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Christmas in England during my childhood was just as exciting as I find Christmas today. Hitler did not manage to dampen our spirits and I am sure that was mostly due to our parents and their attitude.
I was three years old when the war started, and lived in Yorkshire, so my war years were spent in Pontefract. Naturally, we had rationing, which in our house meant that we all had our own containers of sugar and butter and anything else that was considered a luxury. We would be asked to contribute some of our share of those items if we all decided we would like a cake.
Of course, at Christmastime, everyone was saving their ration coupons for special foods. It did not mean that you would get the ingredients. That would depend on whether or not any ships had managed to get through with that we then considered luxury items, such as dried fruit, sugar, cocoa, etc.
The next hurdle was to get in line at the store that had received a shipment. I wish I had a penny for every hour that I spent queuing up.
The decorations for our home were handmade and mostly paper chains. Of course we would go to the woods and collect holly and ivy to add the finishing touches. We had a tree that we would usually go and get from a farmer. Mistletoe was the other decoration which always hung in the hallway.
The British really know how to enjoy Christmas. It starts on Christmas Eve and goes on for at least four days. Nowadays, Christmas Eve is for last minute shopping, then a party followed by Midnight Mass. Rushing home in the frosty night air to finish wrapping gifts. Falling into bed late. Getting up early with the children. Putting in the turkey, having breakfast, getting dressed up, opening our presents round the tree.
Going next door to our neighbors for a sherry before lunch. Rushing home to baste the turkey. Lunch around 2:30 p.m. Popping the crackers, putting on the silly hats, receiving tree gifts and watching the Queen's speech. Washing up, taking the dogs for a walk in the woods. Coming back with red ears and an appetite for tea and Christmas cake.
Playing cards, monopoly, snoozing by the fire until around 8:30 p.m. Then cold mean and sandwiches, hot mince pies, and maybe a walk with the dog to the pub just for a quick one to wish the landlord a Merry Christmas!
Boxing day is friends day. Laze around in the morning, set the table for dinner and off to th local squires estate to see the hunt. The master resplendant in his red coat will be showing off his hounds. Lovely! Another quick call to another pub and another landlord to be greeted.
Back for lunch and then greet our friends for lots of fun and games - charades is a favorite. A great supper of bubble and squeak followed by trifle.
Kathleen, from Duchess of York Chapter in Florida.
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