Very few times of year ever make you think of the past as much as Christmas.
When I look at my little tree and the presents that sit underneath it I’m reminded that as a child my parents tree was full to bursting with presents. So much so that on occasion a landslide would ensue which required a careful restack and an inquisitive feel of the packages with your name on them. The tree was adorned with a million lights, all of which shining brighter than a star and no matter what the time of the day it was always switched on telling those that passed the house we had Christmas going on. My dad would have Slade on repeat and we would always fight over the bacon that was once wrapped around the recently cooked turkey, making the best ‘Bacon Sandwich of the year’. The big day was a mass of torn wrapping paper and over eating. We had a diner table so full of family that extra chairs were required and elbows touched each other between bites of food and slurps of wine.
I remember the traditional family parties at my Aunts house that had been repeated with enthusiasm for over 40 years. Doing the twist again and rocking around the clock till the small hours, the party sevens being broken open with a screwdriver and a hammer and pineapple chunks on sticks. Sometimes we had fancy dress.
I recall with a cringe and a wince my dad dressing up as ‘ Stella the wonder drag.’ It was all too much for me at that age but now I laugh and admire his bravery.
Christmas is now a very different affair, with the sad passing of family members, Grandparents and a parent, Aunts and Uncles and even some friends. These characters are all gone now and Christmas is a smaller event and quieter not to forget more expensive but my memory still remains of the most comfortable, contented Christmases ever. If I had one wish, it’s for you to have a memorable and fantastic Christmas and to make the most of those around you. I’m certainly going to.
Merry Christmas,
Moli