Christmas Decorations

We couldn’t put it off anymore; the opportunity arose for doing the Christmas decorations. Our grandchildren will be with us for the night and all day tomorrow. They will love the miniature Father Christmas that has appeared in our hall for the past umpteen years. He carries a sack of presents that last for ever. He can speed through space faster than light to deliver a multitude of gifts to children all around the planet. Time is of no consequence to him, because his supersonic reindeer break through the barrier of time.





Our TESCO Christmas tree is in its third year, a real evergreen that never fades, but with changing decorations according to the whims of the Mother of the House. This season he is draped in silver trinkets to match the lounge! At the very top there’s a large silver star above twinkling lights that will fire the imagination of three tiny tots, who will go to bed dreaming of a white Christmas, and of a strange, frowning man with a beard of pure white, dressed in a rich red cloak and a golden gown.





Lurking to one side by the TV, there’s a cotton wool snowman with a carrot nose. He wears a woollen scarf to keep him warm. Deep within his belly he hides a secret of mouth-watering candies and soft chocolate fudge, reserved for tiny tongues.





Over the fireplace there’s a snowy scene of green fairy lights and miniature glistening conifers, above an arching grotto where two woollen Christmas gnomes keep their watch, anticipating the opening of stockings stacked full of prezzies, and small hands tearing patterned paper from mystery presents. They await the sound of laughter, and cries of joy from delighted children who will show approval by shouting and clapping their hands.


For the older ones who look on, mums, dads and grandparents, memories of youthful Christmases will traverse their minds and their hearts will be full of thanksgiving for the grace of time and for the gift of life.