Christmas 1988

Christmas of 1988 welcomed a new addition to our family.  I am the little girl looking down at the small child, my cousin Mathew.  He was kissing our 1st cousin 1x removed, Alyssandra.  She was born earlier in the month.  Looking on, in the green beret (I have yet to find one for myself) is my great-aunt Betty Arcala.  In the teal sweater is my brother Tommy.  Our great-uncle Tony (Antonio Arcala) was holding Alyssandra.  This was taken at my Aunt Jacki Arcala's apartment in Long Beach, California.

Christmas 1985

This was my 7th Christmas.  My brother, Thomas (Tommy as I call him), gave me a gift for the first time.  He bought me a Hello Kitty purse from Lakewood Mall.  This was at our family home in Long Beach, California.

Santa's Village

 

My father had the best plan ever, to take me to Santa's Village in the San Bernardino Mountains.  I thought we were going to the North Pole.  We'd visit Santa Claus, go on rides, and enjoy the snow.  The ride to the mountains was horrible for me.  I had motion sickness.  My dad had to stop at a store on the way to get snow chains and some mittens and a warm hat for me.  Once the snow chains were on, we continued up the mountain.

All I wanted was to see Santa Claus.  I did, but I did not enjoy the snow at all.  Mrs. Claus gave me a tour over to the candy machine.  It was a huge candy machine that dropped out all kinds of treats.  After just a few minutes in the snow, I began complaining how cold I was.  

When it was my turn to sit on Santa's lap, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas.  I told him, "I don't know."  He said, "I think you might want two front teeth," and he and the photographer began to sing, "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth," and this was the genuine smile I made when they snapped the picture.

I'll always remember when my daddy took me to Santa's Village.