‘One year we tried to play charades, with a gentleman of limited mobility, two young men from Romania who didn’t speak much English... and an elderly lady who was very hard of hearing!’
The REVEREND JAMES GANDON, right, vicar of St Andrew’s Church in Sneyd Green, shares memories of Christmases past, including serving in the choir, nativity plays... and party games
CHRISTMAS for me has always been a time of joy and celebration, sharing gifts and good food, and spending time with family and friends. I was brought up in a Christian household, and grew up to develop my own personal faith. The heart of Christmas for me therefore has always been about recognising and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. At various services throughout the Christmas season, Christians re-tell the story of his birth, sing traditional carols and share in communion together.
Throughout my childhood, Church formed a core part of Christmas and I sang in the Church choir – as my voice developed in my teenage years, it became apparent that I was a bass, and I really enjoyed contributing to the collective sound of worship with those low notes!
The sound of carols and hymns being sung joyously and vibrantly is something many of us love about the Christmas season – something sadly that may be hindered this year.
We always had a nativity play each year and I did occasionally play a role – one year racing up the aisle on all fours as the sheep who didn’t want to miss out on the action! Again, this is something many will recognise, in schools or churches, where tea towels are re-commissioned as headwear for children (and adults) everywhere!
Our home as we grew up was always busy and lively, especially at Christmas – where family was always important. Due to my father’s job, I grew up away from many of my wider family but we’d always have people round or go and visit relatives, often gathering at my grandparent’s house in Norfolk in the days following Christmas.
Christmas dinner was a meal to be shared – always turkey and all the trimmings! I have memories of my stomach increasingly rumbling as the cooking continued into the afternoon
– and patience being tested as we had to wait until after lunch before we could open presents. This was always a challenge to do before my father (who’d been up late doing a midnight service) inevitably fell asleep on the sofa.
When we didn’t have family to stay, or weren’t travelling away for late
Christmas lunch elsewhere, we would often have others join us for Christmas.
I loved the heart and culture that my parents instilled in us that we should be aware of those for whom
Christmas might be difficult or lonely.
One of my favourite memories was trying to have a game of charades following one such Christmas lunch, with a gentleman with little mobility in a wheelchair, two young men from Romania who didn’t have great understanding of English, and an elderly lady who was very hard of hearing! We spent the game shouting, interpreting and generally in fits of laughter!
St Andrew’s has celebrated Christmas in many ways over the years - since I have been vicar, it has been no different. Highlights for me have been inviting the local school to sing for our carol service by candle-light and having a full house, the quiet peaceful traditional midnight communion service which is my favourite moment of Christmas or the ‘messy Church’ crafty service with mince pies for all ages!
We seek to serve local people and share the message of Jesus’ birth in ways that are relevant, fun and engaging – this year is going to be a bit different.
Many of our services will be online. Find out more at www.standrewssneydgreen. com or www.facebook.com/standrewssg