Yesterday I looked down into one of the Christmas ornament boxes. Was it really a year ago when we put them away? They say that the years roll by quicker as one gets older. That's for sure. Nostalgia easily comes into play when handling certain small pieces - bought in such and such shop in that town or given to us by one of the family, even personally made. That pair of ice skates on boots made out of paper clips or a delicate crochet snowflake created by my elderly aunt. A tree of history as the list grows!

I have experienced many family Christmases commencing with those in the 1930's. I can now compare those days (plus Boxing Day immediately afterwards on the 26 th) with the commercial thrust that is now prevalent today from late November.

The festivities pre World War 2 seemed a simple family occasion with everyone gathering in the small market town. Most of us lived in the town within walking distance, car ownership being negligible. I recall two of father's sisters living away managing to travel in their respective motor cycle and sidecar and Morris car. Their transport creating much interest.

I don't recall any Christmas lighting through the main shopping street, only something tied onto the lamp-posts. The Salvation Army Band played carols at various spots and the Sleaford Town Band played in the neighbourhoods. Carols were the dominant music, even small organized groups did the rounds too.

After church on Christmas day the twelve members of the family gathered in Grandma's small cottage living room for the traditional meal of turkey or goose with all the trimmings, brussel sprouts and two kinds of potatoes. Followed by Christmas pudding with white sauce, a sixpence coin hidden within. Already placed on the table were crackers that contained paper hats, some small gift and, much to my delight, indoors fireworks. There was no wine with the meal as the family were Congregationalists.

Dishes were moved away in readiness for the King's speech always at 3 pm. Mental notes were made of any significant message that would make the coming year happier. Then came the most exciting part of the afternoon - present distribution and opening. An accumulation of all sorts of packets were brought to the table. You will note that all of the offerings were on the table. No large boxes. The ladies ccoed at pairs of gloves, embroidered handkerchiefs', stockings and small bottles of perfume, the men at gloves, small cigars, diaries, ties and pens. Me - a bag of gold chocolate coins, a book, a clockwork car that gave endless enjoyment and maybe a board game.

Finally the men retired to the kitchen to wash up the pots. This seemed quite a hilarious time. I only wish that there was room for me to find out what jokes they were telling! Even so I walked home in a happy state of mind.