It is interesting to think back to one’s own childhood around this time of year and remember what was going on in the community, what you were doing at school, and what you were up to at home.
As we think back to the 1950s and ’60s for our own age bracket, this was a time we seemed to be busy, excited and active.
At school, images and themes appeared through art classes, in the halls, in showcases and perhaps in assemblies. They moved from Thanksgiving to Halloween to Remembrance Day and finally into Christmas. There were also school concerts and presentations, and sometimes a choir, along with others, would visit what was at that time called an “old folks home” or some kind of gathering at a local store or the public library.
In the community there was a lot of thought given to upcoming special occasions. Some of our memories connect to special meetings held at the Royal Canadian Legion, the Masonic Hall, and other similar groups who all seemed to have a Christmas tree, a visit from Santa, some tasty treats, maybe a small gift, and always seasonal music. For other people, festivities at Sunday school and church services were important highlights.
Also in the community, although not as spectacular as what takes place today, was the Christmas or Santa Claus parade. These would, no matter how large or small, feature lots of colour, music, brightly dressed folks and floats and, of course, the Jolly Old Elf himself.
At home during this same time period there always seemed to be a lot of overlap, especially with what was going on at school. Some of the seasonal artwork that was created at school was destined to go home with the students, and some people have great memories of carrying these items home.
Often what people retain from these early remembrances are those times when something became a favourite part of the season. This could be a coloured picture of a holiday scene; a pretend “stained glass image” of a window with a candle stick all aglow; or a nativity scene.
This is a time of year that seems to create and encourage memories of past events, celebrations and, of course, people.
