Concord, NC

December 22, 1940

Dear Mavis,

We feel that Christmas has already come to us after receiving all the nice gifts you sent. They arrived intact yesterday. Everything is a perfect fit and we are all well pleased with them. Thanks for everything. I wore my sweater under my coat to town last night. The collar comes over my coat and looks nice. Papa likes his and Dulcie is crazy about her bedroom slippers. Kenneth, Douglas and Jo's things fit. They wore them today and Doug is sleeping in his pajamas tonight. He needed them badly.

Dulcie's check hasn't arrived yet. She is already speculating as to how much it will be and what she will get with it. She received a number of nice presents at school.

Mac was sick today, had the doctor with him. The doctor thought it was indigestion. He was feeling better about 3 o'clock when we were there.

We had our Christmas exercise tonight at 6:30. It was very good. We had a hundred bags to give away. Manlius Stirewalt and family were there and I got the biggest thrill seeing the little boys when Santa Claus asked them what they wanted him to bring them. When the bags and a present from their teacher was given them, I think it was a knife with a chain that is what Douglas got. Helen Hunsucker is their teacher now.

I gave our class a Christmas card with an invitation to a party here December 28th. I thought perhaps they would enjoy a party better than any small gift I could give them. Janice Hunsucker gave me a pretty box of handkerchiefs and Gladys gave me two pretty handkerchiefs. Laura Ridenhour and Frank gave me a box of wash rags and Papa the same thing and Dulcie and Harding dolls made of wash rags. They had them wrapped in pretty paper and put on the tree for us.

I sent Elwyn a shirt, Doris a pair of nylon hose and Dolores a pair of red bedroom slippers. Muriel sent a towell and wash rag set. Jo sent Dolores a pair of socks. Ruth and Howard are ending them a dozen nice towells and Dolores a white pair of mittens.

I had gotten Jerry a little red wheelbarrow. They were here this evening so I gave it to him for I knew he would get so much for Christmas and he would enjoy it before he saw all Santa Claus brought him. He has been sick with that terrible cough like he had last winter. He coughs and vomits like one with the whooping cough. Buren has been almost sick with a cold and cough, but he keeps going.

Mrs Clay is better. She went visiting today. Zula said she seemed better. We received your picture. Dulcie has it in a frame sitting here on the table. It looks very much like you.

I don't know how Christmas will be without you, but perhaps it is best for you not to make the long trip for so short a stay. I am not expecting any extra company Christmas. I haven't heard from Ruby L.

Ruth's sister Francis was married at her home yesterday at 2 o'clock. They went to Florida on their honeymoon. Vera is getting married Christmas day at home. Janie Hunsucker was wearing a diamond today. Ruth gave Howard a new overcoat and shoes for Xmas. He is trying to keep what he has for her as a surprise, but is having a hard time doing it. She had a party Friday night for the girls who work with her. They gave her lots of nice presents. She gets such a thrill from giving and receiving things. Harding got a week's pay from the CoCola plant for Xmas.

We are sending you a few things. Muriel got the raincoat at a bargain and thought you might be able to use it. I like my cap but am afraid if I wear it to milk, the cows won't know me. We killed our hog last Tuesday so we are having plenty to eat. Howard and Ruth were here for dinner. She doesn't have to go back to work until Thursday. Howard is working tomorrow. Stewart and Gladys will arrive Christmas day to spend a week

It is nearly eleven o'clock so I'll quit. Don't work too hard and get sick. We'll be thinking about you and hope you will be very happy.

A merry, merry Xmas and much love from us all and many thanks for everything.

Mother