‘Remember that a card or kind word are worth their weight in gold at Christmas’
Working at Christmas always stirs childhood memories from long ago, writes Francis Brennan
FOR the past 30 years, I have worked in the Park Hotel Kenmare every Christmas. The decorations are in place and I love the smell of the pine, holly and ivy. The hotel is a hive of activity and the team looks forward to the first lights coming up the drive as we make Christmas special for our guests.
I had many a great Christmas as a child and have wonderful memories of Santa, the Crib, gifts, the tree, Mass, turkey and more sweets than we would see in a year.
However, one Christmas was a bit different. I was 11, old enough to have memories of a wonderful warm Christmas family home and young enough to be nervous of new surroundings. I was in Cappagh Hospital having surgery on my foot. I was there for a while and in those days, Cappagh was a million miles away from Dundrum. My parents made the journey every day and for that I am truly grateful as the joy and the hope they brought to me was immeasurable.
Christmas away from home is lonely, but the Cappagh team were fantastic. Fossetts Circus came to the hospital. It was such a treat for everyone. Fifty years ago, there was no TV, no PlayStation, no mobile phones, but a circus made a lonely day magical. Every time I see a circus, I remember that Christmas Day.
I also got my first diary that year. I started writing it on the day and I have kept a diary every day since. That diary starting me writing letters. Little did I know that I would eventually pen three books, too.
I would like to thank Fossetts Circus for the happiness they brought to me and still bring to so many. I would like to thank my parents and family for the diary.
I would like to thank all the team in the hotel and our wonderful guests for making my Christmas so special for 30 years. I would like to thank Cappagh Hospital for the wonderful care.
This Christmas think of someone who may be nervous or lonely and bring magic to their day.
You don’t need a circus; a card or a kind word are worth their weight in gold.
DON’T MISS
Send your very special Christmas letters to ‘The Letter I Wish I Sent’ series. See page 22