Christmas memories 

By Breda Nathan 

It’s strange when you find yourself forgetting something that happened yesterday and still clearly remember three generations of Santa’s words and the wonderful days visiting Santa.  

My parents always made sure we had the best of the Santa visits to Clery’s and Pim’s stores, where we got ‘parcels’ and a cracker.

Then across the street to the ice cream parlour for treats. I think they loved it as much as we did.

We always had several visits before the big day.  

I followed in their footsteps and always entered into the Christmas spirit, bringing all the small children to different Santa grottos and sharing in the excitement.  

One memorable occasion stands out in my mind.

It feels like yesterday, but it is actually nearly twenty years ago now.

I suppose the fact that our Holly started her first job as a primary school teacher this year made me think of it more.

The four babies I brought that day are now in college and working. No wonder I’m feeling old.  

The Luas lines had started operating in Dublin and my grandnephew Marc was looking at them in amazement.  

“Oh look at the silver trains” He would gasp when seeing them.

There were no lines yet on the north side, but I discovered the line that would take us to Dundrum Shopping centre where there was a lovely Christmas centre in Arnotts.  

We set off in high excitement.

While Marc and Jake lived the train journey, Holly and Layla prepared their Christmas lists for Santa,  

It was Holly’s first Christmas of good health, she had been born prematurely and weighed under three lbs.

Further complications saw her first three or four years in delicate condition and This was her first time visiting Santa in the flesh.  

We arrived into Santa’s beautiful corner and he had a Huge tree with all the popular names on it.

We found their four names but in panic Marc discovered his name spelled with a K instead of C.  

“Don’t worry, I’ll ask Santa about it.” I told him. That’s when I discovered Santa was a true Dubliner.  

“Aw no, she’s done it again,” He started.

“It’s Mrs Claus. She can’t spell a word. Don’t worry son, I’ll take a note of it. It will be grand on the night. Me and Rudolph will check your list twice.”  

Marc was thrilled.

Jake was too shy to give his list but he spoke through me and Santa made sure he got a few words from Layla too.

That’s when I introduced Holly.  

“Santa we know you came to Holly all the time, but this is her first time to visit you.

“She was in hospital one Christmas and unwell and unable to travel until this year.

“It’s her birthday week too. And she loved the note you left her in my chimney, the last time we came without her.”  

Santa took her in his arms lovingly and looking into her shining eyes he breathed… “AW JAYSUS”  

They hugged and we followed that with a group hug.

They told him exactly what they wanted and with a few nods and winks over the kid’s heads, I gave him the go-ahead to agree. It was magical… I knew there was a queue forming outside and Santa had given us extra time already, I figured it was time to go. Gathering them together I suggested,  

“Let’s get back on that silver train and go to McDonalds for a happy meal.”  

There was another cheer from Jake and Marc.

We said our goodbyes and walked outside. It was 5pm and darkness had fallen.  

“Can we go to McDonalds in the middle of the night?” Holly asked.  

“It’s Christmas.” I replied. “We can and we can have burgers and ice cream afterwards.”  

Sheer joy was in the air as we made our way to the station.

I will never forget that Santa, I hope he is still bringing joy, enchantment and memories to young and old alike.