CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH THE RAULSTONS

Each year since 1994, we have met at the home of Sue Boone to celebrate a tradition started by Clarence Raulston, Sr.  Fireworks and a bonfire was a Christmas tradition for as long as any of us can remember.  This event brings all the Raulstons because boys grow into men but the little boy in them never goes away!  There is more laughter and fun derived from getting together in the woods each year than at any other time in the year I can recall.  We've always appreciated the Petty Nursery for opening up for a few hours on Christmas afternoon for all the out-of-towners to load up with fireworks. 

Last Updated:  13 November 2007

E-mail Paula Duchesne

Christmas 1998:

It was 26 degrees Christmas night at the Clarence Raulston homeplace in the Dimple Community outside Clarksville.  It was the fifth anniversary of our bonfire and fireworks adventure remembered from years ago.  Three years ago, a drought caused a ban on fires, but was lifted just in time to celebrate.  It was a grand adventure, because everyone had to chase and put out the little "mini-fires" created by the fireworks to avoid a grass fire.  Christmas 1997 was so sloppy wet that we felt like we were crossing a river just to get to the bonfire!  We ended up starting a second bonfire on higher ground so that folks without hip boots could get close!  After the fire burned down at the Christmas 1998 bonfire, Steve Raulston took a bunch of the men out four- wheeling in the pasture.  They splashed in and out of rivers and mud and had a great time.  

Christmas 1999:

We canceled the fireworks because Cora Sue Boone had to be in Arlington.  Her son, Michael Boone, had just had back surgery.  Since all the Herbert Raulston descendents live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, we just decided we'd cancel.  In addition, Paula Raulston Duchesne and her household had experienced a housefire on January 19, 1999, and Paula took a fright to anything being lit!  

Christmas 2000:

Christmas Day 2000 is an historic day for residents of Clarksville, Texas!  Many stories will follow that tell the tale of this remarkably destructive ice storm.  There had been an ice storm about 10 days prior to Christmas that made it "seem" impossible for everyone to come.  When the ice began Christmas Day, no one was to know how awful it really would be.  (In the future) Click here to read some stories and see some damage pictures.  Texarkana and New Boston were hit as bad, if not worse, and suffered as much damage!  

Paula also remembers that Christmas' on Christmas Day at Pa Raulston's place in Clarksville, in addition to the fireworks entertainment after sundown, were always filled with ALL the relatives, the great Christmas tree from the woods with the plastic icicles, and all the presents.  Uncle Kent and Aunt Chris always provided our winter coats for us and many of our clothes for the year.  They spoiled us at Christmas time.  There was always a bottle (Jack Daniels I think) under the tree that simply said, "From Santa."  When the time came that I had my doubts about Santa, I still never figured out who put that bottle under the tree! 

Happy Holidays 2001

Chase, Dane, and Cody