Christmas at Big Oak was always an exciting time! Some of my favorite memories of growing up at the Ranch are from Christmastime. Christmas started the day after Thanksgiving – decorations galore! Dad took us each year to pick out a live tree, and when we got home Mom would make hot chocolate, while we blared the Jackson Five Christmas Album and decorated the tree. Mom would always read the Christmas story while dad hung the nail at the bottom of our tree on Christmas Eve. Both the Girls’ and Boys’ Ranch gathered at the office for a Christmas celebration of food, family, and carols – but, most importantly, to focus on the true meaning of Christmas… Jesus Christ.
Now that I have a family of my own, Christmas looks a lot like it did when I was a kid because we have continued those traditions. It is still one of my favorite Holidays. My family gets a live tree each year, and we spend hours picking out just the right one at a local tree farm. Most of the time, it ends up being way too big for our living room! We always take a trip to Noccalula Falls to see all the Christmas lights and visit with the animals. Though I have grown up and have a family of my own, you will find us home at Big Oak on Christmas Eve, playing ridiculous games and spending time with our family and loved ones.
Christmas has always been such a magical time for me, as well as other children at Big Oak, and we thank you for all you do to make every Christmas so memorable!
Jessie Anthony Patterson