Where Childhood Memories Shine: The Dining Room of My Grandmother's House

Childhood memories are often cherished in the rooms that held the most joy and warmth. For me, the dining room of my grandmother’s early 1900s brick house was the epicenter of my happiest moments. This room, with its circular pillars supporting the front veranda and stunning stained glass French door, was not merely a dining or lounge space. It was the heart of gatherings and celebrations.

Birthday Parties and Family Dinners

The dining room was the focal point for every significant event. Birthday parties, formal dinners, and Christmas were all celebrated here. The atmosphere was always festive, with laughter and love filling the air.

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas had a special place in this room. Days before the holiday, my aunt or my father would go to the cemetery to cut branches from a fir tree, which would be carried home through the beautiful stained glass French door. These branches were placed in a paraffin tin, weighted with bricks and filled with water to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

The tree was adorned with shiny baubles, tinsel, and small, colored candles as thick as a little finger. On Christmas Eve, these candles were lit for a short while. Once one of the candles tilted and the tree caught fire, it was a lesson in caution and amazement—the story of the magic spark that started a tradition.

Morning and Afternoon Rituals

On Christmas morning, I would wake up to see a generous pile of presents under the tree. I wasn’t allowed to open anything until after attendance at church. This added to the excitement and wonder of the day. After church, a sumptuous lunch of roast mutton and vegetables was served, with my grandmother’s famous plum pudding and custard sauce.

Post-lunch, the room transformed into a cozy haven. Everyone would gather to enjoy a small bowl of nuts and raisins, find a cool spot, and either read or take a siesta. My aunt and I were no exception. We often lay on the floor in the passage, the front and back doors open to catch the afternoon breeze.

The House and My Memories

These simple yet cherished moments in the dining room have stayed with me throughout my life. The dining room, with its rich history and countless shared memories, held a special place in my heart. The house, with my aunt and granny in front of it, was a symbol of the love and happiness I recall.

I adored that house and all the happy memories made there. This place, with its memories of laughter, traditions, and togetherness, will forever remain a cherished part of my heart.

Image: My aunt, me, and granny in front of her house in 1948