Well, here we are at ‘that time of year’ again, when children get excited, some people make plans, some get real grumpy at the mention of anything Christmassy (you know who you are!!) and others like me reflect quietly about Christmas past.
I was born in the fifties and brought up as a roman catholic, my dad was Irish and staunch catholic, my mum had tried every other religion before and found converting to Catholicism to be right for her so Christmas was very much about celebrating the birth of Jesus during my childhood.
Don’t get me wrong – there were presents and rowdy family parties but Christmas Eve was really special to me when I was tiny – I was sent to bed early then gotten up at 11 pm to get ready for midnight mass. There I saw the nativity scene in church completed as the priest placed the baby Jesus in the manger before the service.
I remember looking into the sky as we walked home from mass just to check whether I could see Santa’s sleigh – and then rushing into the house to place our own baby Jesus into the manger of our nativity scene. This, for me, was such a magical time.
My own children have been brought up in much the same way – they could both, I am sure, tell many stories about Christmas magic and I am quite sure they will both continue to do so when they have their own children.
Next week I shall put my Christmas tree up in the corner of the lounge – the tree has been replaced many times since my childhood but the ornaments are still very much in evidence. Some are from my Mum’s childhood, some from mine and some from my children’s – the tree is always a myriad of little magical memories. (I may take some photos and show you when I am decorating it. And that very nativity scene is still in use.
This Christmas will be a quiet time – my partner (who cannot stand the event) is taking himself off in the caravan out of the way in a further attempt to escape Christmas. I don’t know why he thinks that will work – nothing else has up to now. I am joining him on Boxing Day complete with a Christmas dinner. My son and daughter-in-law will be coming up the weekend before but I am sure they will be available on web cam on the day – that leaves me and my daughter. I may try midnight mass on Christmas eve…..
My daughter will be at work in the morning so I will be setting the timer on my oven to deal with the dinner, then going out to visit the local elderly and infirm people to take them some of my mince pies, some of my time and maybe a little bit of magic to bring a smile to their faces.
Then in the afternoon my daughter, her boyfriend and I will celebrate our Christmas together with a little webcam madness from my son.
Not the magic of my childhood maybe or of my children’s – just a different kind of magic!!
“my partner (who cannot stand the event) is taking himself off in the caravan out of the way in a further attempt to escape Christmas. I don?t know why he thinks that will work”
Hahaha! No, it won’t! The caravan sites I’ve seen over the Christmas period have been ablaze with Christmas lights! People are amazingly creative in decorating their vans, and I’m sure there will be a few carols wafting through the air! LOL!
In case you don’t see it on my blog, here’s the link for The Princess’ fleece jumper. The site has some great greyhound stuff, as well as for other breeds.
I’m sure there will be some webcam madness… And the usual other sort…. Some the weekend before (and the weekend before that!) and some on the day!
So long as Emma doesn’t start throwing peanuts around this year it should all go well!
Keiron´s last blog post..Apprentice Secretary
Jay – He knows what will happen – he just chooses to forget! We have gone away in the caravan for New Year and it was still mad with fairy lights etc etc… He’ll just sit in and be Scrooge like until Boxing Day when he will have to do Christmas ‘cos I’m taking his presents to him!!!
Thanks for the link – I’m sure our girl will soon be kitted out for the winter!!
Keiron – No peanuts this year – remember we were still finding them in the summer!
Like you, I am not a big fan of the pre-christmas build up. there should be rules that nothing, inc adverts, radio, shops etc, can be done before Dec 1st. We are going to NYC, mainly business, but we will get a week-end to walk about, see the lights etc, and I am looking forward to that, but living in the sunshine of CA, and just us two, no children, Christmas will also be a quiet affair, just some time for the two of us to be together.
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Hello Kate.
Not being a member of your family, I hesitated to leave a comment on your Christmas Blog, but the Season is so special in so many ways, I simply cannot resist. Christmas is many things to many people (which partly explains why it is so special), and we should all celebrate as we see fit, and try to share a bit of it with everyone we meet. The lights, the gifts, the carols, the family and friends, and a time to reflect on the meaning of the season, all special indeed.
At the risk of being hexed by Moon – Merry Christmas!
Cortes´s last blog post..Steveston Harbor – Another Foot!
Aw how lovely. I love hearing how other people celebrate Christmas – even if it’s in a caravan!
As you know, I’m a total Christmasaholic, but I do try to contain myself until December 1st. Hubby usually has the tree up then, but I’m trying to get him to wait because it’ll be dead by the time the family arrive on 23rd!!
I’m with Cortes. Merry Chrimbo one and all! xx
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I like the way things evolve, retaining bits and bobs but including new ‘stuff’. For some reason this Christmas I’ve felt quite Christmassy – hopefully it won’t last – tee hee
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Oh I hope it does last for you!!! Enjoy it – I’m leaving soon for the wilds of Newark to find young Ebeneezer – tonights dinner is loaded into the cool bag and the sat nav is primed!!!
Enjoy – I will ……