Dog sh*ts and Celtic strips: Scots share their memorable Christmases

Remembering a “very powerful” drama, he recalls: “My three elder brothers loved football, and we ran downstairs to see what Santa had left us. We never wrapped presents in our house, but instead there were four chairs, in which Santa would leave the appropriate presents.”

On that particular morning, on each of the chairs, the boys found a full Celtic strip, with boots and a ball each.

“My brothers were beside themselves, stripping off their pyjamas to don the costume of champions. I stood back at the door, aghast, before bursting into tears, at which point my dear mother produced a Post Office Set from behind the sofa, and I was very happy,” remembers the author of Mayflies.

ONE Christmas morning, East End soul singer Joesef (above) found himself in quite the festive mess.

“We got an older dog that had a few problems, and we named it Robbie – after Robbie Williams,” he says. “Anyway, he ate something he probably shouldn’t have. We went to bed and woke up, and he had shat all over the Christmas presents.”

Quite the surprise to wake up to, the singer was disappointed to see Game Boys, a bike, a few notepads and colouring pencils all “caked in shite”.

Reflecting on the canine incident, he says: “Not fun at the time, but something to laugh about now.”

IN East Ayrshire in the late 1950s, another little boy found a surprise in his living room – although, this one was far more welcomed.

Writer and broadcaster Billy Kay (above) remembers: “One Christmas, I walked into the house to find a wigwam in the middle of my parents’ living room. That was probably the most memorable Christmas for me.”

Like many boys his age, Billy watched films about cowboys and indians. At five years old, he walked into what he thought was a real Native American hut – which somehow found itself in the small village of Galston.

Speaking of the holidays, the writer mentions that until the late 1950s, Christmas day was not a holiday in Scotland.

“It was very much regarded as something for children. Whereas, the big celebration for adults and parents was New Year. Nowadays, they’re mixed together and people celebrate both equally,” he explains.

AUTHOR and journalist Emma Grae (above) often associates Christmas with films. Perhaps, that’s why she has a soft spot for the 1946 movie It’s A Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart as George Bailey.

“I actually knew someone who worked for James Stewart, it was somewhat of an urban legend in my family,” she says.

In her native Glasgow, the writer found herself daydreaming as she was working on her debut novel, Be Guid Tae Yer Mammy.

“I was writing parts of the book in our house, and across from the room I was staying in, was James Stewart’s desk, of all things. It’s A Wonderful Life definitely stands out,” she notes.

FOR Bonnyrigg writer Colin Burnett, Christmas is often a time to look back on cherished memories shared with lost loved ones.

“Every Christmas, I always think of my parents and the great times we had together,” he says.

On Christmas Eve, Colin would visit his Grandad’s house with his siblings, to watch Christmas movies and have cake – as well as other snacks.

“It became a family tradition, and we were so excited for Christmas. I loved spending time with my Grandad, he would take us back home at night, but going to his house at Christmas Eve is something I’ll always remember as we always had such fun.”

At the time, Colin was unaware movie night served as a distraction, just so his parents could have time to wrap presents. Looking back, he says: “Christmas was always such a big deal in my house, and my mum would decorate the house like Santa’s Grotto.”

EVERY year, Aberdeenshire folksinger Iona Fyfe (above) travels nearly 200 miles just in time for Christmas. From Glasgow to Huntly, she makes sure to spend time with both of her parents.

“I grew up with my parents being separated, it was always a bit difficult to make sure that I was spending Christmas Day with both my mum’s side of the family, and also see my dad,” she says.

Over the years, Iona and her dad came up with their own tradition.

“I’ll make me and my dad nice coffee, put it in a thermos flask, and we’d drive down to the Deveron River and Huntly.”

Sitting in the car by the water, the pair exchange gifts as they talk and catch up with one another. If it’s not too cold, they even go for a walk. “It sounds really sad, but it’s just a tradition we both have, it’s like stealing away a moment to go and spend some kind of father-daughter time together”, she said.

This year, Iona won’t be driving home for Christmas. “I’m having a big knee surgery next week, so I’m gonna stay in Glasgow. My dad might be able to come down, but I might not even be discharged from the hospital.” However, this doesn’t stop the singer from looking at the bright side. “At the end of the day, I’m getting amazing treatment and care from the NHS.

“Christmas is gonna look a whole lot different this year, but I’m just so grateful for our services,” she concludes.