Wartime Christmas
December 1940, and a child sleeps on in an air raid shelter, all decorated and ready for Christmas. A single stocking hangs by the side of the bed, packed with little presents or treats. The video link below shows how Britain was preparing to spend Christmas, in 1940, the year of the Blitz. People spent Christmas in their shelters, in an attempt to keep themselves safe from the bombs. As a result, very short Christmas trees were in demand, on account of the reduced height inside the shelters. Getting by on the family ration was undoubtedly a challenge for every person on a weekly basis, but when it came to Christmas it was even more so. Turkey was simply not affordable, at least not to the majority. Chicken was also expensive so many turned to home reared chickens or rabbits. The latter often became cherished family pets of children who would have been most reluctant to see them appear on the Christmas platter at lunch time. Home grown vegetables and home made chutney would