Old Sweetwater

Old Sweetwater

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Cars of Christmas Past

Several years ago we noticed, on Christmas morning, that our neighbors across the street had a brand new car in their driveway.  It had a huge red bow tied to it -- just like you see in the commercials on TV.  This gift had everyone's attention because we lived in a primarily blue-collar working class neighborhood.  New cars weren't all that common.

As we prepared to open our gifts, we kept glancing out our front window waiting for the big moment.  Sure enough we heard a squeal and got to see our neighbor's wife jumping up and down while hugging her "Santa."   We opened the door and hollered, "Someone got a very merry Christmas!" It was a wonderful moment to see and share.

It got me thinking about The Cars of Christmas Past

While visiting our family in Georgia during Thanksgiving, I spied these relics and snapped a picture. I got to wondering if one of them had been in someone's driveway on Christmas morn with a big red bow? Did the family gather around their new International and then jump in to take it for a Christmas spin?  Did any of you ever get a car for Christmas?  

24 comments:

Becky Garrison said...

One year (many moons ago) my dad bought my mom a new (to her) used Buick. I think it made him happier than it did her! He was so excited!

This is my first Christmas without my Daddy, thanks for bringing back that sweet memory, Becky

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

No I never did -- but what a cute story -- and as I've looked through your pictures - you have a wonderful blog! Thanks for your visit to my cloche blog!

Pondside said...

No, never a car for Christmas, but a candy-apple red miata for a birthday a few years ago. I call it my 'slightly-later-than-midlife-crises car'.

Marie said...

Never got a car for Christmas but what a cool surprise isn't it? A friend of mine was surprised by her husband when she got a black BMW with a red bow on her birthday. I was there and I was more excited than she was!
-marie

Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio said...

Never received one for Christmas, but we have had a couple in the past that would look right at home next to the ones in your picture.
We surprised our youngest son in his senior year with a new red Ford pickup with a bow. We left it parked where his old clunker was in the HS parking lot.
Then after he graduated from college and bought his first truck he and his dad traded in the one we bought him for a red Crysler Sebring and suprised me a work with it. Wish I still had that car.

Unknown said...

that size present just won't fit under our tree or in our budget, but good for those whose it does! have a great day!!!!!

Janean said...

Pondside, a candy-apple red miata is a wonderful gift ANY time of year!

Anonymous said...

I never got a car for Christmas. When I was still at home, I was lucky to get the keys to take the family car for a Sunday afternoon spin! But it is never too late. Let's see, how about a new Toyota 4 Runner!

erin's art and gardens said...

great photo! I never received a car for christmas but if i did i'd want a new JEEP. i love my jeep, it's my fourth one! thanks for visiting me today...nice to meet you!

stefanie said...

poor lonely cars!!!! i thought the red bow christmas card was just for commercials..lol

PCovi said...

I did :) I got an SUV a few short years ago...a blue one :)
Those cars out in the field make me think of myself LOL! Worn out :)

Janean said...

a lot of us can relate to these old cars! lol!!!!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

No new car for Christmas for this girl:( Thanks for coming by for a visit...please come again! Hope you have a FUN day.

Blessings,
Linda

lori vliegen said...

i love your "cars of Christmas past" idea.....SO clever!! and these cars look like they were an important part of someone's family at some time or other.....great photo!! i never received a car on Christmas morn....i'm more of a slipper and pot holder type of gal! :))

kjkljk;ljljgjgfuyhd said...

Hi Janean!
I've never got a car for Christmas, but I'd be happy with that beautiful sleigh you last posted! Wow :+D
"What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight...."
(so glad you can't really hear that!)
Love your blog and egg nog too!
Have a great day ~
Franny

Stephanie said...

No cars for Christmas here either.

Darla said...

Never rec'd one but what fun it must have been to see that car with a big red bow.

Love the photo of the old cars.

Darla

Betty said...

I keep asking Santa for a Cadillac but he never gives me one! LOL

Heidi said...

Your blog is candy for the eyes! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and signed up to win one of my stars! I've never got a car for a Christmas present. Last year when I asked my honey what he was getting me for Christmas he said he would put a big red bow on the house if I wanted him to. We had just moved into our newly built home about a month before Christmas and there wasn't really any money leftover for big presents. I wonder what excuse he will come up with this year? :)

Lorrie said...

What a lovely blog you have. Thanks for stopping by mine today, and leaving a comment.
I've never received a car as gift, other than the red corvette in my stocking one year.

Lorrie

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

That is so cute that you watched for "the moment" and shared your good wishes! I know we would have done the same-life's happy moments.
Thanks for coming by! I do love my Dickens!
~Nancy

Inspired Comblogulations said...

I would love to have a brand new paid in cash white Mercedes anything! That's all.
Lee

Anonymous said...

I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?

Janean said...

Annon, you can quote my post on Twitter if you'll be kind enough to give credit to my Blog; as long as its "in good taste" and kind or sweet! :) Merry Christmas.