If there’s ever a time for nostalgic memories, it’s Christmas. From nasty nylon knickers and pound shop aftershave to enforced jollity and ‘Santa’ drinking amber ale at the CIU Christmas party, KAREN WILSON speaks to some of those featured in Now & Then during 2011 about their best memories, worst presents and Christmas gripes. Bah Humbug!
LINDA CONLON is chief executive at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle, having co-founded it 11 years ago. The 55-year-old lives at Ponteland with husband Robert and daughter Elizabeth, 25.
What are your best memories of Christmas from childhood?
The comforting, consistency of it all. The rituals such as going to church on Christmas Eve, putting out the sherry for Rudolph and always, always getting nuts and a tangerine in my stocking.
My aunt, who lived in London and was pretty well-off compared to us, always used to send a giant hamper stuffed full of things that to me were truly exotic like paté, dates and marzipan fruits and a new dress for me.
How will you be spending Christmas this year?
For the first time ever, we will not be celebrating Christmas at home but will be going to the Lake District. I hope it snows – but lightly and prettily. I’m looking forward to someone else doing all the running around while I sit with my feet up eating and drinking too much.
What do you love most about Christmas? And least?
Best? The schmaltzy films, the cheesy songs and the fact that at a bleak time of year everything is an explosion of colour. Least? The run up to Christmas seems to start earlier each year. The shops start stocking Christmas goods in September, which is crazy. The pressure to have the perfect Christmas is just too intense.
What are you hoping to get for Christmas?
I genuinely can’t think of anything I really, really want but I can think of plenty of things I don’t want to get! I am hopeless at masking my feelings if I get something horrendous. I know it’s supposed to be about the pleasure of giving and I should be grateful but...
Worst and best Christmas presents?
It’s difficult to know where to start! Nasty nylon knickers at least five times too large for me, obviously bought from a not very nice market stall and with no way of taking them back. Best? A very long and straggly scarf ‘knitted’ by my two kids when they were small.
CHRIS PHIPPS is a music historian, documentary maker and public speaker who co-produced The Tube from 1982-87 and now runs Tyne Idols Music and Film Heritage Tours in Newcastle. The 62-year-old lives in Washington with Diane and has a daughter, Miriam, 23.
What are your best memories of Christmas from childhood?
Best memories are snow fights and sledging at our local beauty spot the Lickey Hills near Longbridge car factory. Also I loved an annual visit from my Uncle Bert in his Austin A40 – we would hurtle through the Worcestershire countryside to see local flood levels of the River Severn.
How will you be spending Christmas this year?
This year we’ll be at home – unusual as we had Christmas in London and Las Vegas in 2009 and 2010.
What do you love most about Christmas? And least?
Apart from family, I love the re-runs of old Sherlock Holmes movies and old British B pictures. I hate enforced jollity!
What are you hoping to get for Christmas?
I know what I’m getting – two extraordinary books by Ned Williams on the history of Midland cinemas and theatres. My wife Diane has hidden them till the big day.
Worst and best Christmas presents?
Worst – I had an aunt in the USA who sent me books, never a toy Winchester 73 rifle! Best would be my daughter Miriam, who was on her way to being born on New Year’s eve, plus continuing health and happiness for us all.