pointy elf slippers. I even had my photo taken with “Snow White.” That photo is also probably in the attic yet to be found.
It was a busy day as no sister that year but I stayed to clean up and eat dinner with my Dad. My dream came true of all those years being at the many Christmas parties NASA held for countless families. Now, I want to go find that photo and Diana. 🥹 I’ll keep everyone updated…… Warrior had watched and practiced with so many Superstars and then finally got his big break in the business. His years eclipsed mine but again, it’s the emotion and determination we had. You might have similar stories of achieving a goal, dream, or even holiday wish. My teaching career began as an aide, and the thrill of having my own classroom finally made me so happy. I had made it (in a way) just like the Ultimate Warrior graced his “classrooms” or arenas for all those years.
Enjoy this time of family, friends, and fun, but don’t forget to take time and BREATHE… I’ll be here for one more post until my holiday break. That one is getting to be the “year in review” so I’ll have to do some reflecting. You might not have a doll, elf, or anything like mine, but look to those holiday memories and what genuinely stands out for you while creating the new. Unwrap those boxes in your heart just a little to bring the Christmas magic back in.
😇🎁❤️💚🤍
P.S. Be a little spontaneous too. You never know what you might do. Mine was the Warrior Elf, but be playful and you’ll find yours. 🎉🫵🏻🤭
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