Many years ago I worked as an R.N. on Carson Ward at the General Hospital. It was an open ward of twenty-one beds, male surgical, and men came there from all over the province to receive treatment. It must be stated that at this time, transportation and communication were not what they are today. This meant that although some patients were well, they would not be able to travel to their isolated home because of weather or other circumstances, and would have to stay in hospital until conditions improved. This was often the case at Christmas time. About a week before Christmas the radio broadcast of greetings was held for all the hospital patients. This took place from Carson Ward and patients could send greetings to their families via radio. This was a very emotional time as for many people, it was the only contact they would have with their loved one during the season. The ward was decorated with paper chains and bells and a real tree stood in the corner, adorned with mostly homemade ornaments. Many local entertainers came to perform and I especially remember the late Joan Morrisey, who with her great singing voice and bubbly personality did much to bring cheer to the occasion. Very early on Christmas morning, the sweet voices of student nurses could be heard as they made their way through the corridors of the hospital singing carols. It must be noted that there could also be some very sick patients with us at this time, and their care and comfort, as always, came before everything else. Christmas morning passed with breakfast, fish and brewis for this special day, patients cared for and the ward tidied. As dinner time approached a long table would be set up in the middle of the ward, covered with a white sheet. The table would be laid and at each place would be a brightly wrapped gift, a pair of gloves or socks or a bottle of after shave (times were simpler then). Meals were prepared on site then, and we served them from a heated cart, placed in the middle of the ward. On Christmas day there was turkey, potatoes, turnip, carrots and parsnips. Lots of dressing and gravy and plenty for second helpings. Dishes of mustard picked and beet would be set out. There was plum pudding for after and one year we had a man with a cooking background who expertly flamed the budding (brandy courtesy of the pharmacy) much to the delight of all. Crackers were pulled, paper hats put on, and gifts opened, a merry time for everybody. After dinner and a rest, visitors would arrive, and as is the way of our people, the visitors would include everybody in their conversations so that nobody would feel lonely or left out. Some lively talks took place at these times, as people told about their homes and work after finding out that they had friends or relatives in common. So passed a happy afternoon, and then it was supper time. That Newfoundland favourite, the cold plat was served with plenty of salads and cold meat. There was trifle for dessert. After supper we turned off the ceiling lights and with just the side lights, the place took on a cozy, almost home-like atmosphere. Somebody would get a game of cards going and sometimes there would be a patient who could sing or recite, causing much laughter and merriment. Then it was bed time and a mug of hot strong tea and purity biscuits. Those who had received treats from their visitors shared them around, and all this made for a happy ending to the day. As the patients settled for the night, we made our rounds to make sure everyone was comfortable, taking time to stop for a chat with a man who perhaps was sad with longing for his beloved home. Thus passed Christmas on Carson Ward, and we were glad to know that although our patients could not be home for Christmas, perhaps we had brought a little bit of home to them.   Submitted By: NULL