Show and Tell photo image submitted by TQS member Hildur
We used to live in a 3rd floor flat with no access from the outside (no balconies or fire escapes). We did not own a tv set or tape recorder, and the family radio was in the kitchen. Every Christmas Eve the livingroom door was locked during the day. My parents and I spent the evening in the kitchen. At some time I would hear a bell ring in the livingroom, and my father got up, saying: "Well, Hannelore, that sounds like Father Christmas has visited us." He would then go and unlock the livingroom door.
The Christmas tree (with real candles) always looked stunning and my presents were under the tree. Next to the tree, on a sideboard stood a small bell. I never managed to work out how my parents managed to light the candles and ring the bell in a room that had no access except for the door, and that was in full view all the time so nobody could sneak in or out. My parents also never left the kitchen.
The year before my father died I asked him to share the secret. He smiled at me (then 54 years old) and said: "But you know, Hannelore, that was always Father Christmas." I still have the bell today, but it needs a little shake on Christmas Eve. Hanelore from Hamburg, Germany
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