Back in the 1960's we used to spend our Christmases in a small cottage on the Welsh/English border. If anything the cottage was smaller than our house here; two up, two down. However, my mother would always put on her annual show of excess, and everyone really loved it.
For Christmas Day there would often be the four of us, plus an aunt and uncle, plus another aunt and uncle with their three boys. The poor little house was filled to bursting.
The location of the cottage was spectacular. It was set on the very top of the first hill that looked out from England over to the rolling hills of North Wales to the West. When it snowed the view was like something out of a Disney film; with the red of the rising and setting sun, it would become one huge pink extravaganza. Above is the view, without the snow; watercolour by Lady Magnon.
There was always a huge tree, a fire in the hearth (coal), and more than enough uber-rich food. We all had far too many presents (nothing extravagant), and the supply of drink never ran out. I don't think we had a TV there.
The cottage was situated on Offa's Dyke, and the long peaceful walks it offered were wonderful, usually with some friendly local farm dog in tow
They were probably some of my best ever Christmases. Location, family, and good food... what more could you ask for.
I just hope that your own early Christmases created such memories.
What a wonderful picture you and Lady M paint. Sounds like xmases should be. And a lifetime of good memories
ReplyDeleteThey were such wonderful Christmases. We try to imitate them here, but without all the main players, it's not quite the same.
DeleteLittle did you know that behind those snowy pink hills this blogger-to be was in a crowded house enjoying my Christmas with some toy soldiers, or a clockwork train going round in circles, and helping his brother with a mecanno set. And now look where we are on our life's journey . . .
ReplyDeleteI don't envy children born today in this crazy world where traditional values are disappearing like snow in rain.
The last time I mentioned this cottage, a reader said that she'd lived in the small village of Rhydycroesau which is tucked into Lady M's watercolour. It's a small world.
DeleteYou have set me to thinking about childhood Christmases.
ReplyDeleteI hope that's a 'good thing'.
DeleteYes. The smell of a gum tree Christmas tree. The excitement of presents. Tracing the failed tree lamp bulb, that stopped the whole set working. The arrival of relatives on Christmas Day. I don't remember it being ever so hot, but it must have been some years.
DeleteIt's wonderful to have such good memories.
ReplyDeleteWe're still trying to make new ones, but the old ones are the best.
DeleteLady M's watercolour looks like a Surrealist painting taken in isolation from the text.
ReplyDeleteShe only did two of that view, and I think this one was the best. It was amazing looking out over such a view (especially in snow).
DeleteThe excitement of visitors arriving on Christmas Eve. Always one of my two grandmothers (only once did we have them both - big mistake). Even as a child I think I loved the getting together of family and friends more than anything else.
ReplyDeleteFor me it was seeing aunts and uncles that was almost the highlight; we didn't see them that often.
DeleteSounds idyllic. Getting together with extended family was certainly a highlight, and the excitement of unopened presents, decorations, the smells of cooking... I am hoping to keep traditions alive with our two as well. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid ours are well distributed between Oz, Thailand, and London. These days we make do with 'friends', rather than family.
DeleteWe had lovely Christmases as children .... nothing expensive but very magical. We also had Aunts, Uncles, cousins and grandparents ..... it is why I tried to make. Christmas magical for our children and now our grandchildren. XXXX
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we didn't have the pleasure of grandparents, but the uncles and aunts made up for it.
DeleteMaybe we enhanced our Christmas childhood memories but of course we got all the enjoyment without the work of cooking the lunch - my memories are wonderful to look back on.
ReplyDeleteI can remember my early Christmases as if they were yesterday. Also, in those days, I had an amazing appetite. I can't eat like that these days.
DeleteBlue remembered hills...
ReplyDeleteWearing her blue tinted glasses again.
DeleteI can still remember the sheer excitement of waiting for Father Christmas to visit, kicking the stocking at the end of the bed and hearing the rustling sound of wrapped presents.
ReplyDeleteI remember scrabbling around in the dark to see if I could feel a stocking at the end of my bed. It was the most exciting point of the year.
DeleteI have memories of two wonderful Christmastimes & getting a beautiful Bride Doll almost as tall as me! After 2nd grade, it went way downhill when my father died in November, then my aunt & uncle's entire family, my first cousins, (2 adults, a baby & toddler) was killed by a drunk driver on their way home for the holidays. (We lived with our aunt & uncle on their farm). We went to my Dad's funeral, then two double funerals that year & nothing was ever the same after. (Everyone began drinking A LOT!) I often get down in the dumps at the holidays remembering the sad, frightened little girl I was, sitting on the front row, graveside, watching my beloved Father being lowered into that gaping hole. I still have a recurring nightmare! It was better when my children were young, though.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your sweet, picturesque memories, Cro, and the magnificent art! Thank you for sharing them. Merry Christmas!! xo
I always feel so sorry for kids who didn't have a perfect childhood. I suppose mine was pretty good, and I never imagined that others didn't experience the same. I'm so sorry to hear about your experiences, it must have been tough. I wish you a really memorable Christmas this year, and may it mask any bad memories you still retain. Love Cro xx
DeleteI remember my first visit back to U.K. after moving to N.Z. We drove up to the cottage on Christmas eve and the snow started falling. On Christmas morning we awoke to a blanket of white with no cars to mush it up.
ReplyDeleteThere was no road up to the cottage, it was all grass; not snow friendly. Still, it was great fun.
DeleteThe best memories involve family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's right; nothing is more important.
DeleteThat's why you spend Xmas alone.
ReplyDelete