Dec 24, 1937

Parker, Idaho

Dear Papa, Mama & Virgil,

I will write a line this lovely Christmas day and give you an idea what we are doing and how happy we are.

We hope Mother is feeling herself again and able to enjoy the day as much as the rest of us.

I wish you could have seen how excited the little lads were when they opened the packages & saw the decorated tree.

Last night Ellsworth, June & Gordon took Norman to the ward Santa Claus party & all Norman could talk about after was "Santa-gangy (candy)". He wants to play with the Santa on the tree & is always finding new pictures of him.

Gordon sleeps on couch in dining room & was up at 6 AM had two girls made + woke the rest of us before 6.30. We left Robert asleep + came in to see Norman open his things.

They got all the Tys they could handle so we're glad you didn't send anything in that line.

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Iris & her husband sent a package besides a large one from Grandma Clark + Hazel.

Besides the wheelbarrow + musical toy we got them there were two hammering outfits, tractor, ball, abe book, tiny wagon, and a mechanical car apiece. Bobby is pretty good at playing catch + is as much fun as Norman to play with, altho he didn't feel so spry today + didn't get on the floor much. He seems to be cutting more teeth.

The little girl across the street came over with her doll+then June took Norman over to see her things.

We had a tasty goose dinner about the same menu Lois plans. I made some fruit cake but can't get suet for plum pudding. I like goose, better than Turkey — it was so fat + juicy. Norman's black pup seemed to enjoy it too.

This afternoon we heard King George VI address his people by radio + the reception over short wave was very good.

Tonight June's friend will be over + we'll break in our new game of Rook.

Ellsworth has been quite engrossed in his new books "How to Win Friends + Influence People" by Carnegie + Elbert Hubbard's notebook" which June + Iris sent.

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He also got ties, sox, your much-needed hankies (we'r keeping two for his birthday Jan. 25), stationery + tiny doll with bottle from students.

Gordon got all he needed in way of clothes, from scarf to shoes + Ella gave him a shirt. Ells + June picked me a nice yellow apron + house slippers, besides, hose from you + Iris, hanky + perfume from Helen, apron from Hazel + more house slippers from June. I thot [thought] I'd send these to Lois if she has none. They're plenty long + quite dressy + I have all I need now.

We sent the Knaphus girls each a dress + hanky Virgils' helmet to Jackie + a tie to T.M. dress + picture book to Oliver + son. Just rec'd a card from her in Phoenix Ariz. I sent three flowers + hanky gifts to Don's friends in S.L. We used the hankies you crocheted + they were dainty as could be. When you crochet again some time I would like to have one with a lacy edge like some you sent.

We didn't send Clark's anything but sox + shoe bag + hankies, cushion to Iris.

We're glad you weren't able to get to town in time to shop because you have enough to take care of without sending so much extra to us. What you sent

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was plenty + very much appreciated. The wishes + sentiment behind them is what counts.

Sun. Dec 26. June sang on S.S. program today + tonite after attending a good meeting we listened to the church broadcast again. It's like being with the family for a home evening when we hear his voice - he seems so close and sounds so fine. Stewart + Ellen N. Shields heard him last week from Swift Current, Sask. in Can. [Canada].

Don't wear out Don's record before we hear it. We can hardly wait now. His Christmas card was cleaver wasn't it.

Dec. 29 Glad to hear Marv [Marvin] has decided to go to school with the others. It will be advantageous for them all to be together anyhow + I think it's what he needs to get a more technical backing. Lois didn't mention it in her las letter. They sent some chocolates, rattle + 2 dogs for the kids which they were delighted with. We will send some candy or fruit cake to them for New Years or after they get settled together.

Zina - Lou sent us greetings from London, Guess you've heard rom her mother. Any news from Lethbridge.

Charles says Melba's parents are with them again this winter in Desert Center, California.

June's health is normal again since about a week ago. + we're all feeling on our best.

We hope the New Year will dawn bright + happy for you. I feel that it has good things in store for us as a family + as individuals. I'm grateful for the blessings we've had in 1937.

Love from all, Dorothy