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December is finally here. This year, snow fell earlier, because after the "Santa Claus" you could sled down the hill. It was worse with ice skating, because the school ice rink on which the water was poured did not freeze. The children, however, were delighted anyway, because the snow was sticky and it was possible to organize snow battles. Not one thing came home completely wet, but who would care about such trifles. In the home of Małgosia, Ania and little Jasio, there were plenty of activities in the pre-Christmas period, even for children. The girls cleaned their room, also with polishing and polishing the floor (varnish in the sixties was not in fashion). They also had to clean up Jasio's room, which was almost a miracle.
- Mum, why is this baby cleaning, if it will be like before in a few minutes anyway. - Just make the floor and mop the dust. Let the "prince" place the toys himself on the shelves. - I can't clean! And what are the girls for - the boy tried to dump all the work on his older sisters. - You also have to help, and certainly take care of your belongings, because if the girls hide something from you, you'll scream again for half a day - explained mom.
In addition to cleaning, shopping, which was not an easy thing in those days - children went to rorats every Wednesday during Advent. It was on that day that they were held especially for them. Groups marched through the city with colorful lanterns in the middle of which a candle was lit. In the church, candles were lit only at the altar and the largest of them, wearing a white bow - the so-called "roratka" - symbolized the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was a truly unforgettable experience. Immediately after the mass. the children came home quickly for hot cocoa and a crunchy croissant that Nanny Bronia had prepared especially for them. Jasio, a great sleeper, took part in the rorat expedition only once. There was also an Advent ladder in the church, on which the Child would descend one step lower each day, so that on Christmas Night he would find himself in a manger where each hay meant one good deed. So each child tried to be the best that God's Child would be comfortable and soft.
Ania cleaned mummy's dental office, and Małgosia helped her crippled daddy, who had problems with moving around, especially in winter, when the pavements were slippery. The girls also read fairy tales to their brother before going to bed. But there was something else that excited the children. These are Christmas gifts. Not only were gifts expected, but also prepared. In a family where fourteen people sat at the Christmas table, it was customary to give each other gifts.
Last year, the girls prepared Christmas surprises separately. Ania followed the least resistance line and for her pocket money she bought twelve tiny soaps - one zloty each. My sister gave a pencil with an eraser to her brother, a plastic toy soldier. Małgosia, on the other hand, tried to embroider napkins. She made a bookmark for her beloved daddy and bought a pipe case. Ania got crayons and Hansel got a plastic car. She put aside money for several months, although it was extremely difficult for her, because she liked sweets very much. Admittedly, Daddy would give her something extra sometimes and the rest of the shopping.
This year, the sisters concluded that they must join their efforts in a common Christmas activity.
- Małgośka, we have not been able to keep up with inventing gifts for several years. We still have to make sure that my aunt does not get the same napkin again, and my grandfather gets another bookmark. If we put together, we will buy something better for the parents and all "the rest" - Ania suggested.
“I had that idea already last year, but you didn't want to. More important to you was the Mickey Mouse pencil case, which consumed two months of pocket money. It was simpler and more economical with soaps - said the sister.
- About you, it cannot be said that you are frugal. As soon as you have money, you buy the next teddy bear or doll. And dad gives you more anyway - Anka complained. - You can also help daddy, arrange stamps, go shopping. But you prefer to play with Danka. I give all my savings as gifts, except for you, my sister said.
- Let's end these arguments! Let's think better what to buy for the parents.
- Look, I have a great idea. After last year's dismantling of the Christmas tree, there aren't many balls left. Let's buy these for PLN 30. They are beautiful. Earlier, we will hang the strings, and on Christmas Eve we will hang them on the Christmas tree - Małgosia suggested.
- Great! We can buy an ashtray for Grandpa, and aunt Niusia and Ewa for a vase. I saw a very nice 3 zloty each at the household store. Grandma could use a glasses case, it is quite inexpensive - Ania enumerated.
- And uncle crochet, uncle two handkerchiefs - Gretel caught her word.
- Look, it should still be enough for a tractor for Jasio. He will then stop drilling a hole in Daddy's belly.
- And what would you like to get from me for Christmas? Gosia asked.
- Let it be a surprise. I'm just begging you - no book, because we'll find it under the Christmas tree in our room anyway. This is our custom. And you probably want another mascot? Ania joked.
- It doesn't matter, as long as we have enough savings.
Thanks to the discreet help of my parents, there was enough money for gifts for everyone.
There was great joy after the Christmas Eve supper, when, after singing Christmas carols, everyone started to open presents, thanking Santa Claus, or rather Santa Clauses for surprises. It is true that the girls had already entered the wardrobe and noticed their dream figure skates. I had to make sure my parents hadn't bought my brother a tractor.
This year, under their Christmas tree there was an additional gift from daddy - beautiful diaries. Back then, no one knew that this was the last Christmas Dad spends with his family. The following year, just before sharing the wafer, "Eternal Rest" was said for his soul, hoping that his beloved father would spend this Christmas with the Baby Jesus in heaven.
- Anonymous
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