On the fourth day of Christmas

The fourth day of Christmas was spent with friends.

My husband was lucky enough to grow up in a neighbourhood with a great group of families who have all still remained really good friends despite growing up and moving out of home. No matter where in the world they live, members of the neighbourhood gang still possess the bonds of friendship they forged as children. And now, I, like the wives, husbands and partners of others am a member of this special group.

So on Saturday afternoon we gathered at the house of one of the families to catch up with one of the gang, and his wife and son who were holidaying at home. They currently live in Canada. It was also to celebrate the son’s 7th birthday. It was lovely to catch up with all of these friends both young and old, some who we don’t see very often, to laugh and chat about life.

One of the things I most admire about this great bunch of people is the way they have stayed connected, even before Facebook. They try to get together on a semi-regular basis, especially if someone who is living overseas or out of town has come back. As the kids have grown up they have celebrated special occasions together like major birthdays, engagements, weddings and baby showers. My first introduction to the neighbourhood gang was at an engagement party and although I was a little daunted, everyone made me feel right at home.

Now as they progress into parenthood (there was 13 kids aged 3 months to 10 years at the party on Saturday) another generation of neighbourhood gang has been born. It was great to see the kids running around playing together. I hope that although they do not grow up in the same proximity as the generation of the gang before them, they will possess the same bonds of friendship that their parents have.