A Christmas Eve with "Santa-Daddy" at the Moreno hospital

Karen Carnabucci: During the past year-plus, I've had the opportunity to work closely with Regina Moreno, the daughter of Dr. J.L. Moreno, the developer of psychodrama, and his second wife Florence Bridge Moreno. Gina is writing her long-awaited memoirs, and it's been fascinating to hear Gina's stories of growing up  in the Little House just down the hill from her father's famous mental hospital with the psychodrama stage. Here, she shares a memorable Christmas story, as a guest blogger:

By Regina Moreno

Mommy was busy wrapping presents in the upstairs bedroom with door closed on this Christmas Eve.  I knew Daddy had bought something very special during our recent trip to the winter wonderland known as Macy’s Department Store in New York City. I couldn’t to wait to open the special package.

But first, it was time for me to get dressed. In this scene, I am five years old, and Mommy is helping me into my new red dress with the pretty swirling skirt. My wardrobe  includes a red coat and a matching hat with earmuffs, along with fancy boots decorated with pompoms. Finally, I have a little muff to keep my hands warm from the winter chill. 

Then all of the carefully wrapped gifts were placed into the rumble seat of our black car. I loved riding in that seat, but Mommy said we needed a safe place for the presents. Daddy carried a big bag.

“What’s in there?” I asked Daddy.

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