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'Twas the Night Before Christmas - part 24 - page 9

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#1: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas - part 24 - page 9 Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:54 am
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I got the idea for this from something which was done on Radio 4 last year. There was a series of stories beginning and ending with the first and last lines of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem. I apologise if I have upset anyone over the dates I have used.

1918 Taverton

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Baby Joey was asleep in her cot. Next door Madge and Dick shivered a little despite the fire burning merrily in the grate. It was still only six months since they had been brought back to England from India, and they were having trouble getting used to the cold damp weather. It was Christmas – the season of good cheer, but it was hard to smile when you had lost both your parents less than a year previously. Nothing would ever be the same again. Joey would never know what she had lost – she was too young to remember anything about their parents and the life in India. But at thirteen years old Madge felt the responsibility greatly; she had promised her mother to look after the baby and she wouldn’t let her down. It was different for Dick, of course; he would have come home to go to school anyway, so nothing had changed for him, except that his sisters were around in the holidays instead of them being in India. Madge picked up Joey’s stocking and put the little presents, which Dick and she had managed to get, inside it; Joey shouldn’t miss out on a thing. After that they said good night to each other and crept off to bed.

Next morning, they both woke early and tiptoed back to find Joey just waking up; her nurse was getting her out of her cot. They were surprised, when they watched Joey toddle over to the fireplace to her stocking, to see two others with it. Dick found a book about trees around the world, a new cricket ball and some chocolates, while Madge was delighted with a pretty string of beads, some embroidered handkerchiefs and a new story from Miss Oxenham. Life would never be the same, but perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad after all. Breakfast was followed by Church, presents, roast goose with all the trimmings and an afternoon walk in the fresh air. At the end of the day, when they collected their new belongings to take them upstairs they thanked their guardian for making this first Christmas in England so enjoyable. He smiled at them, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Last edited by Lottie on Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:37 am; edited 24 times in total

#2: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:55 am
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How lovely! I don't often think about how difficult it would have been for the Bettanys when they left India, and this shows just how they must have felt. Thanks Lottie.

#3: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:30 am
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Must have been a dreadful shock for them - losing theor parents and a new country.

Thaks Lottie

#4: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:01 am
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That was beautiful, Lottie. Thank you!

#5: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:41 pm
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That was lovely - thanks, Lottie Very Happy

#6: Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:49 pm
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How lovely, thanks Lottie

#7: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:22 pm
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Thanks Lottie, that was beautiful

#8: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:24 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. It's so sad to see their 1st Christmas without their parents.

#9: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 5:24 pm
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That made me all goosebumpy Lottie - thankyou

#10: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 6:16 pm
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Oh, Lottie, that was lovely! Thank you so much.

#11: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 7:32 pm
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That was both beautiful and sad all at once. Thanks, Lottie.

#12: Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:33 am
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Bittersweet. Thanks.

#13: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:33 am
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1929 Poland

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Marya lay back on her pillows while Ted fetched their five year old daughter’s small shoe. Her mother delighted in the way that the Robin’s face lit up when she discovered what the Christ Child had left for her. They had never had much money, but she had been perfectly happy with a few chocolates and a simple toy. Marya was trying to make this a Christmas to remember for the family, but she was too tired to do as much as she would like. They had eaten the traditional fare for Christmas Eve, and now the Robin was slumbering peacefully in her cot. Marya slipped the chocolates into the shoe, together with the new dress which she had made for the Robin’s doll, and some colouring pencils. Tomorrow they would go to church – the Robin would be enchanted by the crib, and her mother expected that she would have tears in her eyes during some of the carols, the child had such a simple faith. Meanwhile she, herself, would pray for the strength to face the coming year. Ted returned after putting the Robin’s shoe back by the stove. He took his wife into his arms and murmured, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#14: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:39 am
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Poor Marya; I'm glad Robin ended up with people as lovely as the Bettanys. Thanks Lottie, I'm really enjoying these.

#15: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:03 am
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That's so very poignant...

Thank you Lottie

#16: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:15 am
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So sad. Crying or Very sad

Thank you Lottie.

#17: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:11 am
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*sniffles*

Thanks, Lottie

#18: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:43 am
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Thanks, Lottie. It is so sad to think of what is going to happen in the coming year.

#19: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 5:57 pm
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That's very moving. Poor Marya.

#20: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 6:29 pm
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Thank you Lottie!
Both so beautiful and poignant!
*shivers goosebumpily*

#21: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:04 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. They were so touching.

#22: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:30 pm
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Tender and poignant. Thank you, Lottie

#23: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:43 am
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Thank you for all the kind comments. Here's the next part.

1930 Innsbruck

‘Twas the night before Christmas. The new moon shone outside, giving just enough light to show that Joey and the Robin were both sound asleep. Madge finished filling the children’s shoes which lay next to the stove, then she tucked a handful of chocolates into her own. She thought about Frau Mensch’s comment after Joey had given the last of her money to a little girl, whom they had met on the way back from the Hof-Kirche. “The little Christ Child will not forget!”, she had said. Joey should feel well rewarded with the little Book of Saints and Heroes, she had wanted a copy for a long time. Then she laid out the new frocks, which kindly Mademoiselle had made up from the silk, which Dick had sent from India. After tucking the plumeaux more firmly round the sleeping children, she returned to her host and hostess. A final cup of milky coffee, and then it was time to retire for the night. Madge thanked them for their kindness and hospitality, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#24: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:50 am
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These are all really good, Lottie. All bittersweet so far but also nice and Christmassy.

Thank you.

#25: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 12:03 pm
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They're all so lovely, thanks Lottie.

#26: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 12:06 pm
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I'm really enjoying these. Thank you, Lottie!

#27: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 7:18 pm
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These are so lovely - thanks Lottie Very Happy

#28: Author: JoS, Location: South Africa

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 7:56 pm
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Thanks Lottie. These are very poignant.

#29: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 10:23 pm
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Thank you Lottie. That was lovely.

#30: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:12 pm
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Awww - these are so lovely, Lottie. Thank you. Very Happy

#31: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:24 am
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1932 The New Forest

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Joey and the Robin had expected to be on the Sonnalpe, but just before the end of term Madge had gone down with mumps, and Jem had vetoed the idea of them coming anywhere near her. It had worked out quite well because Miss Maynard was going to her family’s home in the New Forest, and she promptly offered to take both girls with her so that they could enjoy a really English Christmas. Since Madge would be accompanying Jem to an important conference in Vienna immediately after Christmas they were to stay with Maynie, as she was affectionately known, until it was time to return for the beginning of term. Now it was time to hang up their stockings. Joey, of course, remembered doing it when she had lived in England before, but it was quite a new idea to the Robin, who had always had her shoe filled by the Christ Child previously. The stockings were hung, one at each side of the mantelpiece in the drawing room of Pretty Maids. The Robin was enchanted by the Christmas tree which stood in one corner of the great room; glass baubles and candles twinkled on its branches, and piles of gaily wrapped parcels lay beneath them. Mrs. Maynard looked at the occupants of the room as they gathered round to sing carols. Two of her children were home – Bob had been granted a few days leave from his army posting, and her youngest daughter, Mollie, had travelled all the way from her post as Senior Mistress at the Chalet school in the Austrian Tyrol. The rest were scattered elsewhere in the country, with the exception of her baby – Jack was working as a doctor in a sanatorium very close to Mollie’s school. She was pleased that Mollie had brought two of her pupils to spend Christmas with them – it was lovely to see the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes again. The carols were over, and mince pies were passed round, then the children were dispatched to bed. Before she went upstairs, Joey turned to the assembled company and said, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#32: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:28 am
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Lottie, I am just loving these. They are so emotive and so true to the spirit of Christmas. Thank you.

#33: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:45 pm
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Another lovely scene - thanks, Lottie Very Happy

#34: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:58 pm
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Awww lovely. I'm really enjoying all of these. Reading that I was struck by the fact that in future one of those children would be marrying her "baby". I wonder what she thought about that when it happened?

#35: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:33 pm
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That was lovely, Lottie. Thank you so much for having the originality to think of this.

#36: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 5:44 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. It was lovely to see them enjoying Christmas.

#37: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:41 pm
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Thanks Lottie

#38: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:52 pm
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Thanks Lottie - these are all lovely - and so very poignant.

#39: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:29 am
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1934 Queensland

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Margot was being as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the rest of the occupants of their tiny home. Her two girls, Daisy and Primula Mary, were asleep at last, and she wanted them to stay that way until morning. Her boys, Frankie, Jimmy and Steve were asleep in the graveyard – nothing would disturb them again, unfortunately. Margot hated the climate of the country which had taken her darling boys from her. Stephen had been out for a beer – it wasn’t that she minded him having a drink with his friends, but he was ill too, like her boys had been, and she wanted him at home so that she could try and nurse him back to health. It was no good saying anything, though – it would only make him more bad tempered. Now he was home, and sleeping it off in the next room – she hoped that he wouldn’t wake before the morning either. Margot finished putting the few sweets and fruit for the girls into their stockings. She would put some pretty paper round the doll she had made for little Primula Mary, and the book she had managed to get for Daisy. Stephen wouldn’t care about paper around his present, he probably wouldn’t notice much of what was happening anyway. That seemed to be the pattern nowadays; he would sleep until he could go out with his friends, then he would come home and expect Margot to cook him a good dinner, before he went out again. Sometimes he got work and brought a bit of money home; Margot had become very adept at making a little go a very long way. Thank goodness she had good friends too. She tried to keep everything as normal as possible for the sake of her girls, but it was becoming more and more difficult; she was sure Daisy wondered sometimes, but she never said anything. Margot stepped out onto the veranda and looked at the night sky – the moon was still nearly full and she could see the country stretching for miles. The Southern Cross was clearly visible too – the stars weren’t the same as the ones Jimsie had shown her at home in England when they were children. He had been a wonderful big brother, maybe he could help her again, if the worst happened here. She thought of her family and friends – "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#40: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:33 am
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Poor little girls. And poor Margot, having to deal with the loss of her sons with no help whatsoever from her husband. Thanks Lottie.

#41: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:34 am
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What a terrible thing for Margot to have to face- and it's a wonder that Daisy didn't have nightmares about it.

Thanks Lottie.

#42: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:38 pm
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How sad for margot having to cope with everything on her own. Thanks Lottie.

#43: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 1:50 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. I'm sorry that Stephen wasn't any help at all.

#44: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:12 pm
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how heartbreaking Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Lottie

#45: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:00 pm
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So sad - but Margot's efforts are heroic.

Thanks, Lottie.

#46: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:14 pm
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Margot deserves a medal for all she went through and did for her girls. And she never did find a happy life after she left Australia did she, or not for long anyway. Do we actually know what happened to the scum she was married to?

#47: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:27 am
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He was bitten by a snake and died before Margot left Queensland.

#48: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:28 am
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1935 The Sonnalpe

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Madge was doing the rounds of the nursery – all the babies were fast asleep – two of her own and five nephews and nieces. Soon Daisy and the Robin would be off to bed too. Downstairs her sister, Joey, and her sister-in-law Margot waited with Jem; they would have dinner before going to the little service to be held at the tiny chapel on the Sonnalpe. Madge reflected on the events of the previous year – quite a lot had happened, some things had been more unexpected than others. The first surprise had been Sybil- well it was only the timing that was a surprise there – she had been expected at Easter, not half term. A bigger surprise had been the arrival of Jem’s sister and her two daughters in the summer; Madge hadn’t even known that he had a sister till then. Dick and Mollie coming to visit hadn’t been a surprise, although them coming back from Ireland and bringing measles with the children certainly had been. Rix’s whooping cough had been another unwelcome surprise. It had been a surprise when Mollie asked Madge if she would look after Jackie with his brother and sisters, but Madge understood Mollie’s fears for her children in the unhealthy climate of India, and when she heard that a new addition to the family was expected in the new year she had readily agreed. The last surprise had been anything other than unwelcome – Joey had had her first book accepted by a well know publisher – the baby of the family was on the road to becoming an authoress. Juliet, Grizel, Rosalie and Jack accompanied Madge, Jem Joey and Margot back to Die Rosen after the service. As they walked through the dark snowy night Joey was moved to quote, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#49: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:33 am
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Very Happy

Thanks, Lottie

#50: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:44 am
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Somewhat shocked that Madge didn't know about Margot! Shocked

Thanks Lottie

#51: Twas the night before Christmas Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:16 pm
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Hang on a sec Madge did know about Margot because that was why Sybil couldn't be called Margot as Jem had a sister Margot. Joey was fully aware of it and if she was then Madge would have to be. By the way am really enjoying this Very Happy

#52: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:46 pm
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I've just discovered this and read the first 6 days all in one. Thanks Lottie.

#53: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:00 pm
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Loved this post. *applause*

#54: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 5:32 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. I am really enjoying all of these.

#55: Re: Twas the night before Christmas Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:17 pm
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Fiona Mc wrote:

Hang on a sec Madge did know about Margot because that was why Sybil couldn't be called Margot as Jem had a sister Margot. Joey was fully aware of it and if she was then Madge would have to be.

Sorry!

I'll have to put it down to a "Lottie-ism", and remember to do my research more thoroughly another time!

#56: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 9:11 am
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Sorry for spreeing - here's the next part.

1937 India

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Dick and Mollie were filling stockings for the youngest of their children. Maeve and Maurice, Second Twins as they were known in the family, were fast asleep at last; at eighteen months old they were into everything and Mollie was busy during their waking hours trying to keep them out of mischief. Last year they hadn’t really known what was happening, but this year they were wide eyed with excitement at the Christmas decorations and tree. Naturally Dick and Mollie’s thoughts turned to their older children - Peggy and Rix, now nearly six, Bride who was four and three year old Jackie. They would be going to bed soon, too, but Dick and Mollie would have to wait several weeks for letters from the far away Sonnalpe to find out how they had enjoyed Christmas. Mollie shed a tear at the thought. She had always known that that was how it would be. India was not a healthy climate for young children, and she was really lucky that her sister-in-law, Madge, was married to a doctor and living in the wonderful air of the Austrian Alps, and that they were more than happy to take their nephews and nieces into their own home. Next year Dick was due a furlough again, and probably Maeve and Maurice would join their brothers and sisters on the Sonnalpe after that. Dick gave Mollie a hug – he knew how she was feeling; if truth were told, he missed his children too, and was looking forward to the summer in the Alps getting to know them again. One day he and Mollie would retire to England and then the family could all live under one roof again, but it wouldn’t be for another ten or fifteen years at least, he thought. After Mollie finished putting the last little parcel into the stockings, they crept out of the nursery. Dick did the rounds of locking their bungalow, then, thinking of their missing children, he turned to his wife, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#57: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 9:20 am
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How sad for them *sniffles*

Thanks, Lottie

#58: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:23 am
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How awful for them to be apart from their children and not able to share that special time of year with them.

#59: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:10 pm
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Oh how poignant - trying to give the youngest a lovely Christmas, and all the time thinking about the four who are missing....

#60: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:35 pm
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I don't know how they could bear it.

#61: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:37 pm
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At least it wasn't as long as Dick thought to wait.

Thanks Lottie.

#62: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:01 am
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I don't know how they can have left their children either. Sad

Thanks Lottie.

#63: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 3:35 pm
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1938 Guernsey

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Margot lay on the sofa in the drawing room at Bonne Maison. The children chattered happily as they helped Madge and Jo to decorate the tree, which stood in one corner of the room. Margot was too tired to help, but she was glad to watch. She was pleased that Daisy had made friends with the Robin, although the two were so very different in both character and appearance. Daisy was a tomboy at heart, and gentle Robin was a steadying influence; Margot took comfort from the fact that Daisy would have someone near her own age to turn to in the coming months. Primula had settled well with the nursery crowd, and she and Bride were often together, being much the same age. Bride’s elder sister, Peggy, mothered all the younger ones, much to her cousin, Sybil’s disgust, but Margot knew that Primula would need all of her friends soon. Margot thought back over the last six months. She had barely recovered from the loss of her boys and her husband in Australia, and the strain of making the long journey from there to find her brother on the Sonnalpe, when events had forced them all to move again. She had left first, taking the eight children with her, to settle on the peaceful island of Guernsey. She had expected Jem’s sister-in-law, Jo, and her fiancé, Jack, as well as Jem's secretary, Rosalie Dene, to accompany her and the children, but events had prevented that. The journey had been very tiring, trying to keep the children happy and quiet over two long days and nights of travelling, but they had reached the island eventually, and she had to admit that their journey had been a picnic in comparison to the one actually undertaken by Jo and Jack. Nevertheless, Margot knew that she could not go on much longer, and the New Year would see Daisy and little Primula going to stay in England, so that they shouldn’t be saddened by what was to happen. The tree was finished now, and Margot watched the little faces, thrilled with excitement in the candlelight. Robin made them all sit down quietly to sing some carols; after they had all sung Away in a Manger, Jo sang Stille Nacht, Heilege Nacht, and then they went off to have supper before bed. Margot lay back on the cushions and smiled, wearily, at her children and their cousins; they could hardly hear as she spoke, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#64: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:25 pm
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Oh, how sad Sad

. Poor Margot and the children.

Thanks, Lottie.

#65: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:06 pm
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Very poignant, Lottie. Poor Margot, knowing how sad her children were going to be. Crying or Very sad

#66: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 8:34 pm
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Very sad - poor Margot. Crying or Very sad

#67: Twas the night before Christmas Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:50 pm
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Oh how sad. This is great Lottie, I'm really enjoying it

#68: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:46 am
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1939 Guernsey

‘Twas the night before Christmas. The silence was broken only by the crackle of the logs in the grate. Upstairs the babies were fast asleep for the time being. Daisy was staying with Madge and her Uncle Jem. Robin sat before the fire with Joey and Jack. Soon it would be time to leave for the midnight service. Joey wouldn’t be able to take a full part, of course, but she wanted to go with her husband; it was important to her to be involved as far as was possible. Before then there was just time for filling the stockings. Jo had ignored any comments about the babies being too young to appreciate them, since they were only seven weeks old. This was for her and Jack; by some miracle, he was here for their children’s first Christmas. God alone knew where he would be this time next year. They each took a bootee and slipped a gold sovereign into the toe, followed by a rattle and a knitted toy. Then it was time to leave for the church. Some time later the three of them returned quietly to the house. The lounge was dimly lit by the embers of the fire. They put the bootees under the tree ready for the morning. It was time to go upstairs. Jo looked at her companions; they had been through a lot in the last eighteen months, but life was as good as she could possibly hope for, given the current situation. There was only one thing to be said, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#69: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:14 pm
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These are great Lottie, i'm really enjoying them. Thank you.

#70: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 1:12 pm
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Joey savouring these precious moments that may not come again.

Thanks, Lottie

#71: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:41 pm
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What a wonderful scene. And how mature Joey seems here, something not often seen later in the series.

#72: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 4:36 pm
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These are all so lovely, and so revealing - thanks, Lottie

#73: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 5:17 pm
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I am really enjoying these glimpses at different Christmasses

Thanks, Lottie Very Happy

#74: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:32 am
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1942 Plas Gwyn

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Joey and Elisaveta had finished putting their babies to bed, and peace now reigned in the nursery. Arlette was helping Anna in the kitchen with some final preparations for the following day. Jack was sitting in his study, deep in some medical tome. His head injury was mending well now, and he was awaiting a decision from the Admiralty about whether he would be taken back for active service, or whether he would be discharged. In that case he would join his brother-in-law, Sir James Russell, at the big Sanatorium in the Welsh mountains. Robin and Daisy were in the drawing-room with Primula and the McDonald twins. They had just finished decorating the great tree which stood near the windows. Joey came in, followed by her husband and friend, and suggested that they gather round and sing carols for an hour or so. She was anxious to keep the girls busy, particularly Flora and Fiona, who would otherwise miss their old home on Erisay in the Hebrides, and the rest of their family. They had known that it was unlikely that any of their brothers would be there, since Archie was fighting with the RAF and Kenneth was staying with a school friend, while Hugh had recently been lost at sea with his ship; they had hoped that at least Shiena, their elder sister, might have been granted leave to come and see them. Elisaveta was anxious about her missing husband; she had had no news for several months now. Joey, herself, was too full of joy at her husband having returned from the dead to want anyone else to be less than happy at Christmas – the season of peace and goodwill to all. As the last notes of Oh Little Town of Bethlehem died away, Anna and Arlette appeared with cocoa and biscuits for everyone; after which Joey dismissed the younger girls to bed. As they reached the door, Flora and Fiona turned back to the adults and older girls and chorused, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#75: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:53 am
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Awwwww that was so cute! I'm really enjoying these Lottie, thanks!

#76: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 11:21 am
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Lovely - but sad too - worries for Elisaveta and the twins.

Thanks Lottie

#77: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 12:36 pm
—
That was a beautiful, scene, Lottie. It really makes you think how sad and poignant Christmas must have been during the war for some.

#78: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:43 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. These are wonderful.

#79: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:07 pm
—
Lottie, these are truly wonderful! My thanks.

#80: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:25 pm
—
That was beautiful - thanks, Lottie

#81: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2006 8:30 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. It was really sad to see Dick and Mollie and know that they would not see their elder children for a few years. It was heartbreaking to see Margot and know that she did not have long to live. It was sweet though to hear about the stockings for the very young triplets. I'm sorry that Shiena couldn't be there for Christmas.

#82: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:00 am
—
Thanks Lottie, I've just caught up on the last few days of this. Watching Housewife, 49 this evening has also got me thinking about wartime.

#83: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:47 am
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Thank you Lottie, that was particularly poignant.

#84: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:50 am
—

Alice wrote:

Thanks Lottie, I've just caught up on the last few days of this.

Me too. These are great Lottie. Thanks. Smile

#85: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:56 am
—
1945 The Round House

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Ailie was sound asleep in her cot and Madge had just finished tucking Josette up for the night. She turned to make sure the curtains were fully closed to keep out the draughts of the cold night. Thank goodness the blackout was finished now that the war was over; she could see the lamps from the nearby houses shining out under the twinkling stars, and the moon gave enough light to make out the snowman standing bravely in the garden. Jem was still busy at the Sanatorium in the Welsh mountains, but Madge expected him home later that evening, and she hoped that the younger doctors would be able to cope with the patients for a couple of days; her husband worked too hard and he needed a break. Downstairs Sybil and David were playing Monopoly with Dick and Mollie’s children. It had been ten years since they had last seen their parents; Jacky and Bride didn’t remember them at all, and even Peggy and Rix had only very faint memories. Nobody had intended that they should be apart for so long, but Dick and Mollie hadn’t been able to visit as planned because of the Anschluss, and then the war had stopped all but the most essential travelling for civilians. Now Dick was talking about coming home for good, and Madge knew that Mollie would be thrilled to have her children living with her at last. It would be strange for all of them, and Madge had to acknowledge to herself that she would miss her nephews and nieces when her brother came home. As she went downstairs, Madge heard Jem come in; he was just in time for dinner. The Monopoly game was finished, with Bride as victor, so Madge shooed the children off to bed after they had finished the meal, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#86: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:18 pm
—
Another lovely Christmas Eve

Thanks, Lottie Very Happy

#87: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:31 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. It's good that it will be possible now for Dick and Mollie to come home.

#88: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:09 am
—
1946 The Quadrant

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Dick had set up the tree by the French windows in the drawing room. Mollie had unearthed the big box of decorations which had been shipped from India when they had returned home in the Spring. Maeve and Maurice were eagerly unpacking it, with many exclamations and remembrances. Rix and Jacky were engrossed in a card game, professing themselves too grown up for such activities, while Peggy and Bride were sitting quietly with their needlework. All four felt rather left out by their younger siblings, and also a little homesick for their Auntie Madge at the Round House, who had given them a home for most of their lives. Now they were supposed to be a family again, with their parents and Second Twins, but they didn’t really know the rest of their family, and they felt like visitors in what was meant to be their own home. Mollie came into the room and saw what was happening. It was a great regret to her that she had been parted from her four eldest for most of their lives; now she was determined to make it up to them if she possibly could. Rix was sent to fetch the steps, so that he and Jacky could put the lights on the tree and Peggy was to place the silver star on the top, while Bride’s neat fingers wrapped red paper round the bucket and tied a silver bow round it to make it look more festive. Maeve and Maurice, who had helped Mollie to decorate their tree in India for several years, were to be allowed to place two decorations each, then they could pass the rest to their brothers and sisters for them to put onto the tree. When they had finished it was time for supper, after which they gathered round the tree again. Dick told the story of the first Christmas, before they all sang their favourite carols. As the last notes of The Holly and The Ivy died away, the grandfather clock in the hall could be heard striking the hour. Mollie decreed it bedtime, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#89: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:25 am
—
How difficult it must have been for them, but I'm glad they're going to have a happy, family Christmas.

#90: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:23 pm
—
I'm glad Mollie saw what was going on and was able to start making them more united Very Happy

Thanks, Lottie

#91: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 8:03 pm
—
Lovely, thanks Lottie.

#92: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:07 pm
—
Good to see the Bettanys reunited.

Thanks Lottie.

#93: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:50 pm
—
Just read all of this and it's wonderful.

#94: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:50 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. I'm glad that Mollie helped to bring them all together.

#95: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:26 am
—
1947 Toronto

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Josette and Ailie were eagerly hanging up their stockings. Margot was with them; she had a stocking too, but she wasn’t sure about hanging it up. Would Father Christmas know that she wasn’t at Plas Gwyn with Mamma, Papa and her sisters and brothers. The she remembered that they weren’t there either, they were all at Cartref in Carnbach. Tears were very close now; she couldn’t even imagine what it looked like, and where they were, and what they were doing. Auntie Madge had told her that it was much later in England than in Canada, so that meant that they should all be in bed and asleep. Margot didn’t really understand why Mamma and Papa would have gone to bed before she had had her supper. It was all very confusing. Margot felt very hard done by. It had been bad enough being taken away from everyone when she had still been so poorly in the spring, but Mamma had promised that she would be home again at the end of the summer. Then Kevin and Kester had arrived, and they hadn’t been able to go home after all. She had missed her birthday with Len and Con; their birthday was special, not many people shared their birthday with their two sisters. Now she was missing Christmas with her family too. Auntie Madge had told her that she had to be brave, and had reminded her that Peggy, Rix, Bride and Jacky hadn’t seen Uncle Dick and Auntie Mollie for nearly ten years. That sounded terrible, but it didn’t really make her feel any better. She knew Mamma would worry if she thought that her little girl was unhappy, so Margot took a deep breath and pushed the tears away. She went to join her cousins at the table where they were writing their letters to send up the chimney for Father Christmas. They had just finished when Rosa came in with their supper, followed by Auntie Madge. When they were all tucked up in bed, just before she turned out the lights, Auntie Madge said, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#96: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:37 am
—
Poor little mite.

#97: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:41 am
—
Poor Margot. How confusing it must have been for her.

#98: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:16 am
—
Poor Margot!

#99: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:36 am
—
Poor kid - I want to give a great big hug!

Thanks, Lottie

#100: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:46 pm
—
Poor Margot, so far away from her family.

#101: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:51 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. I'm sorry that Margot is so far from her family.

#102: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:26 am
—
1948 The Quadrant

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Peggy was overseeing her sisters decorating the tree which her father had had brought in earlier. The boys were out chopping wood for the fire, and gathering greenery for more decorations. When they had finished that they would fix the lights up, while the girls placed holly over the pictures and fashioned a wreath for the front door. They were all being careful to do their work very quietly; they knew that their mother needed to rest as much as possible after her recent operation. If she seemed well enough, when the doctor paid his afternoon call, she would be allowed downstairs to lie on the couch for tea and carols. Then she might be allowed up for lunch the following day too. None of them wanted their mother to miss out, hence the need for quiet. The sound of the front door closing was followed by the appearance of their father in the drawing room. Peggy thought how much older he seemed to have got in the last couple of months, she was sure that there were a few grey hairs catching the light as he stood in the doorway surveying the room. However his face was one broad grin; he was very pleased with the news from the doctor, and he was going up, now, to fetch his wife, while Peggy brought the tea in. As Dick settled Mollie comfortably on the sofa, Bride wheeled the tea trolley and Peggy carried the great teapot. The boys and Maeve appeared instantly, clean and tidy for once, without being reminded. The meal progressed joyfully, Mollie didn’t eat much, but the boys more than made up for her lack of appetite. She seemed well enough afterwards, so Dick agreed to let her stay for the carols which they would sing as soon as the girls had cleared away the tea things and the boys had seen to the fire. They sang all of their favourites, finishing with Mollie’s choice – Good Christian men Rejoice. They certainly all felt like rejoicing tonight. Then Dick picked up his wife and carried her to the door, where he turned so that she could say, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#103: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:21 pm
—
Oh, how lovely that she could join them.

Thanks, Lottie

#104: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:39 pm
—
So glad she could be part of the celebrations!

#105: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:56 pm
—
I was saving these until closer to Christmas, but - oops. Embarassed

What a range of events and emotions can be packed between two little lines!

*agrees with Liz & leahbelle. This one is particularly lovely and peaceful. Very Happy

#106: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:56 pm
—
Beautiful, Lottie. Thank you.

#107: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:01 pm
—
Thanks Lottie Very Happy

#108: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:25 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. I'm glad the family were all being so supportive.

#109: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:09 pm
—
((((Margot))))

But so lovely to see the Bettanys

Thanks Lottie

#110: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 2:46 am
—
These are lovely Lottie - some so sad, some so uplifting

Thankyou

#111: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 10:54 am
—
1949 Freudesheim

‘Twas the night before Christmas. After eight years of living in the Tyrol, Jo knew that there would be no going outside for a while, thanks to the snowstorm raging outside. Fortunately Jack had managed to get home just as it started, now they could enjoy a family Christmas together, their first in their new home. Joey had finished putting Felix and Felicity to bed; she descended the wide staircase and entered the salon. A warm fire burned brightly in the open hearth, and the tree, which had been decorated during the afternoon, stood cheerfully in one corner. Her older six children and her husband were awaiting her arrival so that they could begin. Margot’s clear voice rang out with the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City; as she began on the second, the rest of the family joined in. After that, Con began to tell the tale of the first Christmas. More carols followed, interspersed with the rest of the Christmas story. We Three Kings of Orient Are, with the boys each singing a solo as one of the kings, was followed by Jack finishing the story with the arrival of the Magi. Then the whole family sang Adeste Fideles. Abendessen followed, where Anna had excelled herself with a festive meal, and they all expressed their thanks vociferously. This first Christmas in Switzerland had certainly started very well, and looked like being one to remember. Then Joey declared that it was time for the boys to go up to bed – she knew how early they were likely to wake in the morning. As Steve, Charles and Mike headed for the door, the triplets chorused, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#112: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 3:42 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie, these are so touching.

#113: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:45 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. It was lovely to see the Maynards celebrating Christmas.

#114: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:49 pm
—
I bet the Maynard Christmases were wonderful! Thanks Lottie.

#115: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 6:41 pm
—
Great to see the Maynard's celebrating christmas, Thanks Lottie.

#116: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 7:30 pm
—
That was lovely.

Thanks Lottie

#117: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:50 pm
—
That was delightful. Thank you.

#118: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:13 am
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1952 London

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Ruey sat with Miss Wotherspoon in the living room of the little rented house in Croydon, which had been their home for the last few years. The service of nine lessons and carols could be heard on the wireless, otherwise there was silence; her brothers were somewhere else doing their own thing. They had set up the little tree in the corner that morning, and checked that its lights were working. Then Ruey had put the rest of the decorations onto it, while the housekeeper prepared the mid-day meal. Half listening to the well remembered carols, Ruey fell to musing over previous Christmases. Her mother helping the three of them to decorate the tree, and put up paper chains and holly; the big house near Harrow had always looked very festive, and they all sang some of those carols while they were busy. Even their father would join in sometimes, and he would certainly be there for their evening meal, and when they hung their stockings by the fireplace afterwards. It seemed as though the house had been full of fun, with lots of presents to be unwrapped on Christmas Day, and plenty of good food. They would still have the Christmas dinner, of course, and Ruey had presents for her brothers and her father; she had also made the boys contribute to a present for Miss Wotherspoon. It all seemed a bit bleak now, somehow; her father was out, and Ruey didn’t even know if he would be back that night. As the notes of the last carol died away, Roger and Roddy appeared demanding their tea. A jolly, noisy meal followed, to be interrupted, near the end, by the appearance of the professor. He had come to explain that he had been offered the opportunity to do some more research into the stars, and that he was about to go away for a week; if all went well he would spend the summer in the Austrian Tyrol. When his children protested that it was Christmas, he look startled; then he fished in his wallet and gave them each a note, telling them to choose their own presents when the shops opened again. He headed for the door, and was half way through it, before he suddenly turned back to them, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#119: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:17 am
—
Poor Ruey, what a sad Christmas. At least we know she'll be better off next year.

Thanks Lottie.

#120: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:19 am
—
Oh what a terrible, bleak time - horrible man.

Poor Richardsons

Thanks Lottie

#121: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:19 pm
—
Not much of a father, was he?!

Thanks Lottie Very Happy

#122: Author: Secret Santa, Location: The North Pole

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:46 pm
—
Thank you Lottie, these insights are all really profound.

#123: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 1:03 pm
—
What a nasty man! (((hugs))) for all three R's. Thanks Lottie.

#124: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 1:41 pm
—
*not very impressed with Mr. Richardson*

Joey & Jack make a much nicer Christmas!

#125: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:11 pm
—

Lesley wrote:

Oh what a terrible, bleak time - horrible man.

Poor Richardsons

I'll say, at least we know they'll have a better one next year

#126: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:22 pm
—
Oh that was rather sad; when Mrs Richardson died, the centre of the family was gone, and none of them really knew what to do about it. I don't think the Professor meant to be unkind, but he clearly didn't have a clue about some things.

#127: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:07 am
—
1955 Arles

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Adrienne had been entrusted with setting up the Nativity scene in the chapel at the convent, while Soeur Monique and two other Sisters cleaned and polished till everything was spotless, and gleaming in the sunshine. Adrienne remembered helping her mother to place similar figures when she was a child; she wondered what had become of that set - she supposed that it must have been lost in one of their many moves over the years since then. She spared a moment to mourn her parents, before thanking God for his kindness in sending her to the care of the good Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul here at La Sagesse. Adrienne was now fully recovered after the illness she had suffered over the summer, and had been expecting to go out into the world to start earning her own living. However, she had been surprised, when she applied to the Reverend Mother for assistance with her plans, to be told that she was to go to a school in the Swiss Alps. She was very grateful, if a little apprehensive, and she had accepted eagerly when Soeur Cécile offered to spend half an hour that afternoon telling her something about the school. Now Adrienne knew that she was expected to work hard, but to play hard too; Soeur Cécile had told Adrienne that the best reward would be letters telling about all her doings. She also knew that Mme. Maynard, who would give her a home in the holidays, and would help her to decide on a career in due course, would be satisfied if Adrienne was happy in what she chose to do. Adrienne hoped that she would be able to repay her benefactresses. The chapel was ready for Vespers; Adrienne slipped quietly into her place at the back, as the rest of the Sisters filed in, and the service began. After their evening meal, Adrienne prepared to go to bed in the little cell which had been designated hers since she had been well enough to come out of the Infirmary. Before leaving the Refectory, she turned to the sisters and said, thankfully, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#128: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:16 am
—
Thanks Lottie - reading about all these Christmases is lovely Very Happy

#129: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:19 am
—
That's lonely - poor Adrienne had such a terrible time just before being found by Robin.

Thanks Lottie

#130: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:37 am
—
That was nice - poor Adrienne was so vulneable and had lost so much....

#131: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:20 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. I'm glad Adrienne was given a chance to be happy.

#132: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:10 pm
—
Poor Ruey, what a father! But I'm glad that Adrienne feels safe with the Sisters.

#133: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 11:39 pm
—
This was a really great chapter, thanks for the update! Looking forward to seeing what comes next as I've been really enjoying your work so far. The quality of this shines through in every post and just gets better and better. I am very impressed!

#134: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:38 pm
—
Sorry for the late arrival of today's post - I am away from home for a couple of days and have only just managed to get to a computer.

1958 Freudesheim

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Jack, taking Ruey and Roddy with him, had driven Minnie down to Interlaken to collect Roger, who had managed to get enough leave to join the family for the holiday. Stephen had helped Charles, Mike and Felix to put the lights on the big Christmas tree which stood in one corner of the Saal, and then they had gone to collect greenery to decorate the rest of the room. Con, helped by Adrienne, Erica, Felicity and Cecil had put the rest of the decorations on the tree. In the nursery Len was helping Phil, Geoff and Marie-Claire to make paper chains. Rösli was helping Anna in the kitchen. Margot had been selected to collect Jo from the San. Jack would have liked to have fetched her himself, but he couldn’t be in two places at once. Although he had taught all the girls to drive in the summer, he preferred that they should not have the responsibility of driving on the treacherously steep mountain roads in the current icy conditions, so he had decided to go to Interlaken himself, leaving Margot to take the somewhat easier route along the Platz. Margot and Jo managed to get back into the house unnoticed by the other occupants, who were all engrossed in what they were doing; Nurse accompanied them to help get Jo settled. If she rested properly during the afternoon, she would be allowed downstairs to join the family for their traditional carols around the tree after Kaffee und Kuchen. Margot put her medical training to good use, and attended to her new baby brother’s wants while her mother settled down for the nap being insisted upon. All went well, and after a good rest and a light meal, Joey appeared in the Saal, to be welcomed vociferously by the rest of the family. They were hushed, as Nurse appeared carrying a precious bundle. Joey introduced Edward Robert, to be known as Teddy, to the assembled company, then Nurse carried him back to his cot, leaving Jo to join the carols for an hour. After Abendessen, the triplets looked in on Jo; they could see, by the light of the full moon, that she was still awake, although Teddy was fast asleep. She smiled at her eldest girls, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Teddy got a brief mention in my first drabble, A Surprise for the Triplets.

#135: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:38 am
—
Lovely! Thanks Lottie. Hope you have a good time while you're away!

#136: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:14 am
—
1961 Gornetz Platz

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Len heard Reg’s key in the door, just as she finished settling the babies to sleep. She hoped that her husband wouldn’t be called out again that night, but she knew that a doctor could never call his life his own. He would have rounds to make at the Sanatorium in the morning, but after that they hoped to spend the day with her parents and such of their wards and her brothers and sisters as had been able to get home for the festive season. Len was particularly pleased that Con, with her very new husband, and Margot had managed to come home this year. It could be the last occasion for some time when the three of them would be together; they had always shared a special bond as triplets. Now Con’s writing kept her very busy, and her husband, a journalist, had just accepted a posting to the United States – they would be off before the New Year. Margot was in her last year of training at Edinburgh as a doctor, then she would have very little time to come home, and, if things went as planned, and she was accepted as a novice by the Blue Nuns, she could be sent as a medical sister any where in the world. Len sighed, she knew that was how things would be as they grew up, but, no more than her mother before her, did she like change. The door opened quietly, and Reg appeared; he smiled at the picture of his wife bent over the twins. As she crossed the room to join him, he murmured softly, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#137: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:21 am
—
Thanks Lottie Very Happy

#138: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:28 am
—
I hope Reg doesn't get called out again!

Thanks Lottie.

#139: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 11:14 am
—
I've loved the last few posts, Lottie. Thank you.

#140: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:06 pm
—
That was lovely, and so gentle Lottie. Thank you.

#141: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:35 pm
—
Thanks, Lottie. It was lovely to see Teddy and Len and Reg together.

#142: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:55 pm
—
These are making me all goosebumpy Lottie

Thankyou

#143: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:09 pm
—
Awwww, how nice - only twins Len? Wink

Thanks Lottie.

#144: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:21 pm
—
Lovely, and I'm glad that Len and Reg seem to be happy.

Thanks, Lottie.

#145: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:28 am
—
1962 Edinburgh

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Margot was busy at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children. She was qualified, now and as a very junior doctor she had to work right through the Christmas holiday. Margot didn’t mind too much; if she couldn’t go home to her family, she would rather be kept busy. Anyway, if things went as she hoped, and the Blue Nuns agreed to accept her in the Summer, she could be anywhere in the world in future years. Margot loved her family dearly, but felt that she had been called to serve God, and she knew that would mean going wherever she was sent. Margot had done the rounds of the orthopaedic ward where she was currently based. There were a couple of dozen children who had had the misfortune to break a bone in the weeks before Christmas, and not have them healed enough to allow them home for the festive season. Now, however they were all asleep; the usual promise of no presents from Father Christmas having worked as well in hospital as it would at home. Their families would be visiting on the following afternoon and bringing their own presents, but the staff at the hospital always liked to do something to brighten the lives of the children in their care. Now Margot was helping the Staff Nurse and the probationer to fill stockings – a tangerine, some chocolates, a notebook and pencil, and a small toy; it wasn’t much but it would prove to the children that Father Christmas really was magic, and could find them even when they weren’t at home! They were all filled, and put safely in a corner for the night nurses to distribute later on – they didn’t want to risk a child waking and finding his stocking too soon. Now Margot had a few hours off before the morning. She would be able to go to the midnight service at St. Columba’s, where she had worshipped since her arrival in Edinburgh more than five years before. Before she went out of the ward, Margot turned to the nurses and wished them, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#146: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:52 am
—
Oh that is lovely - such a heartwarming glimpse of Margot.

#147: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:28 pm
—
Yes, I think Margot would have made a good doctor; not so sure about the nun bit, though!

Thanks Lottie.

#148: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 1:55 pm
—
That was lovely Very Happy

Thanks, Lottie

#149: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 5:56 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. I'm glad that they provided stockings for the children.

#150: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:06 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. Very Happy

#151: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:23 am
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You’ll have to bear with my imagination here, I have never been to Australia, unfortunately.

1977 Sydney

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Sybil could see the flickering flames and smell the smoke of the fire. But this wasn’t the big open fire in the drawing room of the Round House, from her childhood. This was a far cry from the cold, snowy Christmases on the Sonnalpe, which she dimly remembered from her earliest years, or even the chilly, and often damp, Christmases in the Welsh Mountains, where she had grown up. For the last twenty years she had been living on the outskirts of Sydney, in New South Wales. Here, in the height of Summer, there was no need for fires at Christmas. The fire which Sybil could just see was over 50km away, and was burning through the bush. She hoped that the firemen could bring it under control very soon; there was nothing more she could do except to pray. Sybil turned back into the room. The tree was decorated with electric lights and looked very festive with it’s decorations glowing amongst them. Her family were gathered round, they were growing up fast, even the youngest had only one more year left at school now. Sybil smiled at her husband, they would make the most of family Christmases while they could. Josette and her family would be joining them for the following day, it was Sybil’s turn to host this year, and Josette would bring the desserts. They had shared Christmas this way for most of their years in Australia. Occasionally their parents had made the long journey to join them, but it was getting too much for them now. There was no ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in Sydney like the one in Melbourne, but the family would all go to the midnight service at church. It included Australian carols such as The Three Drovers, as well as the more traditional ones. As they came outside afterwards, the full moon shone brightly and they could see no more flames in the distance, although the smoke still hung over the countryside. They made their way home through the quiet streets. Then Sybil turned to her family with a cheerful smile, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

I know there were bushfires close to Sydney during that summer, but I’m not sure whether there were any around Christmas. Sorry, it’s quite hard to get actual dates for as far back as that, unless it’s something like Ash Wednesday in 1983.

#152: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:26 am
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I'm glad Sybil seems happy. It's nice that she and Josette are building up their own traditions. Thanks Lottie.

#153: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 12:31 pm
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Lovely Very Happy

Thanks, Lottie

#154: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:08 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. These drabbles are so lovely and Christmassy.

#155: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 4:26 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. It was lovely to hear about Sybil's Christmas.

#156: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:11 pm
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These drabbles have become a real highlight of my day Lottie - thankyou so much

#157: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:21 pm
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Thanks Lottie.

#158: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:18 am
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What an excellent future for Sybil & Josette. Smile

(except for the bush fire, of course...)

#159: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 3:05 pm
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Mother Theresa is probably the most famous Blue Nun, and I thought it would be appropriate for Margot to be sent to work in the land of her mother’s birth.

1985 Calcutta

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Margot sighed nostalgically; briefly she wished herself back as a child again. Not because she wasn’t happy in her work at the hospital which was attached to the orphanage; never once had she doubted her calling, and she knew that she had made a difference to the lives of hundreds of children over the twenty years that she had been working as a medical missionary. Margot simply felt a longing for the snow and cold weather of the family home in the Bernese Oberland. Anything that would give her a break from the endless dirt, dust and heat of India would be a relief at the moment. The Swiss efficiency, and clean crisp mountain air would be wonderful for a change. It would also be lovely to see her family again. She knew that her parents were proud of the choices she had made with her life, but it would be good if she hadn’t been posted quite so far away from them – it was difficult for them to visit her in India now, although they had been to see her once when she first started working there some ten years previously. Her triplet sisters found visiting difficult too – they both had several children, although they were growing up fast now. Len’s last letter had told of the twins’ experiences working as junior doctors in their hospitals in London and Edinburgh. The youngest was studying for A-levels, and applying to Oxford to read Modern Languages like her mother. Con and her husband seemed to be firmly settled in the United states now, and their children seemed even more grown up. Her eldest girl was already married with a daughter who would start school herself soon. While the youngest was due to graduate from High School in the summer, and was planning a college course afterwards. Margot pushed such thoughts firmly from her mind, and moved on to the next patient. Mother Teresa was always fair, but she never tolerated any slackness from the Sisters who worked with her. As the sun set with the usual rapidity of the tropics, Margot finished treating her last patient of the day. It was time for the children’s evening meal, then the Sisters would have their evening prayers and their own meal. After that, Margot made a last round of all the wards. With a six o’clock start in the morning, Margot was heading to her own bed; before she went she turned to the Sisters, who would take night duty, and said, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#160: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 3:13 pm
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Shocked

Con, a grandmother?!

Thanks Lottie.

#161: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:13 pm
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Thanks Lottie Very Happy

#162: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:46 pm
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It never occurred to me that Margot would know Mother Theresa - thanks Lottie.

#163: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 11:33 pm
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These are lovely Lottie, so simple, and so evocotive. Thank-you.

#164: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:10 am
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Richard and Daphne first appeared in my drabble, Daphne’s Wedding, and had their story expanded in Memories.
Daphne is Con's granddaughter, who was about to start school in the last part.

2002 The Gornetz Platz

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Richard and Daphne crept quietly upstairs to the small dormitory which had been allocated to them. Granny Jo had turned eighty-five in November and once again the School had been used to provide enough accommodation for all the family members who had turned up for the celebrations. Five years previously had been when they first met properly; now they had been married for just over two months. They had come in for a lot of congratulations themselves, for this was the first time they had seen most of the family since. They had opted out of the traditional wedding, choosing, instead, to have a quiet ceremony, with just their two closest friends as witnesses, on a tropical island. While Daphne disappeared into the bathroom Richard hurried to prepare his surprise for her. He had a proper present to give to her tomorrow in front of everybody, but this was just between the two of them. Daphne came back and spotted something on the foot of her bed. Closer inspection revealed a new pair of socks with red-nosed reindeer smiling cheerfully out from each side. She laughed at Richard’s idea of a joke, then realised that there was something inside one of them. She removed a tiny tissue paper covered package, and unwrapped it to disclose a small silver star for the charm bracelet, which had been her wedding present from Richard. It was a perfect memento for their first Christmas together. As they looked out of the window at the snow covered scene barely lit by the glimmer of the new moon and the stars Daphne softly quoted, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

#165: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 2:13 am
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The last two parts were lovely, Lottie. Thank you.

#166: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 5:39 am
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*just off to the archives*

Lovely, thank you!

#167: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 7:39 am
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Thanks Lottie.

#168: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 11:29 am
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*also off to visit the archives!*

Thanks, Lottie.

#169: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:33 pm
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These re lovely, thank you Lottie.

#170: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 9:40 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. It is amazing to think that Con is a Grandmother in the previous post. I'm glad that Richard gave Daphne such a lovely present.

#171: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:24 am
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Lovely

Thanks, Lottie Very Happy

#172: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:36 am
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2006 Oxfordshire

‘Twas the night before Christmas. Richard drove home through the quiet lanes; it had been the most momentous day of his life. Daphne had woken him very early that morning and told him that they needed to go to the hospital. At half past eleven their daughter had erupted into the world with an almighty yell. She was simply beautiful, and promised to be the image of Daphne’s Granny Jo when she grew up. He had telephoned the family with the news while Daphne and the baby slept after lunch; then they had spent several wonderful hours together just getting to know their new daughter. Now he had been kicked out for the night. He had to make sure everything was ready when he got home. Their friends Chris and Matt would be arriving after breakfast; Chris had promised to take charge of cooking the dinner while he drove back to the hospital to fetch his family home. He spotted something on the sofa; Daphne must have dropped some of the washing when she was folding it. He went to put it away and realised that it was a new pair of socks emblazoned with the word “Dad” on each side. A broad grin spread over his face at the sight, to be replaced by a more gentle smile when he emptied the contents of the socks and discovered a carved wooden nativity set. Now he knew how Daphne had been occupying her time over the last few weeks. He set them out on the windowsill under the Advent star and looked out at the crescent moon over the church in the village. People were just coming out after the midnight service; he was sure that God would understand why he hadn’t been there this year. He waved to some as they went past, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

________________________ THE END ________________________

______

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

_______

#173: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:44 am
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All of these have been so lovely, Lottie. Thank you so much.

Merry Christmas! Very Happy

#174: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:49 am
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What a beautiful ending, thank-you so much.

#175: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:31 am
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This has been lovely!

#176: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 12:08 pm
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Thank you Lottie, that was lovely. Happy Christmas!

#177: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 12:34 pm
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Thanks, Lottie. They were all really lovely. I'm sorry to see them finish. The socks sound lovely.

#178: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:06 pm
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What a wonderful gift for Daphne and Richard!

Thank you Lottie - Merry Christmas to you too!

#179: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:00 pm
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Thank you, Lottie. I have really enjoyed these.

#180: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:24 pm
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Lottie - yet again I have tears in my eyes

These have been such a lovely read and I am going to miss them so much - thankyou

#181: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:10 pm
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Lottie, these have all been wonderful. Thank you so much!

#182: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 11:34 am
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Thank you Lottie - wonderful.

#183: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 9:17 am
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This has been fabulous Lottie. I've really enjoyed the updates

#184: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:23 pm
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Thank you, Lottie. It's amazing how much you found to bookend between those lines!

#185: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 7:38 pm
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Fab ending to a fab, Christmassy drabble, Lottie. Thanks. Very Happy

#186: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:08 pm
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Lottie - I only saw the first few of these before I went away in mid-December and have only just had time to catch up with the remainder. Even though it's now after 12th Night, so very belated, I still want to thank you for a poignant and very moving set of vignettes - they are all just so heart-warming. I hope you had as much pleasure from writing them as the rest of us have done from reading them.

The CBB -> St Agnes' House

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