One of the new books added to my Christmas book collection was this one above. It's full of interesting bits and photos and illustrations about people's experiences during both World Wars.
Below is a page from the book about the difficulties of shopping in wartime written by a lady called Mrs E.J.Barnicot from central London.
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| A Children's stocking from 1940 |
I'd forgotten about this type of Christmas stocking that we used to get. They were made of net stuff and edged with a sort of red crepe paper. I think they are still around for pets! By the late 50's they didn't have cardboard or small wooden items items like those in the photos. It was more likely to be a small bag of marbles, or a tiny tracing book or one of those puzzles where you have to move squares around to get the numbers in order. Plus one of these clicky ball and catch things.
I loved these simple toys - in fact I might get some for the grandchildren seeing that I've found them on amazon.
I remember that little puzzle where you moved the square tiles around in the frame. And another one, like a miniature handheld bagatelle where you angled it endlessly to get the ball bearings into the winning center. I may have learned patience with those little games!
ReplyDeleteThat takes me right back - I remember those stockings too. xx
ReplyDeleteAh, life was much simpler then. I remember the toys you mentioned and those stockings. I used to ask for a Rupert annual every year .
ReplyDeleteAnd suddenly I feel 7years old again. All the things you mentioned, and Boud's reminiscences too. We had two of the clicky things and sent the ball back and forth across the room. And spent ages making the origami models in the Rupert Annual....simpler pleasures, no screen or batteries. The only 'screen' was that cardboard frame with greaseproof paper and you drew on it with a wooden stick then moved the slider to erase it all and start again. Did they have a proper name?
ReplyDeleteMe too, I think those things were called magic drawing boards.....I loved them and colouring books and the twinkle annual.....Such simple times when we were content with very little material wise but lots of love and family time.
DeleteFiona
I remember all of those toys. I am sure they were much more fun than today's plastic battery operated stuff.
ReplyDeleteGosh I had totally forgotten that's that how our stockings were. I used to get those little 'move the squares around to make a picture' things every year along with a new set of Jacks and other little bits and bobs ... and of course a selection box. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe dollar stores here have those kinds of toys too. I got some for the easter baskets last year. It really does sound so awful I would be in a state all the time wondering if this would be my last shopping trip.
ReplyDeletecathy
Oh yes, the little squares you had to put in order! I had forgotten about that and you brought me right back to my childhood! My older brother was always very good at doing that! I wonder if he still is, I might have to find one...
ReplyDeleteThe clicky toys - thanks for The memory. Somehow, despite budget constraints our mum always made Christmas magical, but I guess we all feel that way about our parents don't we?
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
My favourite Annual was 'School Friend' and favourite present - probably the Compendium of Games. These kept me occupied for days on end. Other traditional stocking fillers wera a tangerine and a lump of coal. (Or was that just Leicestershire area?)
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas stockings and enjoy filling them with small fun/useful gifts. Everybody gets a stocking at my house; family, friends and pets. It's all part of my tradition. The stockings are hanging above the fireplace.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I forgot about those puzzles. I loved those!
ReplyDeleteThat's brought back some memories. The clicky toys were great!
ReplyDeleteI loved those clicky catch ball things. My sister and I made a game of trying to play catch with them.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I forgot those moveable ttile puzzles. How I loved them. The numbers and the pictures both.
ReplyDelete