Our Merry First Christmas

When we moved to the Highlands the last thing we thought of packing was Christmas ornaments, and there really was nothing available in our area. So I set about making my own out of paper and yarn and whatever. A friend sent me crocheted stars and some village friends brought us cookies pierced for hanging. And though our tree was the closest thing I've ever seen to Charlie Brown's poor pathetic specimen, by the time we finished hanging our decorations it was really quite festive. It was the first Christmas tree ever in Castlehill.

Jack's birthday is right before Christmas and Joanie made him one of her famous Clootie Dumplings - so rich and spicy and good. We went to the panto (see our book for details) and Jack played Father Christmas at the kiddie party - they seemed to enjoy it even if he had a funny accent. I think people were extra kind because they knew we'd be missing home and family. Joanie came in on Christmas eve laden down like Santa Claus with two bottles of wine, a chicken for the freezer, two etched glasses and beer mug that Aileen Muir (owner of the local gift shop) had made, and a little poem just for us. There was an especially beautiful star over Tanera that night.

On Christmas day we went down to Joan and Murdo's for a wee sherry and to bring them their gifts. Wilf and Wendy had us over for a beautiful turkey dinner and in the evening we went to Irish Ann's for a fantastic ceilidh - singing and dancing into the wee hours. We still missed our family - but the people in Coigach were so warm and welcoming that it made our first Christmas here one of the best ever!