Rudolf and Gene Autry
Christmas 1971
What a haul that year! I was 5 years old. I am forgetting quite a bit, but I got a Hot Wheels Track set, a cat clock that wagged its tail and blinked its eyes, a portable record player, and records just to name a few things. One of my records was the album you see today, Gene Autry: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer And Other Christmas Favorites. Several days ago I heard Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry, and my heart sank a bit when a wave of childhood memories of my father and Christmas flooded my heart and soul. My father truly loved giving us presents and seeing us enjoy our Christmases during childhood. He loved cowboys, and he loved Christmas, so it was natural and a pleasure for him to buy me this album. My heart still misses him so much especially during Christmas.
It just so happened that Carter and Ammon heard Gene’s version with me, and I told them about my album and a few words about their Papa Caylor. He would have such fun with these two!
Haven's Ideals by Haven Caylor-Brown 
Thanks for the memories today, Haven! I am just a little bit older than you, but I remember getting the Hot Wheels track for Christmas one year. Also, I too, miss my Dad at Christmas. He loved watching the five of us open our gifts on Christmas morning, delighting in the joy of the moment. He has been gone six years, and I treasure all my memories of him.
Thanks for sharing, Anne. Isn’t it such a blessing to be able to continue what we hope and pray are fond memories for our children. Your father and my father’s love of Christmas is handed down to our children.
Reblogged this on Haven's Ideals and commented:
The older I get the more I know how much giving me and my sister Karen a great Christmas meant to Daddy.