Christmas has always been the most magical time for me. Ever since I was a tiny girl it always seemed to me that the people around me were happier and more kind at Christmas time. My father would be talking about what the Christmas dinner would be as soon as December rolled around. We always had turkey, ham and even pork with the lovely crackling left on the roast so that when it was cooked that crackling was so crisp and delicious! The meat decisions were always my dad's responsibility. My mother and father and my sister and I always went over to my Nana's house for the holiday, in a place outside of London, Waltham Cross. My uncles and aunties and cousins would all gather and the celebration would begin on Christmas Eve. My uncles always gave us kids shiny half-crowns and they would smoke cigars and drink sherry or port.
Those happy memories are still with me, and I have made some more along the way. I still love Christmas with all of my heart and live every moment of this season. I love all of the planning and the shopping and when I hear people complain about it I wonder why because I get such pleasure from it. My favorite time to shop is at night, at about 8 pm. You get great parking and the stores are virtually empty save for the few men who leave everything to the last minute like I like to do. You also get great bargains at this time.
I have a DVD of the original "Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, featuring Alistair Sim that I never get tired of watching. The story of Scrooge is one of redemption that touches my heart and makes me cry every time I watch it.I will watch it at least 4 times in the weeks prior to Christmas, and I'll cry every time. Tears of joy I might add at the change Scrooge goes through and what he becomes. There's always hope for all of us, and that movie reminds me of that every year.
The smells of Christmas are fabulous. Turkey roasting in the oven, cinnamon and orange and nutmeg all remind me of what time of year it is. I love to put some spices in a small amount of water, bring it to a boil and let it simmer on the stove,gently perfuming the house with its healing pleasurable perfume.
So that's what Chistmas means to me. It's a time to be generous and happy on every level, and to remember that we are all connected and the smiles and kindness make us all feel that onesness more strongly. It's what Santa Claus or Father Christmas as I called him, stands for. So yes, I absolutely believe in Santa Claus. You must keep your sense of wonder and awe and you belief in things unseen that cannot be proven scientifically, Thank God!
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
