When we think of Christmases past, most seem special. But there is almost always one particular Christmas that stands apart from the rest.

The Christmas the tree had those new and special decorations that made the whole room light up; the first Christmas you spent with that significant other; or the first Christmas you had a real pine tree and a new baby with which to share it.

Wife of late Opposition Leader Frederick Wade, Ianthia Wade, said her best Christmas was the year after their five-year-old triplets -- Ceola, Camela, and Frederick -- were born.

"They had been in the hospital for 79 days and they were born in July and at the end of September beginning of October they were able to come home.

"There was only a few months left before Christmas and we realised how blessed we were because our babies were healthy and happy.'' Mrs. Wade added: "That Christmas, I was also a first-time mom three times over and it made me realise how precious life is.'' She also said every Christmas since has been quite hectic. "This will be the first Christmas that they totally understand what it all means and they know it's Christmas.

"Even though it will be hard because their father is not here they have decorated and painted ornaments at home which they want to put on his grave.'' Mrs. Wade added this Christmas they would stick to the family traditions like decorating the tree while listening to Christmas reggae music.

"Their father used to do a little dance for every ornament he was putting on the tree and this year the children have been having fun saying, `This is how daddy danced.' "With the support of family and friends we will make it. I would also like to take this time to thank all the people that have contributed to the fund for the children. I have been told that it has certainly covered their first year of college.'' DJ Big Daddy Gates also said his favourite Christmas was the year his first child was born, 28 years ago.

"My son was born three days after singer Otis Redding was killed, and I named him after him.

"That Christmas, like most new fathers, I went out buying toys like trucks and a tricycle -- my son couldn't even walk yet.'' Big Daddy Gates added: "I've had equally good Christmases after my other children were born. I also love to eat Christmas food and my wife is a fabulous cook.'' The Rev. James H.B. Todd said his fondest Christmas memories were from the time he went to school in Rhode Island.

"I graduated in 1950. I had my best Christmases there because that is where I learned how to trust in God.

"I stayed at school and had a big dinner. The other thing that I remember is that my mother would put a dollar in an envelope and send it off to me for the holidays. I thought that was special.'' Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess said his most favourite Christmases were "in the 60s when you more or less had your whole family living together. They were the best times.

"There is no particular Christmas that I enjoyed more than the other but those times were special to me because the family was tightly-knit.'' Ms Ruth Thomas recalled the first time she saw a white Christmas, in 1955. "I was in Ottawa at the time and I had heard so much about a white Christmas, then it came to fruition.

"I thought it was absolutely beautiful, it was like being in a fairy land. I love the whole season and I begin to celebrate as soon as December comes.''