THE SOCKS.....

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a Light to my path..." -Psalm 119:105

 It was the night Mother darned our socks. Those well worn socks.  By lamplight. As we watched. In  low burning light.

Trying to be good. This Christmas Eve. Pretending to sleep. Trying not to giggle. 

"Not believe in Santa Claus!You might as well not believe in fairies..." -F. P. Church

                                                        

1950's

Imagining an orange in the toe, nuts, maybe some candies, and a book. Oh let there please be a book! For each of us!

1950 Victoria

Stuffed into those socks. Those patched socks. Chosen with care. Fire crackled merrily, in the wood stove. It sang its own songs.

1940's Bethune. Davey.

 "In the same way, let your light shine before others..." 

                                                                                               -Matthew 5:16

1930's Bethune Xmas

Mother hummed, as she sewed. Father dozed  with his pipe.

It was a gentle peace. Like no other.

horse and snow

We tried to not think about Christmas morning.  The feast to come. …potatoes, shredded cabbage, mincemeat. Those socks…

Finally,  last stitch. Ready to place  on the kitchen table.

1938 December journal

Near the fire. Not too close, though.  Ready for the magic. 

Xmas 1920's

The four of us drifted off, in the cabin. Warm and safe.

xmas 1920 

Dreaming of simple treasures . Of excitement and wonder. 

As the years rambled on, needle and thread fell silent for good, and the pipe, unlit,  lay on the mantle.  

Isobel, Grandmother, Mum 1940's

The Light which  came into the world, came to us, in that small cabin. 

Stuart and Bill 1930's

A fire still sings,  each Christmas eve. 

1960's Victoria xmas

Those socks. Still patched and stitched  with thread.  Wait for us.

xmas eve

Filled with light.  Not so far away. Not so long ago…

1950's Bethune xmas

"There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every one...."- John 1: 9-13

Photographs ( family vintage) 2024