Our First Christmas in London, England

It was October when our money ran out and we had to decide whether to return to Canada, stay in England, or see what other adventures there might be in Europe.

I had typed my résumé with an old manual typewriter in the highlands of Scotland. The day came when I felt in my bones that it was right to take it to the office of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Titchfield Street in London. Was it just coincidence that a job had been created two hours before I entered the door and that my qualifications and skills fit it perfectly?

When Christmas approached a couple of months later, we still didn’t have much money. We budgeted about $20 for each of us. Marie raced around the shops trying to find me a toque, only to find out eventually the British have no idea what a toque is. They call it a woolly hat.

Being new to the city and knowing nobody, we intended to go to a pub or a restaurant for our Christmas meal. I would make the reservation a couple of days before.

The office was buzzing as Christmas approached. Everyone was planning their festivities. Ann, a colleague, came up to my desk and asked, “John, what are your plans for Christmas?” I told her about going to a restaurant or a pub. “Do you know that there won’t be many that are open,” she stated. I replied that I would find one somewhere. Then the hammer came down. “How are you going to get there?” she asked. I replied, “By underground or bus.” “Don’t you know that the whole public transportation system is shut down on Christmas Day?” blurted Ann. Really? One of the biggest cities in the world and there is no transport on Christmas Day? It couldn’t be! It was! Sure, we could have hired a cab, but the fare would be way over our budget, especially since everything else was shut down. My heart sunk. We would be alone on Christmas Day.

A few minutes later, Cliff, my boss, sauntered into the room. “What-cha doing for Christmas,” he asked. My eyes widened like saucers and I whined, “I don’t know.” “Then it’s settled,” he said, “You’re coming to our place.” “But I don’t have a car, and I can’t afford a taxi,” I stammered. “No problem, I’ll come and pick you up,” stated Cliff nonchalantly.

What you have to appreciate is that Cliff lived 45 minutes away. To come and fetch us was a one and a half hour drive for him. To take us home that evening was another hour and a half. That’s three hours of driving on Christmas Day.

The day arrived, and at the appointed time, Cliff was at our doorstep. The streets were vacant as we crossed town. London was usually bustling, but the eerie quietness gave new meaning to the carol, Silent Night.

We arrived to a warm, comfortable home, trimmed for the festive season. Rosea, Cliff’s wife, his two daughters and his dad greeted us as if we were family. There was even a gift for Marie and me under the tree.

We celebrated throughout the afternoon, concocting our own recipe for eggnog from scratch, since the stores didn’t carry it. We tucked into a traditional Christmas meal, complete with the stuffed turkey and Christmas pudding with custard. In the evening, we played games, including an animated round of charades. Laughter filled the air.

The time came for us to return home. Without a flinch, Cliff drove us home. We thanked him over and over during the trip, then over again when we got out of the car.

Yes, I have celebrated Christmas many times and in many different ways, but this one was the special one. While there was a gift for us under the tree of our hosts, the biggest gift we received was their love. Many years have passed since then, but not a Christmas goes by when that love doesn’t return, followed by a warm glow in my soul.

“For God so loved the world he gave …” That Christmas, Cliff and his family taught me that love is just that. It is giving, especially to those who have no means to repay you for your kindness.

Since my time in England, I remember that special love that was extended to us. Better than that, though, I find myself walking up to people and asking “What are you doing for Christmas?” knowing that if they have nowhere to go I will be following Cliff’s example and passing his gift to me on to them.