It’s Christmas Eve 1946 and you’ve just been set down in outport Newfoundland. Since you’re visiting from the twenty-first century, it’s not surprising that you look a little bewildered. You were perhaps expecting some signs of Christmas? Aw- but it isn’t Christmas yet, that starts tomorrow and you’ll have twelve days to celebrate. Don’t worry there will be a tree, in fact dad will be taking his axe and leaving for the woods any minute now. I’m outside building a snowman with my friends. I can’t go inside right now, that’s because Mom is busy scrubbing the wooden boards on the kitchen floor and she doesn’t want anyone to walk on it until it dries. Later she will shine up that old iron woodstove before frying some fish for supper. By the way, that’s what we always call the evening meal- dinner is eaten at midday. Dad’s gone for the tree now, it may take awhile to get a good one and it’s dark by 4:30. I’ll be going to bed about 8 o’clock tonight, as soon as I see dad take the brick out of the chimney so Santa Claus can get out. Mom and dad will decorate the tree after I go to sleep- children never see the tree until Christmas morning.

It’s Christmas! I’m wide awake now, out of bed and running down the stairs. Excuse me but you know how excited children are on Christmas morning, that’s one thing that hasn’t changed, besides I’m looking for that stocking that I hung by the chimney. I hope it’s not too cold for you, there’s no heat in the house at night. That’s my big brother by the stove, he’ll have a fire going in no time. There’s my stocking and yes Santa has filled it to the top! Come on, I’m going back to bed where it’s warm. Hey mom, Santa Claus was here and I’ve got a whole pile of stuff. Look it’s a colouring book, and here’s a box of crayons! There’s more too, an apple, an orange – look I’ve even got some grapes. Oh wait, I’ve got some candy, One, two, three, four, five- MOM, Santa gave me FIVE candy! Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that you’re here, but I’m just so excited right now. Mom will have breakfast ready in a few minutes, there will be some porridge and bread and tea, and I KNOW, we’ve got mutton for dinner. Oh, I’ve been so excited that I forgot to say my prayers – excuse me, I’ll just kneel here by the side of the bed—-