GC Christmas Story: Oranges, Nuts, and Silver Dollars

Grandpa sent his brood packing to the next room when he recognized his employer at the door. “Scat,” I imagine him saying, which is what he’d say to us small children. And they scattered if they were as afraid of him as I was. (They were.)

The chauffeur brought in each bag and left them unopened by the Christmas tree, a fresh one purchased before the lot closed – another bargain. Grandpa exchanged holiday greetings with his boss and the chauffeur who immediately left. Before the door was closed good, the James children scurried back into the living room and stood absolutely still until their father, Grandpa, gave the command to open each of the bags.

They unpacked a few crates of Florida oranges, a real treat in December, and an expensive treat during the Depression. My aunts, uncles, and grandmother Irene let out gasps of delight.

Also inside of the duffels were nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans. They were even more excited about the nuts, another rarity during the Depression; an expensive rarity for a family of eleven.

But they were even more floored by the little drawstring bag that contained eight or nine, I can’t recall, silver dollars. Each silver dollar was newly minted and had come straight from the bank. In those days, a dollar – green or silver – could buy quite a bit and the James children knew exactly how to stretch a buck thanks to their parents.

Aunt Jeanne said that was one of the best Christmases they had as children. They had the meal that Grandma prepared with the bargains she bought at the city market, and they had the wonderful treats of oranges and nuts, not to mention the silver dollars.

My aunt’s eyes lit up as she recalled that Christmas. In fact, they twinkled. What she didn’t know was that I’d heard that story many times over in my childhood. My grandmother and her mother, Grandma James, had shared it with me. I just believe that Aunt Jeanne’s version was more exciting, because it confirmed that there was indeed something special about receiving oranges, nuts, and silver dollars for Christmas, especially in a day and age when kids would be sorely disappointed to receive even the silver dollar as a gift.