Christmas in Sydenham in the Twenties

[regoneil]

Christmas in Sydenham in the Twenties

What memories!

Sometimes, maybe snow, but never very often, but children trying out their fairy bikes and scooters, dressed in new scarves and gloves.

Sounds from gramaphones playing in front rooms. Turkeys and geese cooking in the ovens as the Salvation Army Band would be playing carols early in the morning and children’s voices would be heard asking “has he been?” as feet would be searching the foot of many beds for evidence of contents in pillow-cases and stockings.

The bleep from party blowers as the kids searched the contents of their receptacles for gifts from Father Xmas.

Holly and Mistletoe, decorating front doors. Christmas trees decorated with real flaming candles. Glittering packages heaped beneath,

Families gathered around the wireless set to listen to H.M. The King, following a slap up meal and the pile of washing up awaiting volunteers to help Mum as she sips a well earned cup of tea.

Later, as evening drew on, the gas lamps would be lit in the streets as the lamp-lighter plodded along his lonely way, whilst indoors, party games would be played. I well remember the squeals that came from the ladies sitting on one side of a long table as a small coin would be passed along to waiting hands beneath the table cloth, as the game of “Tip It” would be played before the following game of “Consequences” would be attempted. (During this period, confusion would arise as the gas-light would fade away and a search for a shilling would be made to feed the gasmeter).

Christmas Tea would be attempted early evening, once the dinner had settled, made up of a cold buffet of meats and pickles. All these festivities would be carried out around a roaring fire whilst chestnuts would roast around it.

The whole Christmas Day and Boxing Day would be enjoyed by the close family and a respite from the daily working life of the rest of the year. They were the only two winter Bank Holidays and the most had to be made of them, NO TV. NO RADIO - Just home-made enjoyment.

Merry Christmas to all Forum readers.

[sarahc]

Lovely memories Reg. I hope you had a good Christmas.

Sarah x