A little holiday cheer
by chuckofish
It’s December! Time to get out the Christmas decorations and start to panic about finding presents for everyone on your list! And what better way to kick off the season than with a vintage photo of the dual personalities enjoying some Christmas cheer?
And speaking of holiday cheer…in our house when I was growing up, the tipple of choice on Christmas was Harvey’s Bristol Cream or Dry Sack.
The bottles weren’t so fancy then, but the sherry was delicious. Once we were past the thrills of childhood, Christmas became relaxed and civilized. We got up late, had a leisurely breakfast, opened the stockings, got dressed, and eventually started on the presents, most of which came with elaborate home-made cards, including poems, quizzes, and all manner of chicanery. Shortly after noon we would take a break and open the sherry — the present opening often extended into the early afternoon. There was much hilarity, not all of it alcohol induced by any means. Perfect days.
We have maintained that tradition pretty well in my household, albeit the sherry drinking has been reserved for the adults, which now number three. And I confess, we do not always run to Harvey’s or Dry Sack but sometimes go for something more pedestrian like Taylor’s golden sherry, which is serviceable and inexpensive.
Don’t let the amount of shopping, baking, and holiday associated commercialism prevent you from enjoying a wonderful family time. When thinks get crazy, just stop, lock the doors and turn off the phones, get in some comfy clothes, put on some relaxing music, grab a civilizing tipple, and remember to enjoy yourselves (in moderation, of course!).
dual personalities 
Great post! We still have Harvey’s and Dry Sack every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I didn’t realize that was a Chamberlin family tradition.
Any guess on the year that photo was taken?
Judging by hair-styles, I’d guess sometime between 1982 and 85. Katie might be able to narrow it down more, though. And it’s funny, but the only time we drink sherry is during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. It’s definitely a seasonal drink.
That reminds me…I better finish last year’s bottle, so we can get a new one!
Finding Dry Sack is one my tasks every year, which has recently become a bit challenging. Last year Dierberg’s was out and the liquor department manager at Schnucks said, “What???” I didn’t look any farther and settled for Harvey’s. bah humbug. I should start before XMAS eve this year .
It is definitely 1982 or 1983, probably the latter. I was married but it was pre-Mary who was born in 1984. I weighed about 105.