Happy Memories of Christmases past

African Christmases as a small child were simple and full of wonder….
It was a time of utter innocence …
Of feeling sick with excitement days before …
Of counting down the number of sleeps …
And of singing our own little  song around the tree on Christmas Eve
… as I still do today

 
It was the intoxicating aroma of Christmas cakes, mince pies and plum puddings 
coming out of a wood-fire oven 
(I now recognise this as alcohol!)
And the frantic hand-mixing of butter, sugar and brandy until all were white with exhaustion  
for there was no such thing as electricity.
It’s the memory of a Hornby train set running around the garden and being highjacked by the cat 
– to my Brother’s utter consternation!
Of a pale blue petticoat to go under a blue dress embroidered with a white poodle 
– lovingly hand-made by Mum
It was the rustling of paper and hushed whispers from the sitting room as presents were wrapped on Christmas Eve …
It was feeling the pillow slips full of surprises at the end of the bed …
And endless waiting for the sun to rise on Christmas Day …
 
Such magical memories are made with love and by the simples of things.
May we always remember them
And may we create new ones for our own children
With love, simplicity and joy.
 
Thank you Mum and Dad – you have made me what I am today.
xxx

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20 comments

  • bagnidilucca December 24, 2012   Reply →

    Love those oranges!

  • Robert Geiss December 24, 2012   Reply →

    How very moving.

    Please have you and yours a blessed Christmas.

  • Genie -- Paris and Beyond December 24, 2012   Reply →

    What joyous memories of Christmas past. With five sisters I have fond memories of baking rolled cookies with a box of cookie cutters, waiting FOREVER for Christmas morning, for sitting around the tree and sharing our gifts…

    Today I iced nearly 200 shaped cookies with my family and it only took about 45 minutes with so many busy hands! What a joy to be able to pass down the traditions.

    Merry Christmas,
    Genie

  • Jacqueline @ HOME December 25, 2012   Reply →

    Isn't it lovely how we set our own traditions and memories ? When we were children, our mum and dad gave us the most wonderful Christmasses and, we have tried to do the same with our children and now we have a grandson to give Christmas memories to.
    Wishing you and your friends and family a wonderful Christmas and thank you for another year of blogging friendship. Enjoy every minute. Much love. XXXX

  • Jackie and Joel Smith December 25, 2012   Reply →

    Merry Christmas to you! And thanks for a beautiful trip down Holiday Memory Lane.

  • Anne December 25, 2012   Reply →

    What a lovely post! Merry Christmas!

  • James December 25, 2012   Reply →

    Wonderful post Francesca! I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

  • Karen@PasGrand-Chose December 26, 2012   Reply →

    I just love this post, Francesca, so moving and evocative. I know that Christmas day has already passed for you, though we still have a whole evening ahead, but I want to send you my warmest wishes for a very happy Christmas season and to thank you for your lovely and always uplifting blog, as well as for your very kind comments on mine!
    Karen xx

  • Sherry December 28, 2012   Reply →

    Francesca what a beautiful, inspiring post. Wishing you all the beauty the holiday season has to offer!

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you robert – Christmas is always a time for reflection and memories. F x

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you – the scent is intoxicating and SO Christmas in our house! F x

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Such wonderful memories Genie- and I am SO impressed with 200 cookies – that is a mammoth task! What lovely memories you are creating – enjoy F xx

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Jacqueline – it's all about memories and creating new ones for our own children – and I love it! Hope you had a Christmas full of happy memories in years to come. Happy New Year F xx

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you F xx

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you Anne and have a Happy and Healthy 2013 – see you on the other side! Fxx

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you James and hope you have a fabulous New Year and that 2013 is all you wish for and more. See you then! F x

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you Karen and I hope you have a wonderful New Year and that 2013 is so good for you. Thank you for you love and support – warm wishes and sunshine from Sydney F xx

  • Francesca Muir December 30, 2012   Reply →

    Thank you Sherry – wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2013 and see you on the other side F x

  • Mum December 23, 2013   Reply →

    How did I miss this a year ago? I have no idea but I did and it has given me such delight (and a few tears) – thank you my darling daughter for saving these memories and for reminding me of our African days – so long ago and yet so fresh with your descriptions. Much love for Christmas 2013 and all the others to come. Hugs

  • Francesca Muir March 29, 2016   Reply →

    Thanks Mum xx

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