No child was ever allowed to think that the Christmas present thing was just about getting: it was about giving too.
I had a lovely Grandad. He was quite authoritarian and his word was law but he loved his grandchildren and he was dearly loved by us. In early December Grandad always gave each of us half a crown (2/6) worth 12.5 pence in today's money so that, with a few pence saved from pocket money, we could buy our parents a small gift. I can't remember anything I bought but I do remember the excitement of that special visit to Woolworth's.
My suspicion is that the presents we made at school were much more appreciated. One amazing construction I remember was a vase made out of a jam jar. The jar was covered with many layers of small pieces of newspaper then painted and varnished. I made four bumps on mine and those bumps became four children dancing around the pot.
My first ever school make for my Mother was a simple green felt purse. She used to keep it in her evening bag and whenever she went out she would put a few coins for the cloakroom in that purse and I was always so proud that I had made it. It was only after she died that I discovered that not just coins had gone out in that purse. For over fifty years she had kept in it the note that a five year old me had written, "I love you Mummy."
Yesterday was the anniversary of her death, today is the anniversary of my Father's death. I'll extend that note just a little. I love you Mummy and Daddy.
That is a precious memory indeed
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memory, thank you for sharing. Those half crowns were very exciting back in the 60 s :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant moment when you discovered that precious note. Sending you a gentle {{{hug}}} because I know the pain of losing a loved one close to Christmas. My Dad died on 27th December 50 years ago.
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