There are a lot of younger people on Rosity but what are the memories of the older ones of past Christmas's.

It was always this time of the year when my granddad would say to my dad "Have the boy here at 7.30 sharp" There was no ifs or buts it was said in a tone of "Do it".My granddad was a man of few words.

But it was music to my ears as I knew it meant that my granddad was taking on a train ride to London to go to Selfridges and Gamages,two stores with massive toy departments.Selfridges was good but Gamages had the biggest electric train layout you ever saw and that was in my mind from the moment I knew we were going.The day would start with a mile walk to the local station during which granddad would tell me all about the fruit and veg he had grown that year. Goosgogs ( gooseberries ) were good this year lad he would say and ramble on about all the wines he had made that year,Elderberry,Stinging Nettle,Sloe,in fact virtually anything that nature produced would be made into wine.Although the train started above ground there was always a thrill when the train disappeared below ground into the London under ground.Then there was always the terrifying thought of the escalator,as I young boy I had a dread that as we got to the top I would disappear under the grill and held my breath as I prepared to take the huge leap ( about one foot ) to safety.Unknown to Granddad my Grandmother ( Nanner ) would slip five shillings into my hand as we left their home to buy a toy.Granddad would always let me choose one toy for Christmas and manners prevailed so one never chose the dearest.Another highlight of the day would be when he took me into "Lyons Tea Rooms" and we would have a meal.Of course the day wasn't complete until the train ride back.Wonderful memories of times gone by.I wonder how many kids these days will have such memories in years to come.

Do any of you guys and girls have memories of Christmas's past that bring back memories of loved ones or some exciting event as a child. 

 

Although in my country the Christmas preparations don't usually start earlier then, say, half of December, at my home we used to have an early start. Since both my Dad and I haven been music lovers, there was this competition between us, who'd be the first to start digging and listening to the classic Christmas stuff. You know, "White Christmas", "Jingle Bells", "Winter Wonderland", etc. Sometimes one of us would start towards the end of November.

Then, in December, when the shops started having all the Christmas decorations, we'd go once or twice (in the evening, to see all the lamps shine) to the city, to buy some new Christmas tree toys. Every year, we had to have the old ones (some dating back 20 years or so) and some new ones.

The actual Christmas tree decoration would take place on the 24th December, in the morning. The youngest in the family (me, for my entire childhood - these days it's my son) would be responsible for that - with the help of the rest of the family.

I live in Poland. We celebrate a special Supper on the 24th, traditionally with 12 dishes (though we rarely had that many - my family was small) and one empty place for an unexpected visitor who is supposed to be honored in every home around here. After Supper, there would be time for Christmas gifts, placed under the tree before we sat at the table.

Though as I said, my family was small (my parents, my grandma until she died and me), I'd get like 10-20 gifts every Christmas. Mostly small ones, with one or two more serious, expensive ones, but it was the act of unpacking them that really counted. Not to mention, I'd get usually what I'd been dreaming about, or close enough.

I'd be the Santa, for the whole family, sitting under the tree and picking one pack at a time, reading out who's it for. Everyone waited to see what it was before the ritual "Thank you, Santa!" was said and I'd pick the next package.

These days it's my son and of course he's the one who gets most of the gifts. LOL! But my Dad is still with us and he makes sure everyone gets their share (I'm still his little girl, in a way) of gifts and joy.

 

Liam

All I remember of Christmas is that we had a quiet dinner with the whole family and we said prayers  to honor the birth... nothing more. No gifts, no presents, no Santa... the Christmas Santa simply didn't exist here in Belgium... but we did celebrate Sinterklaas or Saint Nicolas (what you call Santa Claus) on December 6th, although that was only for the children.

We saved all our presents for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

And January 6th, the day of the Three Mages (Three Kings from the East) was the biggest day of all in our town. We all dressed up in all sorts of funny costumes with crazy masks and attributes, and we went singing Christmas songs from door to door, collecting money, goodies (or drinks for the adults) along the way. That night I usually came home as my auntie was on her way for the first mass of the (next) day...

We do not see things as they are. ǝɹɐ ǝʍ sɐ sƃuıɥʇ ǝǝs ǝʍ
 

Bump? This is such a wonderful topic. I'd love to here more... Anyone?

 

Liam

Well actualy I was reply on this tread but it is not here. I di it about 3 days ago. Well I do it again.

I lived in europe for 24 yrs. On a dec 5th we put out our boots to the front door at night time. Santa coming overnight and filled it up with lollies choko and small toys and what ever Santa can fit in. If  a children were bad they  got only dry twigs in a boots. On a 24th we did dress up a tree,but not before. After the good dinner we opened a presents and a tree was standing there till a 6th of jan. Well OK if you were lasy make it 10th...lol. 

Now I live in australia. Last week I dressed up my tree allready flashing all day and night . We will get a presents on a 24th. Normaly at new years we take all the decorations down not waiting till a 6th of jan. Nothing happened on 6th of dec. 

I was hoping more stories too, maybe next year.

seeya  Tunde 

Dad always insisted on a real tree, so we would go to one of the creek beds and chop one down, decorate it with old glass ornaments and the smell was magical.  Christmas night we were all in bed but not asleep by 8 or 9 pm, we would try and stay awake to catch Santa but never could.  Christmas morn was up and out of bed before the sun came up to open our presents, then visit the neighbours, back in those days you knew all your neighbours for miles around, not anymore, then it was home to eat christmas lunch with family and friends, whoever stopped by.  Lunch was usually under the house, cold chickens, roast pork, ham and lots of salads as it is too hot here for hot roast dishes. Soft drink was a luxury back then also and we only ever got 1 carton of mixed bottles to share between the 4 of us. And the dessert were to die for....
One year though that I remember the most, I was 5, was the christmas day the a huge cyclone hit us. No power, pouring rain and howling winds. Alot of people lost their homes and possessions that christmas morning. Whoever had a house still standing with gas stoves offered their homes to those who did not and the real meaning of the christmas spirit came to life.
What a wonderful little trip down memory lane this is......