Vicky Rogers: On this Christmas Eve pictured, my four-year old daughter, Megan woke up with a

Vicky, 1986

small spot on her upper lip and a small spot on her forehead. Since we visit extended family, I called my sister-in-law, Bonnie, a nurse. She said barring any other symptoms, it was probably some type of unspecified dermatitis. Three weeks later every child in the extended family, including 15-month old Meredith (pictured here with me) had chicken pox! Megan's case remained very mild, but poor little Meredith; was awash with spots. No area of her little body was immune from the rash. We still laugh about "Typhoid Megan" infecting the entire family. Luckily, no one suffered lasting effects, but I am good at recognizing the rash now. When our son Mark was born 2 years later, he received the vaccine.

Karen Werley: Without a doubt my favorite memory of the holidays is going to bed with just a plain evergreen tree standing on a platform that held my father's prized Lionel train set in the

Karen, 1963 Age 2

corner of our living room. No decorations or presents anywhere. When my brother, sister and I would wake up before sunrise on Christmas morning, we were forbidden from taking one step towards the first floor. The three of us, full of excitement, sat together at the top of the stairs while my parents went down first "to be sure Santa had finished." (Years later I know this meant turning on the lights, starting the coffee, and readying the camera.) Once we had permission to proceed, we had to walk slowly to the middle of the staircase, where we remained frozen until my mother had taken a photo of us. While we slept, my parents had completed the Herculean task of decorating the tree, arranging all the gifts and stuffing our stockings. It was magical! These days my family decorates the tree together before Christmas, but to this day I still chase my adult children upstairs late on Christmas Eve so the magic can happen. There was something so special about that first glimpse of the tree, gifts and overflowing stockings hanging from the mantle.

Theresa, 1979; Age 6

Theresa Sekely: I remember my brothers and I waking up on Christmas morning and peeking into my parents' room to see if they were still sleeping. We would then go to the basement door to find it was locked! We would sneak around the house, quietly, yet just loud enough to make sure our parents heard us. Once the whole family was awake, we would start the morning with a room full of presents and spend the rest of the day playing with our new toys. 

John Anke: It's hard to pinpoint one specific holiday memory that stands out. The one common theme is that many of the memories

John, 1979 Age 2

revolve around family and our traditions. I reflect warmly on the wonderful Christmas holidays spent with my parents, sisters and extended family. There were special Christmas Eves spent at Grandma E's house on 9th Street in Erie. We sure packed her house with my mom's six brothers and sisters and my many cousins. This special evening was followed by special moments at home with my parents and sisters. Soon after opening presents, we always made the trip to Pittsburgh to continue the celebration with my dad's family. That time always started with a ham sandwich on Mancini's bread with my cousins. When I look back, it is clear that the holidays were always a blessed and wonderful time. I hope my kids can one day reflect on their holidays and have the same fond memories.