Christmas Memories

When I was a child Christmas was one of my favourite days. I would have a big bubble bath on Christmas Eve and it would take me hours to get to sleep. On Christmas morning I would wake up to a stocking hung on my bed filled with shiny new coins and satsumas. I would run downstairs and open the door to a room full of presents, my Grandmother (on mum's side) drinking a cup of tea, Dad holding a camera and mum looking like she'd already been cooking for hours! A quick survey of the presents and I would run to the phone to call my Grandparents (on Dad's side) and my Auntie Jane. After yelling Merry Christmas down the phone and telling them I was up I would quickly get to the task at hand and start ripping into gifts. Part way through my Aunt and Grandparents would arrive and we would all eat Fried Egg sandwiches while finishing the gifts. At this point I would realise that I had one more gift and would run into our front living room where my BIG Christmas gift would be. A Computer, a keyboard, a Doll's house it was always the main event and always a joint present from my Parents and Grandparents. The only year I remembered to check for this gift first I ran into the living room and it wasn't there! Miraculously it was there by the time we were done with the others - how does St Nick do it! Some time in the morning my Great Grandma (both when they were alive) and Great Uncle would arrive. Mum would have a huge feast prepared and we would all spend the day playing new games, reading new books, eating far too much and drinking Peach wine. For me it was a day that everyone got to be together and everyone got to be a kid. I only hope someday I can fill my home with that much joy and family for Toby.

For now I'm going to unplug until after Boxing Day and enjoy It's a Wonderful Life, Cha Cha's Peppermint Bark, the church Christmas Party, and Toby's new toys.

Happy Christmas.