PARKERSBURG - After weeks of working their ways through crowded stores and malls, looking for just that right gift for families and friends, some area residents were asked to reflect what they think is the best gift they ever got for Christmas.
For Emma Daley, the best was the gift that will allow her to make music.
"My Dad gave me a guitar last year," she said.
Her mother, Cindy Daley, said her best gift memory was one given to her by some family members.
"My favorite present was during one of my first Christmases after I was married. We didn't have very many ornaments for our tree, my two sisters, my aunt and my niece stayed up all night Christmas Eve and made a whole bunch of homemade ornaments for us," she said. "That was my favorite and it was special."
Sharon Purdue said the best gift was working with her children.
"My favorite thing was making salt dough ornaments with the kids," she said. "They had unusual designs and it was special to hang them on the tree. We had to watch the movie 'The Snowman' every year we made them."
One person who wished to remain anonymous said the best gift is one a local family will have this year with family.
"How many families are there in Parkersburg that still celebrate Christmas in the same house their parents built in 1958? Well there is at least one. Jimmy Jeffrey lives in the Jeffrey home and has continued to carry on a family tradition that started almost 55 years ago," she said. "Our beloved Hazen and Minnie Jeffrey raised seven wonderful children, which now all reside in West Virginia. This tradition all started when Hazen and Minnie built their home and began their family."
Although they are no longer there to celebrate with the family, she said they would be proud to know their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to gather at the family home.
"As they eat yummy food, exchange gifts and tell old stories, the house is filled with laughter and joy," the woman said. "The laughter is often heard by their neighbors, who often join in on the festivities. It is the perfect home to feel, get, and give love. This Christmas Eve will be extra special because all seven siblings will be together for the first time in four years and there has been some new little members born into the family."
She said it was important for her to share this with all who will be reading it because family and friends are what makes a tradition.
"No matter the occasions, make it memorable so that the generations we leave will continue with what we started. I am glad to be a part of the family and tradition," she said.
