The Angelus first aired on Irish radio in 1950 at noon and six o’clock. It has been a steady presence on Irish television too just before the six o’clock evening news since the launch of Telefís Éireann in 1961. This one minute iconic broadcast has evolved over the years and now includes the diversity of Irish society. The Angelus, is filmed by Kairos Communications based in Maynooth, and mainly shows people going about their daily activities, at home or at work or in their local community.

This year, Cork and Mullingar were selected as locations for filming the Angelus. It was really interesting to be part of the film-making process in the shop, where Tony Wheatley, a stained glass artist based outside Mullingar, set up his workshop for the day. A festive atmosphere was created as Tony worked away making beautiful angels.

It is lovely to see some of the scenes and streetscapes of Mullingar including the Town Band getting into the Christmas spirit! Also featured is the store front of the Saint Vincent de Paul on Bishop Gate Street, where the beautiful stained glass crib created by Tony is displayed in the window. The Angelus reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas: kindness, love, hope and joy.

Christmas really starts the moment you dust off the box of decorations, tinsel and lights stashed away since last year. There’s the moment of anticipation and rediscovery that is so much part of the excitement of the festive season.

To decorate the Christmas tree, you first put the fairy lights on the branches working from top to bottom, then add all the colourful glass or ceramic baubles, the handmade wooden or straw decorations, the lovely little felted booties. Finish with a star or Angel at the very top of the tree.
Getting one special Christmas decoration every year to build a collection adding a new one year on year creates a family collection that makes for new memories of Christmas to cherish.

The Christmas tree evokes memories of simple childhood pleasures and excitements. I am reminded of the moment the box of decorations was taken down from the attic: feeling joy reopening it and exploring its hidden treasures, pulling out the glittery garlands, the old fairy lights and the delicate glass baubles that picked up and reflected so many colours. Passed on from earlier generations, some of our family’s Christmas decorations were intricately woven paper and ribbon creations, or hand-painted snowmen, robins and elves: sturdy time travellers from Christmases long ago.

Making your own Christmas decorations means being in the moment while having fun stitching, painting or découpaging! The craft as well as the decorations passes from one generation to the next. Christmas is said to be ‘all about the children’ but the ‘Down Memory Lane’ tree pays tribute to the older generation.