Christmas Memories

[Ann]

Sorry - I know this is early but I am planning a special evening of nostalgia - Christmas in the 1950s and I would value your memories please (from those who are old enough!)

I will start you off -

Who remembers: Christmas decorations we called trimmings hung in the living room fastened from the central light out to the 4 sides and corners of the room, then draped over with tinsel type thin strands called "Lametta"

Big concertina type paper bells hung from the ceiling.

Writing to Father Christmas - he wasn't called Santa in my childhood.......

Siver "joeys" - threepenny bits in twists of greaseproof paper hidden in the Christmas Pud.

Now over to you ................... many thanks! :)

[horseshoes]

Yes indeed RR. They were like thick waxed paper and had frilly edges!

[Robinia]

Oh the school parties, I'd forgotten those...and the school nativity. I was sacked from my first one, I was a child (so no acting required) who was bringing a gift to the baby Jesus but apparently I didn't kneel correctly.... ???
Our headmistress was one hard woman. I'm still in therapy...

[woofgang]

horseshoes, i didn't have to read back to know what you were talking about, jelly cases!

[rabet]

Some of the contributions to this thread have brought tears to my eyes; especially the memories of those who are no longer here to share Christmas. You have inspired me to make a special effort this year to ensure Christmas is enjoyed by those of my family who will be with us.

[woofgang]

Robi, I never was in any of the nativity plays....i can't remember why but I was a "creative" child and I am guessing none of the teachers wanted to take the risk.

[Zeuhl]

Living Room mirrors had Christmas messages added in some sort of whitening by 'artistic mum'

(what was that stuff? maybe it was the same stuff used to blank out whole windows when redecorating)

don't forget the Okie Cokey and the Conga

the main piece of magic I remember was cramming a crazy number of revellers into one tiny room - usually with a Parlour next door, completely empty!

[woofgang]

loving this thread. i remember special flowers too. my grandmother always had a cyclamen, one of the big cultivated ones, i don't think you see them now, they were cool greenhouse plants. my dad always bought my mum forced daffodils, and there was always a bowl of hyacinths, blue ones.

[horseshoes]

..... and didn't those hyacinths smell wonderful Woof.?!

[Ann]

........... and having to take your own plate, knife, fork and spoon and slippers to the school or Sunday school Christmas parties!

[woofgang]

yes, the modern day ones dont smell as good, the cheap ones you buy in bulk to plant in the garden are nearer the scent that i remember.

[Ann]

Jellies and pink blancmange made in rabbit moulds in the centre of the party table!

[woofgang]

That's more of a summer memory for me.

[chrissa1]

There was always a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers black and white film on. I remember dancing to "Top Hat, White Tie And Tails" while my mum stuffed the turkey.