Elvis LOVED Christmas and I have so many stories, memories, accounts, photographs, videos, audio files, handwritten notes, etc. about Elvis and Christmas and it is my pleasure to share some of them via this special blog. THANKS BLOGGER.
Elvis grew up poor and I mean living hand to mouth, very little monetary means, and parents who worked long and hard laboriously including picking cotton. But what the Presley family lacked in assets, and money, they had love. Unconditional love.
1957 was the happiest Christmas for the Presley family (Elvis, Vernon and Gladys). They had settled in at Graceland, Elvis' and his parents home in Memphis Tennessee, and Elvis went all out with decorations and thoughtful/meaningful presents. Elvis loved giving and seeing his beloved mother Gladys Love (Smith) Presley smile was the greatest gift Elvis wanted.
There are many candid, and personal, photographs of Elvis with his parents during Christmas time and you can find some of them on our primary Elvis Presley website www.ElvisCollector.info and on our Elvis forum www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforumsorg (100% free and we invite you to join and let others know via social media) as well as on our international Elvis Presley fan club being Elvis Collector Worldwide (again free to join).
During the 3rd week of December 1957 Elvis received, and it was hand delivered to Elvis at his home in Graceland, his official US Army draft notice meaning Elvis would be spending the following two years in the service of the US Army. Elvis, being a proud and loyal American, wanted to serve his country but Gladys was very concerned - upset - worried - anxious - and became despondent and depressed. Elvis made every effort to make this Christmas one of love and appreciation and the Christmas of 1957 became one of special meaning.
In the 1950's it was commonplace for Americans to either go out and find and cut their own Christmas trees or buy a fresh cut tree from street side vendors. But a silver, with beautifully blue ornaments, and white artificial Christmas tree caught Elvis' eye and it became one of two Christmas trees (with the other being a fresh cut green tree) of the Presley's 1957 Christmas with presents covering every nook and corner surrounding the beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree.
Gladys never wanted anything fancy for being in the presence of her son meant more to her than anything. Vernon, who rarely showed emotion in public, garnered the strength and heart to make extra sentimental overtures to Gladys to comfort her and assure her all would be...ok.
Between the tears of worry Elvis put together a Christmas giving, and receiving, love as he reflected back that it was 3 years ago when he set out to record a record which resulted in his legendary recording session at Sun Records with the first of many hits being "That's All Right (little) Momma".
To be continued....
Take care and may God bless you
Jeff Schrembs
www.ElvisCollector.info
www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Elvis grew up poor and I mean living hand to mouth, very little monetary means, and parents who worked long and hard laboriously including picking cotton. But what the Presley family lacked in assets, and money, they had love. Unconditional love.
1957 was the happiest Christmas for the Presley family (Elvis, Vernon and Gladys). They had settled in at Graceland, Elvis' and his parents home in Memphis Tennessee, and Elvis went all out with decorations and thoughtful/meaningful presents. Elvis loved giving and seeing his beloved mother Gladys Love (Smith) Presley smile was the greatest gift Elvis wanted.
There are many candid, and personal, photographs of Elvis with his parents during Christmas time and you can find some of them on our primary Elvis Presley website www.ElvisCollector.info and on our Elvis forum www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforumsorg (100% free and we invite you to join and let others know via social media) as well as on our international Elvis Presley fan club being Elvis Collector Worldwide (again free to join).
During the 3rd week of December 1957 Elvis received, and it was hand delivered to Elvis at his home in Graceland, his official US Army draft notice meaning Elvis would be spending the following two years in the service of the US Army. Elvis, being a proud and loyal American, wanted to serve his country but Gladys was very concerned - upset - worried - anxious - and became despondent and depressed. Elvis made every effort to make this Christmas one of love and appreciation and the Christmas of 1957 became one of special meaning.
In the 1950's it was commonplace for Americans to either go out and find and cut their own Christmas trees or buy a fresh cut tree from street side vendors. But a silver, with beautifully blue ornaments, and white artificial Christmas tree caught Elvis' eye and it became one of two Christmas trees (with the other being a fresh cut green tree) of the Presley's 1957 Christmas with presents covering every nook and corner surrounding the beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree.
Gladys never wanted anything fancy for being in the presence of her son meant more to her than anything. Vernon, who rarely showed emotion in public, garnered the strength and heart to make extra sentimental overtures to Gladys to comfort her and assure her all would be...ok.
Between the tears of worry Elvis put together a Christmas giving, and receiving, love as he reflected back that it was 3 years ago when he set out to record a record which resulted in his legendary recording session at Sun Records with the first of many hits being "That's All Right (little) Momma".
To be continued....
Take care and may God bless you
Jeff Schrembs
www.ElvisCollector.info
www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
