posted on Dec, 5 2009 @ 03:28 PM
Over here in the UK and in the 60's, my family used to celebrate
Christmas like many others in this country, except my Mom had
some rules!
My Mom wasn't very strict about things, but I was surprised when
she told me of a event one Christmas before I was born.
One of my older sisters, who was pushing the grand old age of 15,
commented that she didn't believe in Santa Clause.
My Mom tutted and told her that all Santa would leave her would be
a sack of coal!
My sister laughed and slept safe in the knowledge that these old tales
belonged to another time.
The next morning, my two sisters rushed downstairs to see what goodies
lay waiting. My Mom told me that my sister who had doubted Santa's
existence looked around, her eyes widening on the large sooty sack of
coal near the fire.
I laughed and said, "sure, but afterwards you gave her the gifts?" My Mom
smiled a smile that in later years I would understand belonged to the
wise. " No son, she didn't believe in Santa" she whispered.
Later, I asked my sister about this tale, she said it was true. She quickly followed with the information that from that point on (she was 43 when
I asked her) that she firmly believed in St. Nick...
and that he was listening.
On New Year's eve, I have for the last 40 years, stood shivering outside
many doors and waited for the stroke of Midnight. I bang loudly on the door,
fumbling with the piece of coal and a tangerine in my pocket.
When the door opens, with a solomn voice, I wish all in the house a
happy new year and step in.
Hopefully, good luck steps in with me.
I usually wear all black with a long flowing black coat... it's quite a thing to
see and many relatives ask of my services!
I believe the tangerine represents good food and the coal means that
the residents will be warm from the passing Winter's cold.