Christmas isn’t a season it’s a feeling

In the late 1980's early 1990’s it became a Christmas Eve tradition for our family, after all the last-minute bits and bobs were bought, that we would go to Benny’s on the Square in Castlerea. As we ordered our food it felt like it was the beginning of our parents being able to breathe easier as the stresses that the lead up to Christmas brings had finally passed. Staring at the many goldfish in the large aquarium Benny had beside our table my mind wandered at the thoughts of all the great things, which were going to happen over the next few hours.

Relishing every bite, I took from by nuggets and chips I generally got that warm happy Christmas feeling as I gazed at the flicker of the red candle which sat as the centrepiece on all tables. The festive excitement would build from this moment at the thoughts of the arrival of the big man in the red suit with the white beard later that night. 

Benny generally took time from his very busy evening to come down and speak with us to add to the excitement. “What’s Santa bringing lads?”. I’m sure he had hundreds of jobs to do but I recall him asking me up to the counter to choose anything I wanted, complimentary, from his large display of tasty treats and desserts. There was a big selection, and this was a huge decision so believe me it took a lot of time for me to choose! It really meant a lot to me as a child, and I still often think about his generosity and wonder if he remembers how much his small gesture contributed to the overall excitement of a child on Christmas Eve.

Time is a hard thing to part with during a busy period, but Benny always made sure to make the time and you felt like you were his most important customer.

Walking out from Benny's “Happy Christmas” came from the many tables of people we knew with replies including “and many more of them” and “to good health”.

On the drive home we happily sang Christmas songs with full bellies and warm hearts looking out the car window into the night sky to see if there was any sign of a sleigh passing by, as smoke bellowed from chimneys and Christmas trees and candles lit up the windows of passing homes.

Looking back, I’m now fully aware that it’s the little gestures, the important local connection and acts of kindness that help create that unique warm feeling, which is exclusive to Christmas. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in this sometimes-crazy world we live in and Benny’s one, to my young self, is testament to that. 

By doing a little something kind for someone this Christmas season it could create a happy feeling, which will echo in a mind and ignite a flame inside for eternity.