Christmas Up North

Molly gazed out the window as the train sped northwards.  Her mother’s WhatsApp had upturned her Christmas plans. An exaggeration, she thought ruefully. Her only plan was to spend Christmas alone in her apartment.

‘Please. Go’

Her grandmother had twisted her ankle badly, limiting her mobility.

‘I’m sure she doesn’t need me.  She has loads of friends.’

 ‘Um, maybe, but it could be good. You are becoming a hermit. It’s six months since Graham broke the engagement.’

‘I’m focusing on my career.’

‘Not at Christmas. Go, please. WhatsApp you over the holidays. ‘ With that, her Mother was gone.

Her grandmother responded enthusiastically, ‘I’m so excited and looking forward to your visit.  So much going on!’

‘Your leg!’ Molly had interjected

‘Oh, it’s fine. Nothing to fuss about.’

 Soon, the train pulled into the station, and there, yes, on the platform, her grandmother, looking agile despite a medical boot. Could this possibly be a conspiracy? Cooked up by her mother and grandmother!

‘It is so good you are here,’ her grandmother exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

 ‘Your leg, do you need to rest it?’  Molly asked pointedly

‘Um, it is ok. The boot helps! Come, there’s a taxi waiting.’

Molly allowed the warmth of her grandmother’s home to envelop her like a soothing blanket when a knock followed by ‘Can I come in?’ brought her back to the present.  The visitor’s presence filled the room; he was in his thirties, with brown tousled hair and the most mesmerising twinkling green eyes Molly had ever seen.

‘Sorry, you have company.’

‘My granddaughter – Molly, Neil Mackenzie, our locum doctor over the holidays.  Tea?’

‘No heroics, please’, Neil exclaimed, rescuing the teapot.

The three exchanged pleasantries before Neil asked, ‘Mrs Collins, why settle in the country? I have been offered a rural medical position. I am tempted, but I don’t know. I am not sure —.’ his voice conveying his indecision.

‘I got the answer – one Christmas. My husband, Molly’s grandfather, was in the police, and our first Christmas was in our new flat. We were so excited.  I spent weeks selecting decorations, and then, two days before Christmas, Peter was asked to cover a station up north. He had no option. What could I do? I went, of course.’

‘You’ve always said that was a great Christmas, ’ Molly recalled

‘Yes!  It was. We were together, and it got better. There was a power cut on Christmas Day, and a heavy snowfall closed all access to the village, stranding everyone.’

‘I am confused’, uttered Molly. ‘How such a happy Christmas?’.

‘Oh, we had so much fun. The local hotelier opened doors, got everyone together, lit candles, sang carols, and played games, but there was a large log fire. That Christmas was special. It highlighted the Christmas spirit, defined by engaging with people and extending friendship and love. Christmas can be spent anywhere. Everything else, including Christmas baubles, the tree, crackers, and gifts, is enjoyable but unimportant. Christmas is the celebration of the greatest gift: love. It is a time for sharing and extending friendship, especially with those who will not be with loved ones. A time for giving.  Those blessed with loved ones have even more reason to reach out. The Christmas message is to be lived, not just on one day but throughout the year. The rest of the trinkets will be packed away. I learned a very important lesson that year –our enjoyment of Christmas and, indeed, life is determined neither by geography nor what is on the table but rather by those who join us there. If you extend the hand of friendship or take the one offered, you may reap more than you thought possible. Here, people look out for each other. On that note, Neil, what are you doing on Christmas Day? Working?’

‘Only emergencies’

‘Join us’

‘I couldn’t impose,’ Neil exclaimed.

‘Impose, nonsense! It is Christmas,’ Molly’s grandmother continued animatedly. ‘Have you not been listening to me?  It is us and whoever else—.’

Molly smiled her grandmother’s door was always open.

‘No arguing.’

‘Put like that, I am honoured to accept.’

Neil, leaving, turned to Molly. ‘Would you come to a carol service tomorrow?’

 ‘With you?’  she blurted while trying to quell unfamiliar heart somersaults.

‘You are not a patient, so yes.’

Molly responded with a rapturous smile.

As the door closed behind him, her grandmother glowed with satisfaction. ‘Yes, Christmas is magical. A seed has been sown.  Who knows what may grow!’

Molly smiled. Christmas up north was increasingly promising.

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NorthernLife Dec/Jan/Feb 24/25