Christmas memories - Lynne's Column

“So here it is, Merry Christmas!” Well, OK, it’s only just turned December but it’s close enough!

I absolutely love Christmas. I’ve never lost the childlike excitement of putting up the tree, seeing festive lights and decorations appear in homes and workplaces and the glorious feeling of cosying up with a hot drink under the soft twinkle of fairy lights.

My earliest memories of Christmas involve waking up early and feeling for my stocking at the foot of my bed then excitedly excavating its contents – maybe some chocolate, comics, bubble bath and, of course, an apple and an orange. We didn’t have special, made-for- Christmas stockings but used my Dad’s “seaboot stockings” - chunky knit oversized socks for wearing under waders or wellies when fishing – the biggest socks we had in the house!

I’m old enough to remember waking up to hear Slade’s “Merry Xmas, Everybody!” on the radio the first time around (Christmas no. 1 in 1973, pop trivia fans!) and that song has captured the fun and excitement for me ever since, reminding me of countless Christmas Days and parties.

As a child I would help hang up the Christmas cards using the special striped string with mini red and green pegs that my Mum kept in an old tobacco tin. We’d tack tissue paper “deccies” on the ceiling then have competitions to see how many times you could get a balloon to bounce through the hanging loops.

On Christmas morning I’d help to make trifle, something that I still enjoy doing now. The smell of sponge cake and fruit soaking up sherry mingled with molten strawberry jelly captures the essence of every Christmas I can recall!

Undoubtedly, Christmas is super exciting when we’re very young or have young children around to share it with. I remember feeling a glow of absolute delight on my son’s first Christmas knowing that, even at only a few weeks old, he had injected a fresh dose of magic to this time of year that would last for many, many years to come.

The true magic of Christmas is being able to spend time with family and friends and embrace our own traditions, some timeless and some brand new, but each one imprinting happy memories on our minds. We’re so lucky to live in Colinton as we can enjoy “Christmas on the Corner” as part of our family tradition - where else can you pat alpacas whilst chatting to Santa and enjoying a mulled wine with friends and neighbours in your local community?

As the year closes out, I’d like to take this chance to wish all our readers a wonderful festive season. It has been my absolute pleasure to write this column throughout 2018 and I look forward to sharing more memories and musings with you all in 2019. For now, though, “It’s Christmas!”* Have an amazing one!

* To be shouted in the style of Slade’s Noddy Holder!

Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of making a living from writing when she grows up, but mostly just tries to avoid growing up!