What do you think about when you think of childhood Christmases? I think of thick, fat snowflakes falling down. Driving to my grandparents’ mobile home. Sitting by the woodstove, eating homemade enchiladas, and opening a large pile of presents. I grew up in a small, mill town of Weed, California. All my favorite childhood memories are centered there.
Why am I thinking about Christmas in September? For two reasons:
1. My book Where Treetops Glisten just released! This is a collection of WWII novellas set in World War II.
In my story, Meredith (Merry) is on the front lines in The Netherlands, and all she can think about is her home and her family that she left behind.
I’ve been thinking a lot of hometowns and family in my real life, too.
2. My own hometown has faced a great tragedy.
This first photo is me outside of my grandparents’ mobile home in Weed, California. I was around 14-years-old. You can see the beautiful Mt. Shasta in the background. I grew up in Weed, and I have many family members so still live there. (My grandmother is still alive and she lives with me.)
Tricia Goyer Weed, California
These are images from my hometown yesterday. A wildfire destroyed over 100 homes and one of the mills in town. So much destruction in such a small town!
This is my cousin, Cindy’s, house. There is nothing left. My aunt also lost everything, too. She was renting a house, but everything she had is now gone.
If you would like to send a card (or a gift card!) to either my aunt or my cousin I’m sure they’d love your thoughts and prayers!
Vickie Dunn (my aunt)
c/o Linda Martin
PO Box 268
Los Molinos CA 96055
Cindy Cheffey (my cousin)
c/o Linda Martin
PO Box 268
Los Molinos CA 96055
Thank you for your consideration!
I also encourage you to take time and think back about your special holiday memories. We have much to be thankful for, friends! These are special memories I’m cherishing today.
If you have childhood holiday photos you can share, I’d love to see them!
Also, if you’re interested in winning a copy of Where Treetops Glisten and an apron, my co-author Sarah Sundin is giving away both here.
Tricia Goyer Christmas 1976
Tricia Goyer Christmas 1976
Also, I appreciate your prayers for my family and friends in Weed! It’s going to be a long road of recover for them!
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Prayers for your family. So heartbreaking. But so thankful they are alive.
I’ve been to Weed. Love those little towns.
Thank you for praying, Sandy!
Thoughts and prayers for your family and others displaced. I lost my home to a hurricane when I was 13 so I can definitely empathize. It’s amazing how quickly fire can spread!
I can’t imagine going through that. Such hard stuff. I’m thankful for Jesus!
So sad to hear about your Family’s loss in the fires Tricia. I am keeping you all, in my Prayers.
I have very many happy memories of Christmas from when I was little(and BTW that hasn’t changed,,I still love Christmas celebrations) We usually all manage to have our entire Family together…. not only our 5 children and 11 grandchildren but also my Mother,Sister and her family as well!
it’s a double celebration for us as I also celebrate my birthday(and yes I am very fortunate as I receive presents for both birthday and Christmas) I feel so privileged to have a birthday on such a Significant Day!
I ‘m thinking you have a birthday around Christmas too or am I imagining that?
I pray your family will still be able to enjoy Christmas, despite their circumstances.
Rosie, my birthday is in July … but I’ll take gifts any time of year! LOL!
I am so sorry that this has happened to your loved ones. I will pray for them and the town of Weeds. I, too, grew up in a small town, so I know how this must break your heart.
Thank you so much, Pat!
I’m 2 days behind in seeing this post, but I’m so very sorry about this tragic fire, Tricia. I’m praying for your relatives and all the town. Will try to get some cards in the mail to your family members.
Prayers and blessings, Patti Jo
I was away visiting my father in Mammoth when this post came up, and he was sharing about what was going on in Weed. Please know that your family will be and remain in my prayers.