From 1959 to 1984 my mother kept lists of cards to send, presents and shopping to do for Christmas, her favourite time of year. It even includes a list of what went into our Christmas stockings each year and a day by day schedule of household tasks. These were all kept in small notebooks that luckily I have inherited and had not looked at for years. These are a selection from the early 1960s. Certain things stand out. The 25 pounder Dinky toy gun was a particularly favourite toy for years. The “tin of ham” listed was always “Ye Olde Oak Ham”. And interesting to see copies of David Nixons Magic Box turning up on Ebay.
Present list
On Christmas Eve the table in our living room was filled with all the goodies, mainly of a chocolate nature and they stayed there – outside meals- for the whole of Christmas. How we ate it all I never know, and my mother saved up for months to put this spread on just for Christmas.
Chocolates and other christmas goodies
General christmas groceries
750 metres 