A sin for Christmas

A few weeks ago I hung our Christmas wreath on the front door and last Sunday my wife decorated our tree. It has taken me many years to reach festive decoration sanity. My childhood was, mostly, ruled by my religious and superstitious mother. We were not allowed any decorations until Christmas Eve and they had to be removed on 12th night. Failure to observe these rules would result in ill luck for the following year. There were many superstitions, don't look at the new moon through glass, throw spilled salt over the left shoulder three times to frighten away the devil, I could go on, but won't.

I recall, aged 12, going to the cinema on a Sunday. My cousin dared me because, like playing cards, it was another sin. I did not enjoy our outing, worried the whole time about what punishment I would suffer for my transgression. That was sad because I loved the cinema. It was a great afternoon out. There was always a cartoon, newsreel, B movie and then the main feature. Perversely, we most enjoyed the breakdowns (they always broke down), as it was the time we could cheer, clap and generally behave so naughtily that the manager would appear on the stage and appeal for calm. Life and entertainment was simple back then.

But, I digress. It took years for me to dare to hang tinsel before the 24th, despite becoming (slightly) more rational in later life, stuff sticks! My father loved decorations and on the 24th would go wild with streamers and tinsel to the point that it was difficult for him to walk around as he banged his head on them. He didn't mind and encouraged us to make paper streamers to add to the festive havoc. We always had a sprig of mistletoe and one of holly because on shrove Tuesday the following year the first pancake had to be pricked with the Christmas holly to ensure a good harvest.

When I was young, Christmas started in early September. That's when we made mincemeat, pudding and cake. Mother was in charge of this and made it a fun day. Quite how she managed I don't know because during rationing, food was scarce. In addition to the standard ration of one egg, two ounces of butter, four each of margarine and cooking fat and eight of sugar per person per week, there were 16 points that you could use to buy a can of fish or meat or 2lb of dried fruit or 8lb of split peas per month. I guess she juggled and saved a little each month to have enough for Christmas fare. Dried egg and milk was available although also rationed and so we used creative substitutes. Carrots replaced sugar and vinegar eggs, at least in cakes, one dessertspoon equalled an egg and of course it was mixed with real and dried eggs. Anyway it all tasted wonderful on the day. Bye the bye the sweet (candy) ration was two ounces a week, no wonder dentists were short of trade!

Despite the decoration ban my excitement started early December and by Christmas Eve I was fit to burst. We were allowed to take a candle to bed and waking early, would light it to explore our stocking. It was a sock and always had a few nuts, an apple, tangerine, a couple of toffees and a small present, a diary or a miniature toy car. We all had one main present, a new book, train engine or toy cowboy pistol. All this excitement was capped by lunch, always cooked by my father. We had crackers (I think he made them) with mottos, jokes and hats. Christmas pudding was the high point with its hidden sixpence and the eager anticipation of discovering if my piece contained it.

Sometimes we spent Christmas with my father's family. It was wonderful. They lived in the country and had more than we did including sherry that my grandfather insisted on giving his grandchildren. This year we are spending Christmas with my aunt and cousin and after dinner we'll be staying with my aunt who still lives in the house I remember as a child. I am excited and tempted to pack a candle.

I hope everyone has an exciting and truly Merry Christmas.