We did not go to visit cemeteries at Christmas. The only family members in Canada were with us around the table. We did remember absent people with a toast at the beginning of the meal.
©2010 – Blair Archival Research
My parents had a collection of Christmas records from the 1960s. One of my favourites was Jungle Bells by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in 1962. The other favourite was Ballad of the Christmas Donkey by Ed Ames. I could listen to these for hours.
For overall variety it was Mitch Miller and the Gang with two Sing along with Mitch Christmas albums. One was traditional songs and the other the novelty songs of the season. Of course Christmas would not be complete without the Bing Crosby Christmas album. Bing was one of the constants of the season when I was a child.
We sometimes went caroling. I can remember one year doing it with the Girl Guides to collect money for charity. We went from door to door singing our hearts out. One year our church held a caroling service in a local park which was open to everyone in the community. The Salvation Army Band provided the musical back up.
©2010 – Blair Archival Research
When I was small we went to Church on Christmas day if it was on a Sunday. The Advent Sunday’s were regularly attended. When I became an adult I started attending the Christmas Eve service. This service was particularly peaceful and joyous. The lighting and music in the church was uplifting. After the service I would take a walk through town in the cold night air. It was serene and hushed since not many people were out and the street decorations were lit and sparkling. When I got home hot chocolate was made and the movie “A Christmas Carol” was turned on.
©2010 – Blair Archival Research
