1950’s
More than fifty years ago, I used to love my holidays with my Grandma. Days before Christmas Day she used to bake, and prepare a feast. We children loved this, as we not only helped her, but received of the dough, which was better than the cookies itself! On Christmas Eve we children bathed and washed, and soon thereafter would hear Father Christmas come down the road, ringing his bell and carrying a bag - we knew were full of presents.
1960’s
Then Grandma died in '68, and we suddenly grew up. No longer did we gather at Grandma’s house. Each child of Grandma went their own way, and we never met as Grandma’s family again. I think that there were Grandchildren, no matter their age, that felt her loss for a number of years. When some of us sporadically met, we would sit talking of the days we so lovingly cherished.
1970’s
Father Christmas never seemed to be around again, for we, her grandchildren had grown to realise the truth. We yearned with ache the days when we, free from responsibilities, only had to be ‘good for one year’. We had now grown up. While each of us throughout the years had lived through many experiences, none could compare with the days prior to and on Grandma’s Christmas Eve, when the bell rang, and our excitement mounted, knowing that Father Christmas would soon enter through the door!
1980’s
Some earlier and some later entered into matrimony. Grandma’s grandchildren had their own children. I’m sure that many of her grandchildren wished that Grandma was there. We would have delighted in Grandma sizing the dough and giving a piece to each Greatgrand child to take care of for the rest of the day. It was quite a competition for us to see whose dough was as neat as when she gave each their piece of her dough!
1990’s
Our parents, Grandma’s children, were never the same. Although we loved each one, our mothers and fathers never could be as the Grandma we knew. We longed for the Christmas tree, the bells that sounded the arrival of Christmas Father, and the presents that we would receive - a Christmas we knew! We tried, but never succeeded to give our children the Christmas Grandma so lovingly knew. Within our hearts, both her own children and Great grandchildren, now know, only Grandma’s can let dreams linger anew.
2000
With Grandma in mind, and our parents that are no longer here, I sit down with my family to a Christmas dinner so preciously prepared. I look up at the caskets of ash, thank God for my parents, and say a prayer of blessing over my family. With sad thought I realise that I too have not been able to give dream to Christmas Eve, as Grandma did.
Gold trophy winner
Adding your comment:
de groetjes, Sandi 
