Hey Marie,
Are you sure we're not related. Such a lot of your story struck a chord!
Thinking about christmas long ago, we lived in the country and a visit to town was a real treat, about twice a year, and one of those times was christmas, we ventured to the city. A visit to santa was a must. We stood in line, to visit him in the big store in the town. Two shillings and sixpence, and you got a white box filled with colouring pencils and a book and if you were really lucky, a toy. This adventure was followed by a visit to the Public House, women and children were only alowed in the snug, a little cubical cordoned off from the serious drinker. Here you got a mineral (orange or lemonade) and then it was off home.
On christmas morning, it was a full fried breakfast, not your usual porridge, oh no, rashers, sausages, puddings egg and toast, never mind that you had to eat christmas dinner at One O clock on the dot.
After breakfast it was off to mass. not just one mass, oh no, because it was christmas morning, there was a continuous string of masses, and if you were lucky, you got away with staying for two, but if you were being a bit sassy,lo and behold it would be three masses in succession. Home then by about 11.30 and at one o clock on the dot......Christmas Dinner! Hungry or not, it was, Soup, Turkey and Ham, stuffing, veg potatoes, gravy. Followed by Plum pudding and custard, followed by christmas cake and tea!
Now a days it would be off to weightwatchers next day!
Katie