Christmas Memories

Some of the first memories I have of Christmas is the annual gathering of the Hofslien side of the family. We lived on the family farm and in the house that my great grandfather built in the 1880's. All of my dads brothers (4) and their families would come to the farm on Christmas Eve. I remember my Grandma Hofslien being there but not my Grandpa as he died in 1971 (I was 5 years old). I can envision the potatoes, meatballs, lefse and yes even lutefisk!! I still eat lutefisk to this day!! I remember my uncle George smoking his cigars, unlce Howard smoking cigarettes and all of us kids waiting for my uncle Roger to show up. He was a bachelor living in Hamel, MN. He was the favorite uncle because he bought all of us boys cool presents, like the hunting knife that I still use! The adults would gather in the kitchen / dining room after my dad got done milking the cows, while us kids would go to the living room waiting to be called for supper.

After supper everyone would gather in the living room to open gifts. Me, my brother and my cousins Dane, Troy and Earl would would always be together and sometimes we had too much fun. My uncle David instigated a lot of the "too much fun" we had! 

I remember opening a gift which I believe was from my Aunt Rachel (George's wife), it was the Elvis Presley album, "Moody Blue!" I loved it! Unfortunately, I lost it sometime in college I think.

All of these memories make me smile and this is only my dad's side. I will save my mother's side for another year.

Once again Jill and I will head to the farm this Christmas Eve. My mom will hopefully make the same meal she has been making for 50 years!

I hope this holiday season brings you some special memories as it has me throughout my life. I wish you all the peace and happiness during this joyous Christmas season.

With Warmest regards,

Paul D. Hofslien, CFP^®
Branch Manager/Financial Advisor

"We make logical, rational and unemotional decisions about something which you can be very emotional... your memory."

P.S. If you happen to run into someone who you think I might be able to help, please give them my number or my card. Thank you.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™, CFP^®(with plaque design) and CFP^®(with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results.