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I have finally geared up for Christmas, though it’s difficult knowing it’s our first without mum . It got me thinking about the Christmases we shared, just the two of us, all through my teenage years when we lived on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Money was tight but it didn’t seem to matter so long as there was a good book under the little silver tinsel Xmas tree. Gifts tended to beach stuff and after our modest gift opening we’d visit neighbours before heading to the beach with our ham sandwiches and cold chicken.
We had little family around as my aunt and uncle were overseas, my grandparents in the country. Under the beach umbrellas were neighbours, school friends and their families. We traded food and showed off presents before spending the day in and out of the surf. In the late afternoon we trudged home to wash off the salt and sand as more friends came by and cold beers were opened. (It was years before I ever tasted wine or champagne.) Often a southerly buster would blow up and I’d curl up to start that Xmas book. TV was only for the ABC news and perhaps a Xmas special. When I was older I went out with friends, or Mum went to a party, but we always were home to share a late night cuppa and a slice of Xmas cake.
Xmas was a time for my hardworking mum to relax at the beach or in the garden. Camping or traveling was never an option for us, we never owned a car anyway. It was a simple time, modest and perhaps dull compared to the array available to todays’ families. But I never felt deprived, those long summer holidays eyeing off the boys at the beach, coming home to yarn with mum as she lounged on the back deck with dog and cat, were a time of togetherness I’d give anything to share again.
But I’m thrilled to have my son and daughter with me and hope they will remember our times together with the same love and appreciation.
Have a safe and Happy Christmas.
Cheers.
It’s not too late to get your copy of Di’s hit book – ‘Monsoon’ – published by Pan Macmillan.
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