Some lovely memories here but I have very few except of disappointments. We had my dad's socks with the obligatory orange, a threepenny bit, chocolate coins, colouring book and crayons and usually a toothbrush, knickers and socks. I remember envying friends who said they had a pillow case! We then had other presents from under the tree after breakfast. I loved getting a lovely blank new drawing book and pencil with a rubber. My biggest disappointment was a small plastic cash register which I had asked for, expecting a large metal one like the one we had in school. I usually had a Girl Annual and possibly another book, usually a classic like Heidi, Alice in Wonderland, Little Women, Black Beauty etc.
I also had one of those typewriters you turn the wheel for the letters, a post office set, magic painting books and a walkie talkie doll called Janet who said 'Mama'. That must have been the name on the box for I would never have picked it. I don't remember when I received these but it must have been Christmas or birthday as these were the only times we had presents.
It was my dream that I wouldn't cry on Christmas Day (or my birthday) but I always did when my mother shouted at me or hit me (not just me but also my siblings)! Looking back I realise how hard life was for her. The lack of money must have been soul destroying and she did her best, I suppose, to provide any sort of 'normal' Christmas.
! It looks great, and gosh, it took me back years!
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