A time for memories

December is a time for memories for many people, me included. A time to remember those no longer with us, a time to reflect on the past in good ways and bad. This time of year takes me many directions. Today I spent some time looking back at my youth and the magic of Christmas.

In particular, I remember how hard my mum worked to make Christmas special for me. We didn't have much money, but my present pile always seemed huge. I've no idea what sacrifices she made to give me so much, but I now know it must have been considerable. I remember my mum working 2, maybe 3 jobs to make ends meet, while my father drank his wages away.

I remember waking up one Christmas to see a Ringo Starr drum set sitting in the corner of the room. I remember setting up scalextric on the dinner table and sending the cars spinning off the corners into the distance! I remember the magnetic football game which was a favourite for a long time (Subbuteo was too expensive). So many toys - Maraccas (I'm guessing that must've been my big brother's idea :) ), Meccano, A toy projector, A cowboy outfit, Spirograph, cars and spaceships. Captain Scarlet vehicles, board games, toy soldiers, cap guns, airfix kits, clackers, drawing books,

I remember the racing bike which wasn't really a surprise as my mum had asked me if I wanted a racer or a chopper. Even then I could see a fad for what it was... I remember wondering why it never arrived and my mum saying it might have got mislaid. I remember Mrs McIvor, the neighbour who I visited often suddenly deciding not to let me in the house one day - boy was I miffed... I sussed out later where the bike was being hidden :-)

I remember as time went on searching the cupboards for presents, opening the with the stealth of a secret agent and taping them back up again with similar stealth... and STILL being surprised with what appeared on Christmas morning.

I remember spending my time looking through the toy section of the John Moores catalogue shortly after it landed on the  doorstep, so many toys I DIDN'T get , but I was never disappointed, and never said 'I want'. I knew to be grateful for what I received, and even now I'm still grateful, for a mother who tried her best to give me the best childhood she could. Just wish I had the opportunity to tell her she succeeded.