Christmas

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 January 1911, Page 22

Christmas

At St. Helens, Dunedin

Once more merry Christmas is upon us, and no mere cheery Christmas morn was ever heralded m than ours at St. Helens, 1910 — 6 a.m., and all work done ! (whisper it gently ; no eight-hour system could have worked such miracles). These day nurses were astir while yet the early lark and blackbird awaited the dawn, I honestly believe, when to the strains of that dear old hymn, " Hark the Herald Angels Sing/ carolled by the melodious voices of the staff, who, robed m spotless uniform mounted on the top steps of the verandah formed into a procession, and like heralds of old marched through the hall and up the stairs (a choir indeed many a church would have been proud of), and into the big ward proclaiming the glad tidings as they proceeded, and where from every bed beamed a glad mother, whose eyes, as the procession passed her bed glanced towards the cot wherein her dear wee one slept, and thence back to the procession whose voices were gaining m lustiness and heartiness with each verse. In and out and through each ward marched this happy little band' until they reached the nursery. Here on a small table lay arranged the gifts of Santa Claus — who had discreetly ordained that all articles tied with blue ribbons were for the young lords of creation, and for those of the gentler sex pink was the distinguishing shade selected — wise Santa Claus I A new penny for each who elected to spend his or her first .Christmas Day m St. Helens, and bearing the date 1910. Then to the strains of " Once m Royal David's City," again the procession goes forth, each nurse carrying a coin and a toy to her own special babe, and placing the same lovingly m the hands of the sleeping babe, and to each mother handing a gift of sweetest flowers, also tied with ribbon the same shade as adorns her infant's gifts.

Ah, what happy faces beam forth from every ward, showing how delighted they all are with the nurses' efforts to make their Christmas Day a happy one — one to remember | — for all love to hear those sweet old carols, which are continued until " All Saints " bell warns those who wish to par-

take of the Holy Eucharist, that they have only ten minutes m which to reach church.

Returned from church, what merry faces shine among the staff who have remained on duty, and who have opened the little surprise packets ! Again Santa Claus is a much-to-be-envied person, for he seems to have left a happy gift with, or to all, as from the matron downwards everyone is beaming as the contents of the surprise packet becomes disclosed at the breakfast table — oh what a rustle of paper !

But we cannot linger, for despite the early start, before us still lies the great event of Christmas Day — Dinner ! and much remains to be done. Tables to be decorated, patients to be got vp — for all who are sufficiently convalescent are to be promoted to chairs, and sit up m the big ward ; while those not so far advanced are to be wheeled m m their beds to celebrate their Christinas dinner m the big ward. Oh what a boon French casements and balconies are on such an occasion t

Two tables placed across the top of the wards, groaning audibly m their . efforts to expand sufficiently to hold all the good things, it was deemed necessary to add a third and form a T, this decorated with the national colours (blue, represented by masses of delphincium ; white, by Canterbury Bells ; and red by the never failing artistic poppy) made an imposing erection, and added a simple grandeur to the general scenic effect. How the smiling happy faces of the patients gladdened the hearts of those who were busily ministering to them ; as all so cheerfully entered into the spirit of the day. What a dinner ! and oh ! what delicious tender chicken ! and some less polite but equally appreciative remark reached the carver's ears (on this festive occasion all the carving and serving is done m the ward by matron and the staff, and adds much to the enjoyment of the patients.)

But why this hearty peal of laughter which greets matron as she enters the doorway, with the Christmas pudding decorated m orthodox style with a bunch of red holly ? Someone whispers m an audible undertone, that lt those holly berries are growing on the points of the holly leaves, and somehow might feel more at home on a currant bush ! "

Banish such deceptive suggestions ; sufficient for all of us that St. Helens garden supplied the holly, and the berries. The pudding is followed by all the good things usual to complete the dinner of the year, after which the patients, all wearing that happy, satisfied-after-Xmas-dinner expression, are induced to have 40 winks before the visiting hour ; of which privilege all seem glad to avail themselves. But the staff have yet to repeat the dinner episode — only this time for themselves — which proves less exciting and interesting, and is not followed by 40 winks, as all too soon the words "tea and cake" are being sounded, and how the faces m the ward brighten as a huge iced cake, bearing the inscription : " A happy Christmas to all the inmates of St. Helens," is borne up to the table, and there cut and enjoyed by all.

The busy day is over ; last good nights are said ; lights are lowered, and a very tired but happy staff retire, happy m the knowledge that the efforts they have put forth have been successful m making those happy, who, by force of circumstances, had been unable to spend the day amongst their nearest and dearest.

At Te Waikato Sanatorium

I wonder if it would interest some oi your many readers to know how Christmas was spent at Te Waikato Sanatorium ?

A week before Christmas Day, owing to the kind thought of some of the former staff, and numerous ex-patients who had benefitted by their stay on Maungakawa Hills, a party of ladies and gentlemen journe}^ed from Hamilton, under the guidance of Mr. N. Gribble, an ex-patient, arriving at the Sanatorium m time for tea. The weather was not as nice as one would wish, but the spirits of the performers, even after their long drive, seemed m no way damped. The entertainment took the form of a concert, and it would be hard to single out one special favourite, as all the items were received with loud applause by the patients. I'm sure much pleasure must have been given to the singers, to know that if only for a few short hours owing to their efforts patients were made to forget all their worries.

After the concert supper was served m the immense hall, so admirably suited for such occasions. The j^ood things provided be re witness that retrenchment had not seriously affected this department.

Thanks were returned to the performers on behali of the Matron, staff, and patients, by Mr. H. Moore, who m a few well chosen words heartily wished them, for all at the Sanatorium, many happy returns of the festive season.

The evening was brought to a close by all joining m a very spirited singing of " Auld I/ang Syne." The company drove off amid the loud cheers of the staff and patients, to cheer them on their long drive home. We all sincerely hope it will give as much pleasure to any of your readers who helped to make this the enjoyable evening it was, as it did to those who were present at it, and heartily wish them from the staff and patients of to-day, a very happy Christmas, and a "quid" New Year.

Christmas morning came m wet and foggy, but patients forgot about the weather m the excitement of finding fresh wonders, left by Santa Claus during the night, or " wee sma' " hours of the morning. Each patient received a suitable present, and owing to the kindness of some of our former staff and patients, Santa Claus was induced to leave special gifts of no mean value.

After the stockings had been thoroughly searched, the staff and patients rejoicing m voices gave vent to their feelings by singing carols. Beginning outside the Matron's door, then to the different colonies, finally finishing at the doctor's.

In due time the event of the day arrived, m the shape of the Christmas dinner — and what a dinner ! Oh, for childhood's days again ! that we might eat 'not too wisely, but too well." At last the puddings arrive m all their fiery glory. Word has gone round that a golden coin has slipped from the hands of the cook into one of the many puddings. Who will be the lucky finder ! One patient (a Maori boy) was heard to remark: " By golly, I think I have some more, to try and find it." This must have had effect on a good many more, judging by the returns.

In the evening the patients and staff joined m the singing of the good old Christmas hymns, and this brought to a close one of the happiest Christmas days witnessed at the Sanatorium.

Monday (Boxing Day) being all that could be desired as far as the weather was concerned, the patients made up for Christmas day falling on a Sunday. A shooting match

took place between Plunket and Ward Colonies, the former being victorious. Invitations had been issued to the colonies for a fancy dress evening, and long before the time appointed several gentlemen could be seen practising the correct manner m which to hold a train without tripping over it, or smiling demurely before the glass. One wondered how, m the time and with the means of getting ready fancy costumes, so many and so varied would be the result.

At 6.45 p.m. a motley crowd marched into the dining hall to the strains of a "quick step,' 1 and if one were not well acquainted with the many faces it would be hard to distinguish w r ho the visitors were. Ye olde English farmer walked arm m arm with a dainty dairy maid, followed by a ferocious red-skin and Maori wahine. A ragged coon with the proverbial stolen chicken under his arm escorted a painted lady m all her finery. And last but by no means least, a strapping English nurse helped a good looking person m a green uniform to carry a fine baby boy, which they managed rather well.

Several songs and recitations were given by the staff and patients. Supper arrived all too quickly, then the lights were lowered and the real fun commenced. Plates arrived heaped with burning raisins, and snapdragon was indulged m by old and young. The evening was brought to a close by the singing of the national anthem, and "Auld Lang Syne." Cheers were given for the Matron, doctor and patients and all retired to bed with the feeling that Christmas at Te Waikato Sanatorium was a great success.

December. All patients who have come under their care during the year were invited, also the friends who had so generously assisted with toys for the tree, and with cakes and scones for the tea. In the supper room tables were tastefully set, and abundantly supplied with tempting cakes. The children had some good games, and some of the visitors sang several songs. These, and some clever recitations were much appreciated. After tea the work of stripping the tree and distributing the toys proceeded merrily. Each child had (as far as possible) its heart's desire, and the grownup folk some pretty and useful articles. Many hands made light work, and the kindly interest and sympathy of the ladies present earned warm thanks from nurses and patients. Nearly 150 sat down to tea, and at 5.30 p.m. a crowd of happy little ones left for their homes. A crowd of equally happy workers started to ' clear up." The event of the season for some of us was over. — Tired ? Well yes ; but that matters not one whit if to some weary mothers, some eager children, or some patient old people the Christmas gifts bring the Christmas spirit. If m any measure the feeling of unity, peace, and goodwill is fostered and brought nearer, 11 And hearts grow brave again, And arms grow strong, ' ' then one loses sight of personal weariness, of anxiety, of depression — one only feels thankful. One of the Helpers. 16th December, 1910.