My Aunt Dora was my Grandparents' first in-law descendent. She tried hard, but always seemed to fall short with the aunts. She always put up their tree and placed each tinsel perfectly. She did the weekend work on Fridays. Her oldest daughter was born Dec 26th, and for a time, she enjoyed the status of having the first grandchild.

She didn't quite stand 5 foot tall. When she gave birth the second time, it was to identical twin boys. (Even more status.) I dearly loved her. I stayed with her when the rest of the family gathered to join the yearly family deer hunt. she hated seeing them killed, and so did I.

What I remember about Christmas was that she always made a green Jello salad with shredded carrots. The aunts made light of her offering. But it was done with love, and bless her heart, she never knew this was a comic side. I loved her. And I loved that salad.

They ran the first skating rink and always sent me those clip on roller skates...