|
Chapter 4 written by 4th Class of Holy Family Senior National School, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland - Teacher: Hugh Connolly. |
||
|
"Second wish,” they exclaimed. “Oh I’d love to see what it would have been like to be in Ireland on Christmas Eve fifty years ago,” said Allie. “Oh yes, I remember Grandma always talking about what it was like on Christmas Eve when she was a child growing up in Ireland,” exclaimed Austin. “Could we go there - just for a short time? We promise not to intrude” the children asked. “We really miss her so, especially at Christmas.” “Just click your heels and close your eyes and your wish will be my command,” the Gumnut Angel said. In the blink of an eye and just a little puff of smoke Allie and Austin were transported to the outskirts of Ennis - a small town in Co. Clare on the West of Ireland. Allie opened her eyes and through the frosted window of a small thatched cottage she could see her Grandma as a little girl. Her name was Eileen. Eileen, along with her brothers and sisters were helping their mother and father prepare for Christmas Day. The kitchen table was scattered with a selection of confectionery delights ready for baking. Eileen was helping her mother stuff the freshly plucked goose with a stuffing mix of bread, onions and potato.
Austin noticed Eileen’s brothers and sisters decorating the tree with homemade ornaments. The hand painted egg shells were passed to the older children who could reach the higher branches. I’m cold,” said Allie. “Do you think they’d invite us inside?” said Austin. “Maybe, but I don’t think we should intrude, we promised the Gumnut Angel,” said Allie. Just then the door opened. It was Eileen’s father Jim. He had a large basket under his arm. “Better load more turf on the fire or it’ll be out by the time we get back from Confession,” he said. It was the tradition of the time that the whole family would receive Confession on Christmas Eve. Jim noticed Allie and Austin in the yard. “Well, well, Well, What do we have here then - Carol Singers - I suppose,” he said. “Well then give it your best voice. Let’s hear you,” he exclaimed.
Allie and Austin had been taken by surprise but not wanting to blow their cover they began to sing ‘Silent Night’. “Well ye’re only brilliant so ye are,” Jim said with a beaming smile. “Now for your trouble you’ll have a nice hot mice pie and cup of tea to wash it down.” “Come in with the pair of ye. Aren’t you half frozen to death on a night like this.” “Bless all those who enter this house,” said Mrs. Murphy while handing the children their tea.
Looking out through the small cottage window Austin saw the faint trail of a sled dashing across the moonlit sky. “What a perfect way to spend Christmas Eve,” he thought.
|
||
