Hi there

We looked at family traditions yesterday, and I showed you our Adventskranz, which sits on the window ledge in the kitchen…

This got me thinking about what December used to feel like, in the run-up to Christmas – before it became quite so busy, quite so loud. What Christmas was like back in the day.

When I think of past Decembers and Christmases, I always think of England. Even though I lived abroad for many years – in Germany, in California – I almost always came home for Christmas. Just like Grace and Mark are doing tomorrow.

I remember New Years in Austria, in Switzerland, in Italy. But Christmas? Christmas lives firmly in England for me. In fact, I could narrow it down even further and say the South East – where I come from. Funny that.

Way back when, when we were youngsters, it all felt slower. Less aggressive. And much colder. I remember huddling around the electric fire in the living room, my little brother Steve and I getting dressed as quickly as possible in front of it, because the house was freeeeezing! Central heating was not a thing in our house!

That smell of cold air when you stepped outside. Icicles 2ft long and lethal, hanging from the guttering. Mittens on a string inside your coat. Carol singers knocking on the front door. And when mince pies appeared in the shops – you knew the countdown was on.

There was anticipation, but not pressure or performance. Mind you, we were the children, not the adults. I suspect Mum and Dad were spinning like tops! There wasn’t much money, that’s for sure, but they knew how to celebrate Christmas in style.

I clearly remember the annual coach trips up to Wembley, London, to see a Panto on Ice with Dad’s firm. That was a BIG DEAL in the 70’s. Such a treat. If I close my eyes, I can still see Buttons whizzing around. And it was so cold! Who remembers the Empire Pool at Wembley?

We received one special present each. That was it. I could list them now.

One year it was Tiny Tears — a doll who cried real tears and wet herself! Remember her? Then there was Tressy, with hair you could pull out of the top of her head and wind back in with a key on her back. I remember the key slot being completely worn away from use. I even found an old German biscuit tin at mum’s recently, which I used as Tressy’s wardrobe. I had put her name on the front with Letraset letters. Kept her clothes in it, and the key for her hair. Then I lost it and had to use a tuppence.

As a teenager, I vividly remember receiving a Hitachi cassette recorder. It was amazing — in a real black leather case, with a strap I could sling over my shoulder. I felt like a real reporter! Went round, interviewing people, recording them. What a great childhood I had.

Come on — cast your mind back. Get on that nostalgia bus! Think of a present you were really excited to receive. Do share. I suspect it will strike a chord with many of us.

Somewhere along the way, December picked up speed, didn’t it? It became crowded with expectations, lists, deadlines and noise. Do more, buy more, do more, buy more — as if stillness itself has become optional.

These days, I find myself wanting to reclaim just a little of that older December. Not all of it — life moves on — but the quieter parts. A slower pace. Fewer commitments. Space to notice smells, sounds, and light. Spend time just reflecting.

And perhaps permission to keep it simple.

No grand reinvention. Just small choices. Saying no occasionally. Letting something wait. Remembering that December doesn’t have to be full to be meaningful.

We don’t have to keep up, you know. It’s ok to slow down.

Love and Clarity,

Barb x x x