I’m not sure if it’s because of the phone call I had with my father in-law, or just the fact that Christmas is just around the corner and I’m reminiscing about things we used to do when I was little, but I can’t help but think of what we used to probably take for granted and are most likely on the verge of loosing.
During the phone call, we were talking about jannying (mummers) and that there’s just no one doing this fun activity anymore. It was one of the highlights during Christmas living around the bay. Having ‘strangers’ knock at your door, dance around the kitchen, have a drink or two, all the while they try to disguise their voices and having you try to guess who they were.
Both he and I mentioned that the generation of today haven’t a clue, and it’s something that’s not happening anymore in the communities. Which for me is sad. I remember one Christmas time my neighbor and a few of his friends (which were all from our community), came to the house, dancing, singing, and having a couple of drinks. Unfortunately, my neighbor had a bit too much (from all the homes they visited) and had to make a bee line to our bathroom. LOL. *Deep sigh* Those were the days. 🙂
I know that living in the city, I can’t get a group of friends together, dress up and go door to door and share a bit of cheer. The RNC would get a phone call within 5 minutes of seeing a bunch of hooligans walking up and down the street, going to people’s homes with their faces covered. Not with everything’s that’s been happening around the world lately.
I think that’s the reason why I miss being out home when it’s Christmas time. But I think that’s also why I don’t go out there either. It’s just not the same without my grandmother. My last Christmas with her was in 1996, she past away in January of ’97. I think that’s when things changed. I couldn’t cope, it wasn’t the same.
And I know that people will say, it’s time to move on or other variations, but she was my best friend growing up. She’d listen to me rant about anything. She’d be wiping my tears one moment, then pouring me up a cuppa tea and giving me a cookie in the next. 🙂 Mind you, she’d give me a kick in the butt too when I needed it. LOL. And for those of us who knew her, she’s unforgettable, 🙂
It’s funny how I starting off this topic about traditions ended up with me thinking about my grandma. Well, I guess they sort of coincide. I can’t talk about one without the other, 🙂
And now I’m needing to fix myself a cuppa tea, 🙂
So until next time. Have a great day, xoxo
K ❤
K.D. Ford 