I always get nostalgic this time of year. When I think of my most memorable Christmases Past, one stands out in my mind.

When I was young, my mother was a social worker at an inpatient facility for mentally and emotionally disabled children, and she occasionally got permission to take a few of them for short outings. She always chose the ones who had little or no contact with their families. The year I was eight, she decided to give three of her favorites a special Christmas, one they wouldn’t forget.

My six-year-old sister and I helped her prepare a big Christmas feast, and shopped for presents for each of them. On the big day, she brought the boys to our house. I honestly don’t remember much of the details of the festivities, but I’m sure a good time was had by all.

After dinner, Mom brought out the special dessert – an angel food cake covered in whipped cream icing. The top was decorated with a foil-wrapped star with a beautiful angel standing in the center, and candles all around. I remember wishing I could play with that angel, because she was so pretty, with golden hair and a halo, and wearing a long, flowing white gown. Mom explained to all of us that this was Jesus’s birthday cake, and there was one candle for every century since His birth. She had us stand in a circle around the table with the cake in the center. She lit the candles and turned off the lights. We all held hands and sang “Silent Night.” It was such a beautiful, moving experience. Then we launched into a lively version of “Happy Birthday to Jesus!”

But before we got more than a few words into the song, something went wrong. The angel’s gown caught fire. I don’t know what fabric it was made of, but it went up like a torch. Our voices died away as Mom dashed to the kitchen sink for water to douse the flames. As I said, I don’t remember too many details of the evening, but I will never forget the wide-eyed expressions on those boys’ faces, illuminated by the flames, as they watched the angel burn. I know Mom wanted to make a lasting impression on all of us. All I can say is, she succeeded!

Jesus’s birthday cake has become a Christmas Eve tradition in our family since that night. Only now, we use a non-flammable angel.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has a vivid memory of a Christmas Past. I’d love to hear yours!