Martha Kramer’s favorite childhood memories of Christmas centered around everyone being able to be together on Christmas morning. The family would open gifts- but what she spoke of the most fondly was the fact of being together. Both sets of grandparents lived in Pratt, so young Martha enjoyed time with all of them as well. Christmas Eve with one set, then Christmas day with the other. Christmas night found her parents and Martha having their own time at home.

A favorite food related memory is she and her mother baking apple pies in advance, freezing them until needed. 

Fast forward to when her own children were young; Martha tells us that the kids had so many packages, that the family began unwrapping them on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning completed the gift opening. The children had been allowed to give a list of what they would like to receive. Then the parents decided what they needed, plus a few of the not so necessary items too! 

In the food category, Martha’s father-in-law made “the best cranberry relish I’ve ever eaten.” It was from his own recipe- and Martha wishes she could have some now- don’t you?! It sounds wonderful!

She recounted how when her daughter was two, the family moved temporarily to Goodland for her husband’s work. This occurred twice; then they returned to Pratt to stay. Her husband passed away in 2004, she tells us. Martha enjoys her family which includes 

grandchildren and great grandchildren! They all still try to get together- even if it’s on Facebook.