elle kynzer

My Memory Of An Early Christmas And "Suzy Q"



Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2011

by elle kynzer

I don't remember a particular Christmas growing up, but I do remember a gift.
There was a doll in the 1950s, which was huge and had hair that you could pull out and push back in her head, and she wore a blue velvet dress. I must have got mine about the age of three or four, because I had her for a very long time.  No doubt it was a purchase of my Dad's, and I named her Suzie-Q.  I'm sure this purchase was an apology of sorts, as my parents weren't usually gift givers.

My grandfather always used the doll as a conversation piece, and would ask how was "Suzie Q", and no doubt it helped me develop my skills of conversation and storytelling.  I loved this doll, but had a jealous cousin, who after a few years could not resist the temptation to cut off all her hair.  Eventually this doll was put away, and left behind, but she was never forgotten.  Of all the presents I received in my life, that one is what I remember.  Susie-Q was the only feminine aspect of my childhood, and I spent the rest of the time outside and busy.

Christmas in my life was usually represented at Church events, Christmas plays, or the yearly Christmas sermon.  The expression of celebration in my family in the early years was never big family dinners or get togethers.  The churches in my area were places of organization of community dinners, hayrides in summer, homecoming, or cake walkes etc.; things done as a Sunday 'after church' event. I went to a few family celebrations when I was older, but not as a child.

For some reason, I do not remember a Christmas tree in my home, until after my parents divorced. That's not to say there wasn't one, but I don't recollect it. And I do not remember a Christmas tree in my grandparents homes, as I was growing up.   I do know all were Christian believers however, the way Christmas was celebrated was more in the form of discussion, music....lot's of music, and singing. All of my maternal grandparents either sang, or played instruments.

The most important thing I remember was how important Jesus was in the conversation, and how the music made me feel so wonderful!
Elle Kynzer was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and grew up in a rural area, as an only child. She is married with one son, and two grandsons.

She was a Personnel Assistant in her early twenties, and began hiring employees for the company. By her early thirties she had returned to NC, and became an Executive Officer in Real Estate. She also served as part-time USNR for more than ten years.

Elle went back to college at WCU, then went on to teach Criminal Justice for a local Community College, in the local High Schools/college credit.

Elle Kynzer, Author:

E Books:

Non Fiction: EXONERATED-Nancy Hanks Lincoln/mother to Pres Abraham Lincoln; Fiction Mystery: BLOODY CLOTHES ON THE INTERSTATE;UNDER MURKY WATERS.

Poetry: A WINDING RIVER; Paranormal: TRAMPLING ON JUSTICE; Christian: REFLECTIONS OF GRACE See Amazon.com; or visit my blog for descriptions.

Her blog http://ellekynzer.blogspot.com/

First Christmas
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Christofer French
 159 days 7 hours ago.
74 fans.
A reflection of memory and love and companionship. The importance of the symbols of things. Nicely told.
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» left by elle kynzer 159 days 1 hour ago.
32 fans. Follow elle kynzer on twitter!
Thanks, and the early years are less vivid for me, where decorations or outward displays are concerned.....people, relationships, and defining things stay with me best.
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