Christmas day is such an unforgettable and eventful time for the youngs. As I remember quite vividly, my brothers and sisters were all excited yearning for the Christmas day to come. All of us had to help in the spring-cleaning of the house which was given a spruce appearance. The drawing room was made attractive with buntings, Chinese paper lanterns and fig trees. We went about sending greeting cards. There would be a lively discussion as to which picture could be selected. Then we sat to draw up the list of invitations. The major part of the season was taken up in getting our new clothings ready. Since the season was busy there was the trouble with the tailor who never kept up his promise which meant knocking at his door.
Then we planned how to celebrate. We started with carol singing. On the eve, we set up the X'mas tree and illuminated it. X'mas gifts were hung. Though we got good stuff like cakes from the best bakery in town, some delicacies were prepared at home.
We never failed to go to the Church in our best clothings and took part in singing. At home it was all singing and dancing for hours. Aunty once in a way, played on the old paino though she was out of tune because she has been out of touch. We pretended to enjoy it for fear of displeasing her. The best of the day was the dinner. Cakes and pastries, jams and marmalades and other nice things were freely gone around. We had visits throughout the day and we returned the visit. Older people talked of the good old days. Children were happily counting the gifts they had received. They heard good stories related by the older people.
Of course the X'mas ended up with the New Year. The New Year service in the Church was a solemn affair and we all prayed for the prosperity of the world. Then there was stock taking. Our parents found time to go leisurely through the greetings sent and we replied to them where we had not already sent.
I feel that such celebrations have become a part of institution namely the family and these celebrations cement the love and affection and make everyone feel belonging to the family.
Then we planned how to celebrate. We started with carol singing. On the eve, we set up the X'mas tree and illuminated it. X'mas gifts were hung. Though we got good stuff like cakes from the best bakery in town, some delicacies were prepared at home.
We never failed to go to the Church in our best clothings and took part in singing. At home it was all singing and dancing for hours. Aunty once in a way, played on the old paino though she was out of tune because she has been out of touch. We pretended to enjoy it for fear of displeasing her. The best of the day was the dinner. Cakes and pastries, jams and marmalades and other nice things were freely gone around. We had visits throughout the day and we returned the visit. Older people talked of the good old days. Children were happily counting the gifts they had received. They heard good stories related by the older people.
Of course the X'mas ended up with the New Year. The New Year service in the Church was a solemn affair and we all prayed for the prosperity of the world. Then there was stock taking. Our parents found time to go leisurely through the greetings sent and we replied to them where we had not already sent.
I feel that such celebrations have become a part of institution namely the family and these celebrations cement the love and affection and make everyone feel belonging to the family.
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