DaytonDailyNews.com

I wonder if some of you are like Emily Morehead of Fairborn who sometimes stashes papers she wants to keep in her recipe file.

I have heard of people keeping items in the family Bible, but didn't know about the recipe file until I talked to Emily.

While preparing for some holiday entertaining, Emily was looking through her recipe file and found a poem her mother, Claire Richarme, wrote in December of 1980. Mrs. Richarme passed away in 1998. She is survived by her husband, Herman, and eight children.

"Mom is still alive in our hearts. I think of her a lot at this time of year," she said.

Here is a condensed version of Mrs. Richarme's poem about Christmas shopping:

This year I thought I'd play it smart.

Early Christmas shopping I would start.

But November was much too early for me.

I'd start early December, early as could be.

Then the first of the month after paying bills,

I had nothing left for presents and frills.

So I'd wait for the 15th; time to spare.

I won't have to dash from here to there.

Suddenly it's the 18th with one week to go.

I'll go shopping tomorrow if it doesn't snow.

But the 19th is dreary, my son has a cough.

So what's one more day in putting it off?

Shopping days left are down to four.

I'm beginning to dread going to the store.

Things picked over, the buys gone.

But I have to get that shopping done.

Then things fell in place and gifts under the tree.

Where it all looks as pretty as can be.

Now put on your slippers, relax and cheer.

Of course, say to yourself, "Shop early next year."

I sigh and remember I have myself to blame.

No other person or thing can I name.

I'll just mark my calendar so I will remember.

Start next year's shopping in early September."

Emily said she will have a copy of her mother's whimsical poem framed and give it to her father at Christmas dinner.

Then the original copy will go back into her menu files, the ultimate place for the safe keeping of family treasures.

Dale Huffman invites you to send along any holiday stories or happenings in your family during Christmastime 2007.

Did anyone spill the cranberry sauce on the floor? Did you get duplicate gifts from anyone? Did someone in your family offer a very moving prayer before dinner? Did you play Christmas music during the family gathering? What one memory will you associate with this year's celebration.

I send best wishes to you and yours for a blessed Christmas and a successful and happy New Year.

Contact me by e-mail at dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or send a letter to Dale Huffman, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.