Millstreet Christmas Memories

CHRISTMAS Tree in The Square, Millstreet – the life size Crib in St. Patrick’s Church – the Dances in “The Star” and “Maple Ballroom” after Christmas – the magical ambiance created by the many splendidly decorated windows throughout the town – visiting the local Cemeteries on Christmas morning – all precious memories of Millstreet at Christmas in bygone days. It was the wonderful aroma of the baking of the Christmas cake well before the festive season that indicated that it would not be long before Santa would be calling. There was much excitement when the first image – often in cartoon form - of Santa appeared in the “Cork Examiner”usually at the beginning of December. Then the Cork “Holly Bough” annual newspaper appeared on the shop shelves featuring lots of very interesting stories and historic pictures. As children in the 1950s and 1960s one of the most anticipated events at this time of year was the raising of the shop window blind in Minor Row where Lily Justice (later Lily Guerin) and her Family prepared over a few days a totally magical window of the most desired colourful toys. When news went out that the blind had been risen scores of children rushed to the Minor Row, Millstreet setting if only even to dream that some of these magnificent toys might land at the bottom of the bed on Christmas morning! A visit to Cork city was rare in the 1950s but there was a strong tradition of an 8th December trip there to do the Christmas shopping. On the three Fridays before Christmas business was brisk in Duhallow towns which included marvellous street displays of Christmas trees, holly, turkeys and timber blocks – all for sale at bargain prices. Santa’s helpers greeted children with surprise presents in a number of outlets. There was a truly magical effect of the many fairy lights on windows of the numerous shops after dark. Wishing you all many Joyful Blessings at Christmas and throughout a very Bright 2017.