Picture
Picture
Starting from the two people that created and facilitated my Christmas memories – My Mum and Dad. My childhood memories, some bitter sweet, with an absent father away at sea providing for us as a family. The beautiful tree in our lounge and the wall decorations and friends popping in and out. Obviously being a child, I thought Santa did all the hard work, buying, wrapping and delivering my presents at the end of my bed and under the tree.

How to start my ‘Christmas Thoughts’ posed the question, where would I start. Then a Christmas present from my beautiful daughters gave me the focal point.
Picture
Image description
I can state the positive, enduring traditions I used the create with my own twist, for my children and now with my Grandchildren. I am sure my own children have their positive memories from special Christmas times but as they got older, conflicts and dynamics and having their own families have changed some memories; unfortunately facts of life.

Our home has always welcomed close friends who have helped to leave enduring memories with laughter, love and at times, tears of joy.

One thing Christmas also taught me, as a Mum of four, was the stress, financial pressure and sheer hard work involved, but was priceless to see four joyous, smiling faces.

Now these faces belong to my wonderful Grandchildren, also family, some new to the Christmas table and friends; different joyous young faces. Their will be empty chairs, but those family members will be in my heart, with the hope 2019 will bring them back to celebrate the love I strive to recreate..

Please spare a thought for those that will be emotionally suffering, who for Christmas will experience mental health problems, due to sadness, loneliness and today’s stressors. We who work in acute mental health will be there over the festive period to support them,

A final thank you to my dear family, friends and to my departed Mum and Dad for making Christmas so special.

Patricia Doe
Picture
Picture