Roberta M. Helming: Treasured memories are gifts of season

Roberta M. Helming: Treasured memories are gifts of season
By ROBERTA M. HELMING
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Dec 22, 2010 @ 11:46 PM

During the holidays — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa — families and friends gather to celebrate. Those gatherings are filled with conversations, laughter and reminiscing, creating new and lasting memories to be forever part of future celebrations.

In 1995, my husband and I visited friends in northern Scotland. They picked us up at the airport at Inverness, and after a 125-mile drive on narrow, winding roads in the middle of nowhere, we arrived at their home, tired but excited to be with them.

My friend Penny, her husband, five children, two dogs and a cat lived in a three-bedroom flat. We knew we’d have a nice Christmas; we didn’t know just how cozy. We had, however, made reservations for our own accommodations.

Two days after arriving, northern Scotland was hit with the worst snowstorm in 100 years. With no food in the cottage we rented, we stayed with our friends throughout the day and after supper returned to the cottage.

The next day, Christmas Eve, still snowing and no power — or heat — we were forced to gather some clothing and sleep at our friends’ home. Yes, four adults, five kids, two dogs and a cat — all in a three-bedroom flat. Quite snug indeed.

That night, Penny’s husband, Billy, buried the uncooked turkey outside so it wouldn’t spoil. Christmas morning we awoke to more snow — and still no lights. But we had an enjoyable Christmas exchanging gifts, stories and laughter. With no electricity, Billy went to his “box of parts” and found a small propane oven. With a few repairs, we ended up with a lovely Christmas dinner.

Respite from snow

When the snow temporarily stopped and roads cleared somewhat, we decided we needed to return to Inverness for our flight home. Pushing our way through the snow to our cottage, we retrieved our belongings.
We made reservations to stay over until our flight home. Our reservations took us to the castle where Prince Charles had stayed. The staff kindly found us more “appropriate” accommodations at a small hotel, where the owner gave us the front door key.

We haven’t been back to visit our friends and probably never will. But we each have wonderful memories of Christmas 1995 that bring smiles to our faces and warmth in our hearts.

To me, that’s the real meaning of the season. I don’t remember the gifts that were exchanged, but I do remember the experience — a gift that can’t be bought.

Roberta M. Helming is a freelance writer from Ledyard and regular contributor to the Norwich Bulletin. She can be reached at RMHelming@aol.com.

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