Mammy and Daddy both sit
on either side of being ninety.
As they get older
hills feel steeper
and walks get shorter.
They see and hear
a little bit less
and they forget
a little bit more.
But they have one great blessing –
their personalities remain
intact.
And one thing in particular
has not diminished with age –
their love of singing.
Even now, at the age of 91,
Daddy stills seem to have a song
for every occasion
and Mammy often hums away to herself
without even realising it.
So today,
just a few days before Christmas,
I arrive in Derry,
armed with Christmas carols
for the three of us to sing.
And so the carols begin.
Good King Wenceslas,
Deck the Halls,
Hark the Herald Angels
and even Little Donkey …
the whole shebang!
It’s great fun
and it’s what Christmas
is all about .
(Did I mention
that Mammy and Daddy
are both very good singers?)
Carolling at ninety –
how wonderful!
(And how blessed!)
© Claire Murray, 23rd December 2025