CHRISTMAS has always been a time for festivities and celebrations.

While today the focus seems to be more on the quality and quantity of gifts than anything else in the 1950s and 1960s most families would aim for a lovely get together with friends and relatives, a special meal and relaxing in front of the television — that was if they had a TV of course.

We asked for your Christmas memories and photographs and were delighted to receive these images submitted by Janet Winstanley whose maiden name was Higginson.

Janet, who lives in Harwood, supplied us with photographs of a children’s party — she is hoping it will bring back memories for others who were on the picture with her.

Janet can be seen cutting her cake at her birthday celebration which coincided with the festive season.

The picture was taken for the Bolton Journal children’s column in the 1950s, explains Janet.

What fascinated us was the fact the young girls are enjoying a rather smart lunch, with china tea cups and saucers and what looks to be sherry trifle, with a cherry on top, served in glasses.

But what was taking pride of place on the top of the tree?

It looks remarkably like a hat but surely that is not what it was.

The other Christmas picture submitted by Janet was taken at a dinner dance at the Pack Horse Hotel in Bolton — now student accommodation in Nelson Square — in the early 1960s.

We can see the women are wearing long dresses as was fashionable at this time and the men look rather smart in their suits and, mostly, bow ties.

This was a photograph taken of a Christmas party held for the staff of the Bradshaw Gass and Hope Architects which was based in nearby Silverwell Street.

Do you have Christmas memories to share?

Ring Gayle McBain on 01204 537269, email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk