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Electric Scotland News
I lied
I did say I would be taking a week off and thus there would not be a newsletter for Christmas.... so here is one and I hope you enjoy it over the festive season.
This is of course coming out a day early as I will be having Christmas Day off and the diet will not be happening <grin>
My Canadian Experience
December 2025 entry at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add28.htm
This week I've added videos on Year-end interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney (2025) | CBC News Special, How Angry Are Canadians Really at the US and Trump Right Now?, Deal Just Collapsed — Gripen's Arctic Advantage Leaves the Pentagon Speechless, Carney DOMINATES Trump as LEADER OF THE YEAR 2025, Trump Threatened Canada Again, But This Time Mark Carney Was Ready to Strike Back, US Steel Fired 1,200 Workers—Canada's Response Was BRUTAL!, Joly’s $500M Steel Move Stuns Trump and Washington, Canada Redirects Aluminum Exports Away From the US. Also Carney's Christmas message.
----------
This year, the MyHeritage DNA kit is on sale NOW and through December 27, 2025 at an exceptional low price. Learn more at:
https://www.myheritage.com/dna/?utm_campaign=DNA
-----------
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a message to Canadians on Christmas.
December 24, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
“In a fast-changing, more divided and uncertain world, the holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on what really matters.
This is a season of joy for families, and I hope that you find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate with the people you love most.
For Christians, Christmas holds a special meaning. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, to rejoice in the light that he brings, and to recommit to following his example of service, forgiveness, and generosity.
The holidays remind Canadians of all traditions that there can be hope after despair, that light follows darkness.
Although this year has brought more than its share of challenges to our country, we have also been reminded that we are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous, and caring nation.
We’re strongest when we are united, when we look out for each other, and when we take care of each other.
Merry Christmas, Canada, from my family to yours.”
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Scottish portrait gallery unveils Christmas tree inspired by Jacobite hero
A Scottish gallery has unveiled a spectacular Christmas tree ahead of December 25 that is inspired by the Jacobites. The National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh shared photographs of the tree on Friday, December 19.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...stmas-36427117
Energy Bills
SNP are not telling the truth
Read more at:
https://www.these-islands.co.uk/publ...the_truth.aspx
An agenda for school reform in Scotland
The third in a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/an...m-in-scotland/
Conrad Black: Americans ignoring us is to our peril
Canadians are always ready to criticize our neighbours, but we have not found a vocation for ourselves
Read more at:
https://archive.is/q2gZ7
US economy grows at fastest pace in two years
The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased. The world's largest economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter. That was better than expected, and marked the strongest growth in two years.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n9ynzrdpo
Extraordinary Scottish restaurant named one of the UK's best
Lyla in Edinburgh was named alongside establishments across the UK, including Skof in Manchester and Osip in Somerset.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HYCtG#selection-1627.3-1631.101
Glasgow Airport flights success on new routes is huge boost
The new flights wins are a major boost for the Scottish airport, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And a situation which would have been inconceivable back in the 1990s will be changing from next year.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/9DC0W#selection-1667.3-1679.105
American owners of Scottish castle to carry out £1m renovation
The new American owners of Balbegno Castle near Fettercairn have been given the green light to carry out vital repair work at the historic building. Chicago couple Caroline and Lee Betstill bought the A-listed structure last year after it was on the market with a selling price of £780,000.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/96Ijj#selection-1653.3-1657.144
The Princess of Wales & Princess Charlotte
Piano Duet opens 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/2HnSA_Kyaug?si=Fb4qpLWyv_uSHvEj
Electric Canadian
The Entire History
Found quite a few of these mostly hour long videos on parts of Canada...
The ENTIRE History Of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
(500+ Years in 62 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Saint John, New Brunswick
(10,000+ Years in 60 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Charlottetown, Canada
(2000+ years in 70 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/pei/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Halifax, Nova Scotia
(13,000 Years in 70 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...otia/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Saskatoon, Canada
(143 Years in 82 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ewan/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Fredericton, Canada
(10,000+ years in 61 Minutes) Added this video to the third on the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/nb/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Moncton, Canada
(Thousands of Years in 75 Minutes) Added this video to the second on the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/nb/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Winnipeg, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 67 Minutes). Added this video to the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...past/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Toronto, Canada
(12,000+ Years in 73 Minutes). A video which I've added to the top of our Toronto page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...io/toronto.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Kelowna, Canada
(150 Years in 66 Minutes). A video I've added to our video page for BC.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/video_bc.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Calgary, Canada
(150 Years in 69 Minutes) Added this video to our Alberta page towards the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...erta/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Edmonton, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 73 Minutes) Added this video to our Alberta page towards the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...erta/index.htm
Inside the Gateway That Could Reshape Canada’s Economy
A video which we've added to our Yukon page
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/yukon/index.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 21st of December 2025 - Christmas
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-christmas
What Japanese Officers Said When They Saw Canadian Soldiers Fight For The First Time
A video I've added to the foot of our Armed Forces page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Wheat
A video about its place in Canadian Agriculture.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...re/wheat02.htm
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 3 Outfit 264 December 1933 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...cember1933.pdf
Why Germans Feared This Canadian General More Than Any American Commander
Added this video to the foot of our Armed Forces page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Electric Scotland
Our Sailors
Gallant deeds of the British Navy during the reign of Queen Victoria by William H. G. Kingston (1906) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ur_Sailors.pdf
Tales of Naval and Military Life
Published in 1868 (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...mili00newy.pdf
The Miracles of Jesus
As Marks on the Way of Life by The Rights Rev. Cosmo Gordon Laing, D.D., D.C.L. (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/m...susa00lang.pdf
Visit to Uig
A video about a visit to the Fairy Glen and Uig on the Isle of Skye
You can watch this video from Ben and Emily at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/skye/index.htm
Royal Marine Falklands War Legend
Major General Julian Thompson. A video.
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/dLhSTql27qk?si=vefrioRMPttVYel1
The Manuscripts of the Duke of Athole, K.T., & of the Earl of Home
From Historical Manuscripts Commission, Twelfth Report, Appendix, Part VIII (1891) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...fduk00grea.pdf
How Scottish Regiments Forged Britain’s Empire
A video that I've added to our Scottish Regiments page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/scotreg/index.htm
Story
Writer Dorothy Haynes recalls the unexpected magic of childhood Christmases in Aberlour orphanage
By The Sunday Post
Dorothy Haynes and her twin brother Leonard arrived at Aberlour Orphanage in 1929, aged 10, after their mother died and their father felt unable to cope.
The writer’s 1973 memoir, Haste Ye Back, describes her childhood in the Morayshire village and in this heartwarming extract she tells how her first Christmas was an unexpected joy.
Winter at the orphanage was by no means all gloom. There was something about the Speyside air, the tangy pine scent, the cold mountain freshness, which made us wake bright and avid for every new day.
The thick, navy knickers, the long black stockings, and the bulky petticoats made us impervious to the worst the weather could do,
Winter brought snow and Aberlour snow lay pure and white. It fell overnight, heavily and completely, so that we woke to a luminous lightness, an extravagant transformation with all the trees muffled to twice their size, and lawns and pathways smoored into one gorgeous level of white. Once it had fallen, the snow lay, white and starchy. We made glassy slides down the school brae for what seemed days at a time, but, best of all, there was the sledging.
Through the winter, Christmas shone like a beacon. I don’t know what I expected an orphanage Christmas to be like. Christmas Day in the workhouse, probably. They would do their best but it wouldn’t be like home. It couldn’t be. This was where I was wrong. My first at Aberlour was a revelation.
The excitement began in early December when conferences were held about decorations. This was a matter always taken seriously. The matrons were given an allowance for paper chains, and a certain amount of holly-stealing was winked at, but neither the money nor the holly stretched far enough so savings were squandered on tinsel and balloons, and the infirmary dispensed more cotton wool in December than in all the rest of the year.
So we went on with our preparations and the days before Christmas passed in delicious torment. In spite of the parties and fun everyone wondered, a little wistfully, will there be something special for me? Something from outside, a letter, a card, even, to show off and put on the mantelshelf? Nearly every child had someone to send something, but the unlucky ones hoped in the face of despair, and kept on hoping until Christmas was well over.
I didn’t know what to do about hanging up a stocking. Would it be all right? I asked, half expecting to be laughed at, but everyone assured me that my stocking would be filled. It was too. An apple, an orange, a cake of chocolate and a penny may not seem much today but it meant a great deal then. We wakened in the small hours and scoffed the lot.
Church, dinner, and games filled the day before the older children headed home from a Christmas dance at 10 o’clock. It had been a wonderful Christmas, our stockings filled, the sausages, the stew, the crackers the dance…and it wasn’t over yet.
There was still the carol service, when choir boys would sing solos, and the tiniest children would be allowed up to sing “Away in a Manger”. Next week it would be New Year with another dance. Someone would wire a radio up to a speaker – a major electronic feat – and at 12 o’clock we would stand hushed to hear the solemn tones of Big Ben reverberate through the hall: then the warden would shout, “A Happy New Year, everybody!” and we would yell back, our ears and throat splitting, “The same to you, sir!” and someone would grab the dinner bells and clang them till they were grabbed and taken away.
The neglected children, the unlucky ones who hadn’t had presents, would be called to the study and consoled with sympathy and good wishes and yet another set of Snakes and Ladders. For some reason, orphans are supposed to be partial to the garish boards and green serpents and always received huge stocks of the game.
After all that, Christmas would really be past for another year.
Aberlour Children’s Charity is delivering lifeline payments to families on the very brink of crisis.
The charity’s Urgent Assistance Fund has rushed almost £4 million of emergency payments directly to families in desperate need in just five years.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, in partnership with The Sunday Post, Aberlour is one of Scotland’s most influential charities delivering a range of care and support services across Scotland. Every pound donated to its winter appeal funds emergency payments, with most helping buy food, heating and clothing. To support its work today, donate at aberlour.org.uk/povertyrelief
END.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And here are a few Christmas links for you...
Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You (Music)
https://youtu.be/aAkMkVFwAoo?si=1yqSb0cY9TjdAJz7
Destined At Christmas (2022) | Full Movie | Shae Robins | Casey Elliott
https://youtu.be/qLuS6W6Mw5A?si=tS-CA-zmJlqMyX-Z
Save Christmas with Santa | Christmas movie
https://youtu.be/Owewzo_up9Q?si=aSCxdWNc7G-QFdrQ
Christmas with André Rieu 2025 - Compilation of the Show
https://youtu.be/0WHKJb0tGmI?si=Ctwtcl2Xji8uwofE
CEO Mocked the “Single Dad Gatekeeper” — Seconds Later, His Combat Skills Shut Her Down
https://youtu.be/Ysx9Jx2jv9g?si=UKFZkEPJuJ__WXlD
Alastair
I lied
I did say I would be taking a week off and thus there would not be a newsletter for Christmas.... so here is one and I hope you enjoy it over the festive season.
This is of course coming out a day early as I will be having Christmas Day off and the diet will not be happening <grin>
My Canadian Experience
December 2025 entry at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add28.htm
This week I've added videos on Year-end interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney (2025) | CBC News Special, How Angry Are Canadians Really at the US and Trump Right Now?, Deal Just Collapsed — Gripen's Arctic Advantage Leaves the Pentagon Speechless, Carney DOMINATES Trump as LEADER OF THE YEAR 2025, Trump Threatened Canada Again, But This Time Mark Carney Was Ready to Strike Back, US Steel Fired 1,200 Workers—Canada's Response Was BRUTAL!, Joly’s $500M Steel Move Stuns Trump and Washington, Canada Redirects Aluminum Exports Away From the US. Also Carney's Christmas message.
----------
This year, the MyHeritage DNA kit is on sale NOW and through December 27, 2025 at an exceptional low price. Learn more at:
https://www.myheritage.com/dna/?utm_campaign=DNA
-----------
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a message to Canadians on Christmas.
December 24, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
“In a fast-changing, more divided and uncertain world, the holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on what really matters.
This is a season of joy for families, and I hope that you find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate with the people you love most.
For Christians, Christmas holds a special meaning. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, to rejoice in the light that he brings, and to recommit to following his example of service, forgiveness, and generosity.
The holidays remind Canadians of all traditions that there can be hope after despair, that light follows darkness.
Although this year has brought more than its share of challenges to our country, we have also been reminded that we are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous, and caring nation.
We’re strongest when we are united, when we look out for each other, and when we take care of each other.
Merry Christmas, Canada, from my family to yours.”
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Scottish portrait gallery unveils Christmas tree inspired by Jacobite hero
A Scottish gallery has unveiled a spectacular Christmas tree ahead of December 25 that is inspired by the Jacobites. The National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh shared photographs of the tree on Friday, December 19.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...stmas-36427117
Energy Bills
SNP are not telling the truth
Read more at:
https://www.these-islands.co.uk/publ...the_truth.aspx
An agenda for school reform in Scotland
The third in a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/an...m-in-scotland/
Conrad Black: Americans ignoring us is to our peril
Canadians are always ready to criticize our neighbours, but we have not found a vocation for ourselves
Read more at:
https://archive.is/q2gZ7
US economy grows at fastest pace in two years
The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased. The world's largest economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter. That was better than expected, and marked the strongest growth in two years.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n9ynzrdpo
Extraordinary Scottish restaurant named one of the UK's best
Lyla in Edinburgh was named alongside establishments across the UK, including Skof in Manchester and Osip in Somerset.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HYCtG#selection-1627.3-1631.101
Glasgow Airport flights success on new routes is huge boost
The new flights wins are a major boost for the Scottish airport, writes Business Editor Ian McConnell. And a situation which would have been inconceivable back in the 1990s will be changing from next year.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/9DC0W#selection-1667.3-1679.105
American owners of Scottish castle to carry out £1m renovation
The new American owners of Balbegno Castle near Fettercairn have been given the green light to carry out vital repair work at the historic building. Chicago couple Caroline and Lee Betstill bought the A-listed structure last year after it was on the market with a selling price of £780,000.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/96Ijj#selection-1653.3-1657.144
The Princess of Wales & Princess Charlotte
Piano Duet opens 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/2HnSA_Kyaug?si=Fb4qpLWyv_uSHvEj
Electric Canadian
The Entire History
Found quite a few of these mostly hour long videos on parts of Canada...
The ENTIRE History Of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
(500+ Years in 62 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Saint John, New Brunswick
(10,000+ Years in 60 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Charlottetown, Canada
(2000+ years in 70 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/pei/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Halifax, Nova Scotia
(13,000 Years in 70 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...otia/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Saskatoon, Canada
(143 Years in 82 Minutes)
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ewan/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Fredericton, Canada
(10,000+ years in 61 Minutes) Added this video to the third on the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/nb/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Moncton, Canada
(Thousands of Years in 75 Minutes) Added this video to the second on the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/nb/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Winnipeg, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 67 Minutes). Added this video to the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...past/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Toronto, Canada
(12,000+ Years in 73 Minutes). A video which I've added to the top of our Toronto page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...io/toronto.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Kelowna, Canada
(150 Years in 66 Minutes). A video I've added to our video page for BC.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/video_bc.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Calgary, Canada
(150 Years in 69 Minutes) Added this video to our Alberta page towards the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...erta/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Edmonton, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 73 Minutes) Added this video to our Alberta page towards the foot of the page.
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...erta/index.htm
Inside the Gateway That Could Reshape Canada’s Economy
A video which we've added to our Yukon page
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/yukon/index.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 21st of December 2025 - Christmas
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-christmas
What Japanese Officers Said When They Saw Canadian Soldiers Fight For The First Time
A video I've added to the foot of our Armed Forces page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Wheat
A video about its place in Canadian Agriculture.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...re/wheat02.htm
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 3 Outfit 264 December 1933 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...cember1933.pdf
Why Germans Feared This Canadian General More Than Any American Commander
Added this video to the foot of our Armed Forces page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Electric Scotland
Our Sailors
Gallant deeds of the British Navy during the reign of Queen Victoria by William H. G. Kingston (1906) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ur_Sailors.pdf
Tales of Naval and Military Life
Published in 1868 (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...mili00newy.pdf
The Miracles of Jesus
As Marks on the Way of Life by The Rights Rev. Cosmo Gordon Laing, D.D., D.C.L. (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/m...susa00lang.pdf
Visit to Uig
A video about a visit to the Fairy Glen and Uig on the Isle of Skye
You can watch this video from Ben and Emily at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/skye/index.htm
Royal Marine Falklands War Legend
Major General Julian Thompson. A video.
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/dLhSTql27qk?si=vefrioRMPttVYel1
The Manuscripts of the Duke of Athole, K.T., & of the Earl of Home
From Historical Manuscripts Commission, Twelfth Report, Appendix, Part VIII (1891) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...fduk00grea.pdf
How Scottish Regiments Forged Britain’s Empire
A video that I've added to our Scottish Regiments page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/scotreg/index.htm
Story
Writer Dorothy Haynes recalls the unexpected magic of childhood Christmases in Aberlour orphanage
By The Sunday Post
Dorothy Haynes and her twin brother Leonard arrived at Aberlour Orphanage in 1929, aged 10, after their mother died and their father felt unable to cope.
The writer’s 1973 memoir, Haste Ye Back, describes her childhood in the Morayshire village and in this heartwarming extract she tells how her first Christmas was an unexpected joy.
Winter at the orphanage was by no means all gloom. There was something about the Speyside air, the tangy pine scent, the cold mountain freshness, which made us wake bright and avid for every new day.
The thick, navy knickers, the long black stockings, and the bulky petticoats made us impervious to the worst the weather could do,
Winter brought snow and Aberlour snow lay pure and white. It fell overnight, heavily and completely, so that we woke to a luminous lightness, an extravagant transformation with all the trees muffled to twice their size, and lawns and pathways smoored into one gorgeous level of white. Once it had fallen, the snow lay, white and starchy. We made glassy slides down the school brae for what seemed days at a time, but, best of all, there was the sledging.
Through the winter, Christmas shone like a beacon. I don’t know what I expected an orphanage Christmas to be like. Christmas Day in the workhouse, probably. They would do their best but it wouldn’t be like home. It couldn’t be. This was where I was wrong. My first at Aberlour was a revelation.
The excitement began in early December when conferences were held about decorations. This was a matter always taken seriously. The matrons were given an allowance for paper chains, and a certain amount of holly-stealing was winked at, but neither the money nor the holly stretched far enough so savings were squandered on tinsel and balloons, and the infirmary dispensed more cotton wool in December than in all the rest of the year.
So we went on with our preparations and the days before Christmas passed in delicious torment. In spite of the parties and fun everyone wondered, a little wistfully, will there be something special for me? Something from outside, a letter, a card, even, to show off and put on the mantelshelf? Nearly every child had someone to send something, but the unlucky ones hoped in the face of despair, and kept on hoping until Christmas was well over.
I didn’t know what to do about hanging up a stocking. Would it be all right? I asked, half expecting to be laughed at, but everyone assured me that my stocking would be filled. It was too. An apple, an orange, a cake of chocolate and a penny may not seem much today but it meant a great deal then. We wakened in the small hours and scoffed the lot.
Church, dinner, and games filled the day before the older children headed home from a Christmas dance at 10 o’clock. It had been a wonderful Christmas, our stockings filled, the sausages, the stew, the crackers the dance…and it wasn’t over yet.
There was still the carol service, when choir boys would sing solos, and the tiniest children would be allowed up to sing “Away in a Manger”. Next week it would be New Year with another dance. Someone would wire a radio up to a speaker – a major electronic feat – and at 12 o’clock we would stand hushed to hear the solemn tones of Big Ben reverberate through the hall: then the warden would shout, “A Happy New Year, everybody!” and we would yell back, our ears and throat splitting, “The same to you, sir!” and someone would grab the dinner bells and clang them till they were grabbed and taken away.
The neglected children, the unlucky ones who hadn’t had presents, would be called to the study and consoled with sympathy and good wishes and yet another set of Snakes and Ladders. For some reason, orphans are supposed to be partial to the garish boards and green serpents and always received huge stocks of the game.
After all that, Christmas would really be past for another year.
Aberlour Children’s Charity is delivering lifeline payments to families on the very brink of crisis.
The charity’s Urgent Assistance Fund has rushed almost £4 million of emergency payments directly to families in desperate need in just five years.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, in partnership with The Sunday Post, Aberlour is one of Scotland’s most influential charities delivering a range of care and support services across Scotland. Every pound donated to its winter appeal funds emergency payments, with most helping buy food, heating and clothing. To support its work today, donate at aberlour.org.uk/povertyrelief
END.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And here are a few Christmas links for you...
Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You (Music)
https://youtu.be/aAkMkVFwAoo?si=1yqSb0cY9TjdAJz7
Destined At Christmas (2022) | Full Movie | Shae Robins | Casey Elliott
https://youtu.be/qLuS6W6Mw5A?si=tS-CA-zmJlqMyX-Z
Save Christmas with Santa | Christmas movie
https://youtu.be/Owewzo_up9Q?si=aSCxdWNc7G-QFdrQ
Christmas with André Rieu 2025 - Compilation of the Show
https://youtu.be/0WHKJb0tGmI?si=Ctwtcl2Xji8uwofE
CEO Mocked the “Single Dad Gatekeeper” — Seconds Later, His Combat Skills Shut Her Down
https://youtu.be/Ysx9Jx2jv9g?si=UKFZkEPJuJ__WXlD
Alastair