CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS.

We've lived in Malta for a long time now,and every Christmas ,- although they have some lovely carols here,- I still long to hear those old favourites we sang in England.

Years ago I was fortunate to stay in Kensington, London while at college there;I remember with nostalgia the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The lights in the High St. reflecting colourfully in shop windows, the carefree bonhomie of passers-by; the incense , the aura of the mystical at Midnight Mass, and perhaps most of all the huge Norwegian Christmas tree with the simple Nativity Scene underneath.Quite often there was snow or frost, people were snug in mufflers and woolly hats, and ofcourse the 'Baked Potato Man was there' with his offerings.Passers-by were drawn to this scene, as if mesmerised ; they joined hands, and the carols floated on the night air like magic.

We've been in London since then over Christmas, we've returned to Church St, but for me the magic has vanished. I know now that it was something very special;- a glimpse of Life as it should be,-a moment to remember joyfully, a rich memory to treasure always.