Is the season

[happy daze john in oz]

Christmas came and Christmas went, my credit card got very bent.
Words that will ring true for so many come the new year. It is the season when people recieve presents they do not want from people they do not like. Yet it continues as the commercial band wagon rolls on. For so many now it is a season for the wrong reason.


As some of you may know I spend time as a volunteer in the local Community Health Centre and today was the Christmas break up lunch for one of the groups I work with. They are a group of men who are physicaly and intalectualy challenged. A good group who appriciate what we do for them.


Before going off for lunch they had amorning coffee and during that time a visit by ten young students for the local school, children of about 8 years of age. They sang for the men a collection of Christmas Carols and songs.


It brought me back to earth with a thud as I recalled my early Christmases of the late 40's and early 50's. A time when Christmas had real meaning, long befor the age of comercialisation. A time when families gathered in real love and hope for the future, when the simplist of presents brought great joy the the giver and reciever. A simplistic time that with me still holds many happy memories.

One does not have to be religeous to understand the meaning of the season, but sadly for so many now it is nothing more than a time of greed and self indulgence.

What memories do you have of this festive time?

[Doc Vernon]

How very true John
The days of the real Xmas feeling is for many now just a dream,as you say its too much of the Money thing nowdays,I for one cannot seem to get to terms these days with the same feeling I used to have in the better Years gone by!

I suppose for the younger set there is still that good Xmas feeling,and the waiting for that last night of sleep before Santa arrives! (Wonder just how many young ones still may think that way) and then to wake up lots of them in the early hours just to creep downstairs and open the pressies under the Tree!

Yes its fun ,but still feel that the old times and joys of a real Xmas have now vanished!

Oh why did the World have to change so much,get so complicated and just spoil all the good times!

I suppose like a lot here I am just getting an old frump LOL!

Happy Christmas to all the Kids out there hope at least you all will really enjoy!
From Doc (Father Xmas) haha!
Cheers

[j.sabourn]

About 1946, being about 10, seeing my first banana around the candlestick on the mantle piece. Stocking had an apple and an orange and a few nuts and we thought we were well off. Any presents were usually for wearing socks or a scarf and when times got better maybe a shirt. Nowadays as you say there is no feeling there just a time of self indulgence and greed. No wonder we get plastered on New Years eve to try and forget the ghosts of Christmasses past. Cheers John Sabourn

[Ivan Cloherty]

John! you forgot to say Ho! Ho! Ho!

[Doc Vernon]

One of the Best Xmas Days I had was in 1947 (7 years old) and will not forget!
My Dad ,Mum ,Uncle Cecil and Aunty Madge took all us Kids to the Main Station in Johannesburg,it was just getting to the Sunset,there was going to be a Xmas Celebration there!
We were so excited and couldn't wait for the Show to start!
There was a lovely large Xmas Tree filled with sparkling Lights,and Decorations all over the Station!
Everybody there was very Merry and Friendly,and we all spoke to each other.
During the Show we were taken to a Shop on the Concourse on the Station,and there we could pick a present to a certain amount!
With glee I saw this Bow and Arrow Set,just in the right price range,so that was what I got,how happy I was on my return home!
Yes that was a special treat that Year,and we wouldn't see such a good one again for quite a few Years!
Money was tight I know,but at least we had happiness and love!
Funny how a post can just bring back such wonderful memories!
Cheers

[j.sabourn]

#4 Ivan got the nearly white hair, the rotund figure, the wife wont let be grow a beard. Did once years ago and she cut half of it off when I was asleep. Only need the red coat and hat. Sure Cappy will lend me his seaboots. Don't leave any Ginger Wine out, just a bottle of whiskey will do. Cheers John S.

[cappy]

#6 sea boots you say sea boots.....wheni was a lad we had no sea boots .....we had bare feet ....and some in the catering were bare assed....you could ask brian for that sowester he carries about wih him.......wot with your red coat and white hair.......and rotund figure you would look more likea bleedin Chelsea pensioner ......but never the less a very merry xmas to youand yours john and a healthy new year....I bet a lot of us never thought we would still be here in 2013 .. al the best to all .....now back to my Mexican friend

[John Gill]

#6 sea boots you say sea boots.....wheni was a lad we had no sea boots .....we had bare feet ....and some in the catering were bare assed....you could ask brian for that sowester he carries about wih him.......wot with your red coat and white hair.......and rotund figure you would look more likea bleedin Chelsea pensioner ......but never the less a very merry xmas to youand yours john and a healthy new year....I bet a lot of us never thought we would still be here in 2013 .. al the best to all .....now back to my Mexican friend

Bit early for for a Central American livener Cappy, even for you! At least wait 'til it's over the yardarm.

[cappy]

boo hoo cant remember many xmases were we had lots to eat but the best time was when we had a Peruvian woodcock for xmas dinner my brother said....its just a turnip with a feather in but I never believed him ....funny looking back it looked like a bleedin turnip with a feather in my brother said its got no legs ......but my dad who was very kind said we gave them to the old lady next door cos they were very poor

[gray_marian]

My Father was the youngest in his family, and as most of his siblings were working he was in the fortunate position of being rather spoiled. Christmas 1938 when he was five, he received a pedal motor car from Santa Claus. A few days later his friends came to his door and asked my Grandmother if Ronald was coming out to play. My Grandmother replied no as he was poorly, his friends then enquired if his car could come instead!