Christmas Memories

MomRN2 is hosting a Christmas Memories day, and I am delighted to join her in her Quiet Corner with some of my own.

My favourite Christmas memory.....

I too have lived for over 50 Christmas celebrations, so there are many wonderful memories. My parents always had an open house on Christmas night, and usually there were about 30 - 50 people who turned up. No-one was ever invited, they just arrived, and the house was overflowing with people, kids in the pool and adults out on the veranda, around the tree, games played and tables groaning with wondeful food. Carols sung together and so much laughter and love. And noise too of course. Wonderful memories. There was always a present for anyone who came, and anyone was welcome. I grew up in the southern hemisphere, so it was the middle of summer, and life was very different then.

I remember how we had to get to church an hour before the 7.30am service on Christmas mornings, just to get a seat, and how there was always the sound of toys throughout the service, which was followed by a second one straight afterwards, and how everyone stayed outside to exchange greetings on Christmas mornings, with 2 congregations mingling. So many hugs and smiles. Walking to my grandparents afterwards for breakfast.

I am trying to think of one particular memory, and I can't. Too many crowd my mind. There was the Christmas when I was expecting David, and Geoff was on an oil tanker that was sinking off the coast, with a salvage team, and so could not be home. He called on Christmas afternoon, and said that he and another officer were bringing the Gemini craft ashore, so the kids and I raced down to the beach to meet him for an hour, and sat on the rocks catching up and showing Daddy presents before he had to go back. What a perfect gift for my children, seeing their Dad unexpectedly. The year our whole family went to my sister in Switzerland for Christmas. In fact, thinking about it, that was the very last time we were all together. Dad and Geoff were alive then, and we had a glorious time in the snow. I must find those photos. Last year, when we celebrated Christmas in Andrew and Ann's new home. Another special memory. More special now that Christmas will be so different without Geoff. Memories of all the people who have joined us to celebrate over the years. All special and so much a part of our lives.

I have been very blessed. I know this is disjointed and not one particular event. I just can't think of one year that stood out. They have all been the best I could have wished for. I have a wonderful family, and wonderful friends. There will be more beautiful memories in the years ahead too.