Jemima is talking about New Years Eve as a child. I was like you Jemima.. early to bed but slept thru it. Can not remember actually seeing in a NY until I was in my teens. Then all the "childhood magic" of which you speak Jemima was over.
In my mind it was always very cold and normally dry, I would go to sleep knowing that the adults were up doing 'grown up' New Years Eve things involving, neighbours, music, alcohol etc waiting for the clock to strike midnight and there was a real sense of anticipation and magic hanging in the air. with it came the icy chill of the gust of cold magical 'New' air, greetings and shouts of "Happy New Year" would be exchanged and even as a child I remember feeling emotional hearing the haunting sound of those bagpipes and feeling that cold air. I also remember sometimes a piece of coal was given. There would be the smell of the Whiskey and Sherry etc being handed out, it was always all laid out in preparation along with nibbles etc on the walnut drinks table I can still smell it to this day, and of course have never forgotten those precious 'magical' new years eve memories.
). I think the magical NYE memories I have from back then are special because it was a different era (early 80's) when people were more neighbourly, old fashioned traditions, someone playing the bagpipes, pots and pans being drummed up the street, coal being given out, and seeing and smelling the little sherry flutes etc being lined up, it all seemed so glamorous and magical as a child. Growing up later on we never made a huge deal of it, went out some years, the odd party etc but as a little girl at Nan and Granddad's house I was lucky enough to sneakily observe what I now realise were some very special moments that I've never forgotten, or witnessed since.
Leave a comment: