Usually right before school started and occasionally at other times of the year, we would get clothes and shoes from the chapel. But we would all get new clothes and shoes to wear for the night of our Christmas program. Actually, they were never brand new either, come to think of it. They were used ones that had been donated to the mission, but we always called them new because they were new to us. Our new shoes would usually be a couple sizes big for us so they would last longer before they were passed on down to the next child in the family.
The mission Christmas program was similar to the ones we have up here now. We didn’t have electric lights, so we would read the Christmas story, sing songs, and say our parts in the program all by lantern light—and we loved it. Every child felt special that night because we were wearing new clothes and shoes and maybe the girls would even get a ribbon for their hair.
Even I liked getting all fixed up for the Christmas program. Mama would spend a lot of time with us curling our hair on corn shucks so we would look real pretty. I remember one year the chapel had received a donation of brand new store bought winter hats to give to the children the night of the Christmas program. An ol’ man handed them out and, when he came around to me, instead of handing it to me, he shoved that hat down on my head. I cried and cried because he had ruined my hair. Mama always liked us to look good and after we got a little older, she saved up and got a curling iron that she would stick right into the fire to heat up and fix our hair.
In my first Christmas program with a speaking part, I only had two lines. It started something like, “Why are you so nervous…” Then this boy dressed up as Santa Claus came in with a pair of shoes for me. My next line was, “My new shoes! And Pa bought me a new pair of shoes too!” Then I excitedly lifted my dress and pointed to the shoes from Pa, which were actually the new shoes I had gotten from the mission. Well, everybody just roared and I thought, Wow, I was great! Everybody’s laughing. I did just great!!
Well, come to find out, I had my new shoes on the wrong feet and these particular shoes were rather big for me and the ends where my toes didn’t reach curled up. So being on the wrong feet, they really turned out and kind of pointed up at the audience. I had been so excited about having a real speaking part in the program that I hadn’t even noticed I had my shoes on the wrong feet until I got off the stage and got home. That’s when I realized what everyone was laughing about. It didn’t upset me because I knew I had done a good job.
—Letters to Lori – The Family History and Stories of Opal Corn Myers written by Barbara League
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a copy of Letters to Lori The Family History and Stories of Opal Corn Myers written by Barbara League. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends December 10, 2025. You can hear me reading the book here.
Last night’s video: Bad Tomato Juice & Biscuits and Fresh Sausage Gravy for Breakfast.
Tipper
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What a good way to look at it I’m glad she kept that as a sweet memory. You hear so many stories about the one new pair of shoes from people living during these times and it sure makes me thankful for what I’ve got.
So sweet ! I love her sweet attitude! Praying for all !
I love precious Christmas stories like this. I wish Christmas wasn’t commercialized like it is now. A lot of people have gotten away from the real reason for the season.
That Opal is always funny!
My kind of stories!
I love reading about Christmas memories like this. Reminds me of when we would do Christmas plays as kids, such fond memories!
Loved your reading of the prelude to the book. It inspired me to order a copy of Christy!
This brings back fond memories of being in the Christmas plays in my church when I was a child. Thankfully, my parents could afford to buy clothes for me and my sisters.
The rumors of snow in my area have been dispelled. It’s has been cold enough and wet enough but it somehow the twain never met. I should know better than to trust The Weather Channel whose forecasts seems to change every seven minutes.
I loved the story! I love you and your family and you have taught me a lot.
Last nights supper looked yummy! We have a ton of wild hogs here in Oklahoma, but I haven’t had any. After watching how Matt fixed it I think I would try it. Ms.Tipper your biscuits looked amazing.
As always praying for Granny.
I always loved the Christmas program at church. There was a mission group from Chicago that sent clothes to our church at Christmas and other times throughout the year. Toys were included at Christmas.
Being in the Christmas play as a child, in my little country church, was always fun. But seeing Santa come down the church aisle carrying small brown paper bags of apples and oranges was always the best.
This is such a precious part of the. book. I would have enjoyed being right there with her!
So many happy memories of Christmas!
The story reminded me of my little sister’s program. she was 5 years younger than me and very quiet. A friend sat by me in the audience and I told her she would have to listen hard to hear my sister who had the first lines in the play. The curtain came back and there she was! A little Christmas tree. The audience hushed awaiting the first line. my sister took a breath and shouted: CHRISTMAS IS COMING, CHRISTMAS IS COMING, PEOPLE BUSY EVERWHERE! She belted it out so loud everyone was taken back and then laughed. She did a great job that night!
Such a heartbreaking story to me :'”(
This sounds like such an interesting read. I must go back and watch your videos on this book.
Poor little girl. It breaks my heart when something hurts a child’s sweet heart.
I feel bad that my niece and nephew never were able to experience school Christmas programs. They never learned the traditional Christmas carols like I did at school.
I love reading any story of people’s lives, history etc. Sounds like a wonderful read.
I love reading people’s memories of Christmas past! I remember the first time one of the older folks at church told me about how Christmas was when they were growing up…it was Mr Troy Early and he told me about being tickled to death to get an orange and some nuts for Christmas. My shock must have been evident on my face because I remember him having a good laugh after that interaction. Mama had told me that kids didn’t get nearly as much for Christmas even when she was coming up…usually only one new toy and maybe a new dress. My little mind just couldn’t fathom that! It’s kinda funny how things work out though. Starting a few years ago with the family growing but not so much the income we decided to draw names for Christmas instead of everyone trying to buy for everyone…so now we’re back to one gift for Christmas! And we love it! Hope everyone has a good day today…I’m off in a little bit to decorate the church fellowship hall for my grandsons first birthday party tomorrow. Pretty sure this has been the shortest year of my life, it’s flown by!
What a heartwarming read this morning. I remember as a child the Christmas plays at church and at school. Mom would make us a new dress, don’t remember any store bought ones. One year I was Mrs. Claus in the school play. The elastic in my knee socks was worn out. So, needless to say my socks kept falling down while up on stage. I think I was bent over pulling them up more than I was standing up. I Miss the days of slower simpler times.
Love the old stories of every day life. Thankful for the sweet memories.
Today’s post brought back so many wonderful memories from my own childhood. It was the Depression era and we were lucky if we got as much as an orange and a stick of candy in our stocking. My sweet Aunt Viola lived in Ohio and fared a little better than those of us in Appalachia, so one Christmas she sent us a package filled with toys, mostly used. I’ll never forget opening the box and finding a little red accordion inside. I was absolutely thrilled! I carried that little accordion around and tried to play it for ages. Unfortunately, I never picked up the musical genes … those went to the men in my family … but I sure enjoyed that little accordion!
I have special memories of those old time Christmas programs, and can still remember the hushed dim light of the old church. One time I got to play the part of Mary in the children’s portrayal of the nativity scene. Afterward, someone said, “she never took her eyes off baby Jesus the whole time.” They didn’t realize I was too shy to look up at the audience! There’s a wonderful lesson there, though…..as we go through life…..never take our eyes off Jesus.
Sweet, sweet story. Church and school Christmas programs were the norm and enjoyed by all. One year we wanted to make the nativity as real as possible for the church Christmas program and brought hay in (no animals). The sanctuary was carpeted in a deep red. We didn’t put plastic down. Yep!! Its nigh onto impossible to easily vacuum hay out of deep red church carpet. We finally got it clean!!!! Funny now but not then.
I have wrote about this before and know it is probably fiction but there might be a grain of truth in it too. Yesterday on Sporting Classics Daily there was one of my favorite feel good Christmas stories titled “The Christmas Rifle” by Rian Anderson. I image this story would be easy to find by googling it. This is a good example of what I mean when I say the good old days. It has more to do with the attitudes or character of the people-no they were not always what they should have been. I know the times in a lot of ways were harder in the old days.
Tipper, it’s funny I just found you on BPA! I’ve been sitting here reading Letters to Lori and loving every chapter! I’d listened to you read a few so I bought the book so I could read from the beginning. I’m so happy I found you and your family!
Blessings
Gina
Gina, glad you found us!! Thank you!
I love stories of Christmas and of children. I was just thinking today of how Christmas seemed to take forever to come when I was a child, but now it comes and goes so quickly.
Bless all those with sickness or other heavy burdens this Christmas.
This story evoked so many memories Miss Tipper. Momma and daddy worked so hard to support our large family, 4 boys, and 5 girls. Two of the nine were cousins. We each got 2 new pairs of shoes a year. Momma did a tremendous amount of sewing clothes, for boys and girls. Our shoes were One for beginning school year and Easter. During summer we were mostly barefoot. This story was so sweet and sure felt like I was there. Have a great weekend everyone. Norman my prayers go out for your beloved family. God bless everyone today, tomorrow and always.
The little county school I attended through the eighth grade held Christmas plays every year. Parents would come to watch us act like we were on a Hollywood stage as we paraded around in our costumes and props, saved year after year for this special occasion. We didn’t get new clothes or shoes for Christmas, but the poke full of candy and fruit the teachers gave us was worth more than the fanciest dresses and shoes money could buy.
Thank you for the delightful story from the good ole days.
Sweet story. Hand-me-downs were also a part of my childhood, whether it be shoes or an article of clothing – sometimes coming from neighbors as well. Things just kept being passed down as long as it was wearable or useable. I still enjoy shopping thrift stores today for someone else’s ‘hand-me-downs.’ 🙂 I’ve never had my hair curled with a corncob, but mama used to tear up small strips of rags and use them to ‘curl’ it.
Cute story!
I have fond memories of elementary school Christmas programs. I was in a couple of them but later enjoyed being in the chorus. Times were so simple back then.
❤️
As I’m reading this I look over at a picture of my mom, my little brother and myself before our Christmas program at our grade school. I was in 6th grade and my brother in 3rd. Our mother was young and beautiful! It is a constant reminder of that special event in December of 1969. Sadly, I lost my brother to lung cancer in February of 2005 and my sweet momma and her sister, in a tragic car accident in August of 2021. I miss them all dearly and cherish each and every memory that floats through my mind, daily. The Christmas season seems to bring the most memories because as a small family, my mom’s parents, my family of 4 and my aunt/uncle and 2 cousins, spent every holiday together at my grandparent’s house. My cousin and I (11 months apart) liked showing off our new outfits that were often identical when we were younger. Reminiscing is such a special way to remember your people♡
Christmas programs are always so much fun! Love this story.
Again, don’t enter me in the contest. I’ve already won! (and thanks again) I just wanted to say that I remember one day not being able to find my shoes for school and the bus was coming. I could see it. I had only two pairs of shoes. One for play and one for school and I had committed the sin of losing my good ones. I was in big trouble because by now I had missed the bus and someone was going to have to drive me. I remember there was anger involved but I no longer remember anything else about it. To this day I still dream about not being able to find my shoes.
We wore hand me downs all the time, one time I needed shoes so Mom polished a pair of my sisters black and white shoes with black polish and I had a pair of black and grey shoes but I was so glad to have a pair of shoes I never noticed the grey part.
This book has some good excerpts. I have really enjoyed reading them.
I love all your readings, Opal was especially good. I look forward to every Friday night to hear your story. I always have a book with me, but I have found since I read the blind pig and the acorn I don’t read my books as much. As soon as I get my coffee, I read your post, then I go back and read prior post. I love that I can read things that were before I found you tube and then your post. I’ve also got to know and love granny and your family. Also because of your post I was lucky enough to know Miss Cindy and Pap.
I get all my books from the library and used book sales from there. I love a book that has been appreciated by someone else.
Thanks for you and your family and all the blind pig members! ❤️
I have such good memories of Christmas programs at church and school. We didn’t have much money, but somehow mama always made sure we had new shoes and a dress for Christmas. This came before any kind of toys. So sometimes we would just get something very small. I remember going to church for many nights to practice for our program. We practiced our lines and our songs to sing. On Christmas, everyone received a tiny brown bag full of hard candy and chocolate drops and an orange. The smell of a new baby doll still takes me right back to Christmas of long ago.
What a sweet story!
Awesome story!
I was an elementary school teacher and I miss this time of year with my students.
I remember the excitement and nervousness of Sunday School and school Christmas programs. I would love to have a copy of this book.
I’m sure everyone has special memories of church Christmas programs. I certainly do because it was a wonderful time of my childhood years!
I have been privileged to meet other “Opals” on my journey of life and I’m sure my acorn friends have also!
Have a great day.
Brenda one memory of mine is of my children’s elementary school’s Christmas program.The principal ( Mrs Virginia Dean) saying and doing this at the start of the program “ I am told I can no longer pray but I am going to do it anyway,” at the end of her prayer, the audience gave her a standing ovation. Her grandmother was my third grade teacher, we would start each day with a devotion by her and say a classroom blessing together before lunch.
such a warm and wholesome story…
I love it when our grandkids get to be in Christmas programs. It’s so fun to see their happy excited faces and they always do such a good job! This year we have 2 of our grands in Christmas programs at the same time at different schools, so we will probably divide and conquer so that each one has a grandparent there.
One of my mottos is “nothing but second best for my family!” If there’s a deal, bargain, discount, etc-I’m on it! I love and prefer used vintage clothes and shoes although they’re difficult to find. I’ve found great pieces of glass, cloth, etc in thrift shops and on roadsides. Once in college, I’d ate mustard on my hot dog in the dark basement cafe. Unbeknownst to me, my jeans (at the thighs) had a lot of mustard on them. I walked into class and was getting a lot of looks. As I sat down, I was thinking to myself GOOD things- like I must be liked by all and there was an inward smile. When I sat down and reached in my bag for my books, it was then I saw my upper legs COVERED IN MUSTARD… oh boy, did I feel like I wanted to crawl under a rock right then…but it humbled me I reckon as have many things. Humility is a very good thing! Lol I loved Christmas at church when I was a kid! The tree was covered in lace ornaments and white lights. I’d always try to sit close to it to see the detail. We would get a bag with candy and fruit. We would carol in the back of a pickup. It was fun for a kid raised by grandparents who just didn’t have the energy nor desires of younger folks. I’d just “love” grandkids dropped off at my age to raise….. who wouldn’t? (Yikes!) Now I understand more than ever what saints my grandparents really were…
Sadie, without going into detail, we helped my daughter raise my 2 grandsons while she worked, after her death, the oldest one was raised in our home just like he was our own son. I consider helping raise these 2 boys an honor and a privilege-in no way a hardship. Both are now grown and no longer live with me. I contact by text or phone call each one everyday, tell them I love them, and thank God each night in prayer for the men they now are. They must have taken after their grandmother! I don’t think Jim Casada can even come up with words to describe the love I have for them.
Good heartwarming story! I would like to read this book.
It really touched me this morning to read about her mother’s love, so carefully curling their hair with a corn cob! I can’t even imagine that. I’m amazed at how innovative people were before modern day industrialization.
I don’t remember my country grammar school having Christmas programs or giving out clothes like this. My lifelong church has always had a children’s Christmas play each year. I wore a lot of hand me down clothes for many years given to me by my aunt that my cousin had worn. I loved getting the blue jeans/dungarees, just as soon as they got soft and began to wear good she would buy him new ones and give the old ones to me. There is a lot of sadness in this memory for me, this cousin, Denny, was the closest person I had to a brother, he along with his best friend (both 15) were killed in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 3, 1965. Both of these boys were working in a Greer, SC peach orchard during the summer and on their way back to work after eating lunch when someone (maybe coworker) pulled out in front of them in a blind curve. They were not speeding or showing out. I already have a used copy of this book in my eBay cart in case I don’t win, reading books like this is one thing I still enjoy.
Losing important family and friends at such a young age, stays witg us! especially by such a needless way…❤️
I typed a comment but I can’t find it now.
That sounds like a good book to read since I love any book that has the way people used to do things years ago.
I remember getting Dad’s old work shoes when he got a new pair. If they had holes I would put on one pair of socks, then a loaf bread bag and then another pair of socks. That mostly kept my feet dry for farm chores and hunting. We always got new shoes when the tobacco sold or sometimes Dad would sell a steer earlier if the Fall was unusually cold or rainy and get us a pair then. We were always told to take good care of them because they needed to last until barefoot weather came in the Spring. I also remember the Christmas plays at school and at church. Our school had electric lights but the church still used lamps and lanterns.
What a wonderful story. I have enjoyed these readings so much. I hope everyone has a blessed day.
I would love a copy of this book. Opal sounds like she would have been a wonderful best friend to get into mischief with!
I went to a small country church when I was growing up. At Christmas time the younger kids (me included) were given”recitations” to memorize for the program. Mom always made me a new dress for the occasion, and I usually wore an artificial Christmas corsage pinned to the shoulder. The church looked beautiful with a big cedar tree decorated with ornaments and lights. Everyone was given a small sack of hard candy and an orange. Sweet memories!
Such a heartwarming story! I would love a copy of this book . Some of Her stories I can relate to . Brings back lots of memories when I was growing up up
This whole book was a joy, thank you Tipper for introducing it to us. I think a lot of us can recall those days in the Christmas program at our local school for church.
so many beautiful memories saved in the writing of this book.
Christmas has always been a special time of the year for me because for many years I had the honor of being Santa Clause to so many young boys and girls and one year I was a surfing Santa. While working at Hawaii State Hospital I played Santa in a new way. I had my natural white beard, my red Santa jacket and hat but that’s where it ended. I wore a red bathing suit and carried a short surf board and my elf was a nurse wearing a hula skirt and carrying my bags. To see the bright smiles on the patient’s faces filled my heart. The gifts were welcomed but we also spoke of the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Savior.
I have good memories of Christmas. Some are at Mama’s Mom’s house some at Daddy’s Mom’s house a few at home. They were so wonderful.
good morning, please continue to pray for my brother Bennie, he has cancer stage 4, my sister took him to the emergency room yesterday, he’s in the hospital his oxygen is low at 88%, thank you and God bless you for praying
Norman, I’m so sorry I will keep praying.
I’ve been praying for you and your brother, Norman. I’m so sorry to hear he’s struggling with his oxygen right now. Praying!