Christmas 2011

My own decorations were completed some time ago - including the stuffed animals all wearing festive ribbons.

Parcels have been mailed and received.

Cards have all been mailed and others are arriving my mailbox every day.

I have done most of my Christmas baking and cooking.

I have met up with friends or will do so.
- lunch and a Christmas concert
- our small group from the former Wednesday morning service at St. John’s
- the seniors’ fellowship which meets monthly for a service and a fancy tea

I have also arranged some post Christmas Day get togethers with friends.

In between I will be quite busy at church with Altar Guild and Christmas decorations. I have made myself several lists.

I know it will all come together.

For my own entertainment I have put out my Christmas Cds and my Youtube channel is filling up with Christmas music. I have found the Galaxie musical channels on my television.

I am enjoying my neighbours’ Christmas lights.

People look East the time is near…

So yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. The wreath was prepared and the candles were trimmed and ready for lighting. The brass followers were polished.

The service itself was very nice with the music and the Advent wreath in the darkness of the chapel with the first candle lit.

Then I was with some friends for lunch - what are your Christmas plans? All the rest in the group had family to spend time with.

I talked with my sister and brother in law on the west coast yesterday. We will not meet up at Christmas but parcels are being prepared.

I will be spending time with my church family. There is always lots of Altar Guild activities. I have already made a list. Candles and flowers need particular attention.

Going back in my past I was always in Lachute for Christmas and I missed St. John’s. Now I look fondly at those times past in my life. Then I remember my mom coming to Ottawa to spend time with me.

When looking through my old diary from 1974 when I first came to Ottawa there was some question of maybe being in Toronto for Christmas. That did not happen and Kathi and I were with my mom and dad in Lachute. Little did we know that was to be his last Christmas before he died the next May.

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Enjoy the people and times and places that one has - you never know what is around the corner.

Christmas 2010 at St. John’s

The decorating happened early in the week before Christmas. The tree - fake - was put up. The wreathes - real - were hung by the windows.

I sorted and tested all the tree lights. There were many many strands. So as to not have a big mess each strand was plugged together with its own end.

The beautiful creche was in place and covered up until Christmas Eve.

The poinsettias were ordered and picked up at the florist by a helpful person with a van - there were 5 large boxes of them.

I did not realize how long it takes to unwrap them and put them in an appropriate place. There were 18 pots of them.

Then myself who is concerned about recycling flattened all the boxes to take home for the next pickup. Institutions have to pay for their recycling so I like to take home larger items.

There were 5 services over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (being a Sunday). I was at three of them.

I figured out where the lights over the creche and for the Christmas tree were. It finally was time to put away the Advent wreath and the bring out the single white Christ candle.

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The church looks lovely - said a long time parishioner who also helps with flower arranging from time to time.

I think it did. The decorations were simpler than other years but they all stood out.

On Christmas Day my Altar Guild colleague and I each took home one of the larger poinsettias. She took hers to her elderly dad where it took up a large amount of space on a table. Mine is sitting in my basement and still looks nice.

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Anyone for Easter plans?

I have made inquiries about making palm crosses. Kids and adults will be involved. I am thinking about what kind of flowers to order as a faithful choir member has a strong allergy to Easter lilies.
　

On the 1st Day of Christmas

I returned to the church all washed and ironed
- 9 small purificators (all had been stained with wine)
- 2 napkins (for wrapping the real loaves of bread)
- 2 small towels (used for hand washing)

I have not had to wash any of the larger items.

My colleague and I confess to not changing the fair linen on the chancel altar. This altar has not been used too much recently and was quite clean. It is a real job to wash and iron it. This is not something that I have learned to do yet.

I can see more washing and ironing of the linens in my near future. My ironing board and small clothes rack are always at the ready these days.

Santa

He came early to my house and also to Kathi’s house in Vancouver. The exchange of gifts happened In November when I went out there for a week.

It was a different kind of Christmas for both of us this year. I think I will always miss my mom more at Christmas because I always spent it with her. I did not feel lonely at all and I was busy with church activities and friends.

Kathi was in the hospital for two weeks over Christmas as she had to have some further surgery related to her cancer treatment. I have talked with her quite a few times and she is doing well but is tired.

The Vancouver household had two human visitors and two animal visitors (dogs) over Christmas. They were able to entertain Kathi’s husband for a few days. A ham was cooked and enjoyed by the human folks and there were some leftovers put into the freezer.

There is more snow on the ground in Vancouver than in Ottawa - a bit of a change too.

Christmas 2010

I have newer Christmas traditions.

I am single and my only sister is in Vancouver and a long way from Ottawa where I live. My mom died 4 years ago and my dad died over 30 years ago. I have no other close relatives.

My church family has always mattered at Christmas. I spent a couple of years away after my mom died. The past two years I have been at home.

This year I will be busy at church over Christmas - helping with decorating before and for the services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

I have a friend that I went to school with and I have connected with her again in the past few years. I will probably have Christmas dinner with her and her family. I may bring with me another friend who is on his own.

I am sending out Christmas cards to friends. I have decorated my house. I will do make some traditional family Christmas dishes. I will not make the shortbread like cookies or the sweet breakfast cake. I will make the Noel shrimp bake - green and red and to be eaten when decorating the Christmas tree. I will make the turkey stuffing with rice and spices and sausage meat. I bought the sausage some weeks ago because it is not always available at the grocery store.

At some point I will take a Christmas carrot or apple to Abracadabra the horse. She will enjoy some time off from being ridden to be out in the fields with her friends.

I miss my Christmas past but my Christmas present should be quite nice.

Ho Ho Ho

A mixed bag of weather gifts from Santa for Christmas Day.
So although the Christmas weather is less than ideal for Santa and his trusty Reindeer, Rudolph and some pre-flight de-icing should help guide Santa through any rain or freezing rain.

From Environment Canada
　
Finally, media from all over the world rely on NORAD as a trusted source to provide Christmas Eve updates on Santa's journey.

From Norad Santa tracking

Altar Guild Christmas marathon

At least this is what it is starting to feel like. The head of the guild is away over Christmas so we are left with lots to do. It is good for her to go to be with her family.

I made a list and checked it twice! Actually I have to check it more often than that!

Where do I have to be and at what time? Who will I be working with?

I was asked to help with Christmas decorations today and I said no thanks. Instead last evening one of my colleagues and I had a few phone calls.

I am off to the church soon to learn how to transform the Advent wreath into something to put glass balls on. The liturgical dancers carry these in to the church at the start of the Christmas Eve service and then the Christ candle is lit.

*****

I will be busy washing and ironing the church linens. I have left out my cleaning supplies and my ironing board in my basement - they will be well used in the next while.

Hopefully the fair linen on the altar will survive without any wine stains. Otherwise I will be learning how to remove the stains in place - there is a technique.
　

Different Christmas

For many years I was away at Christmas in Lachute and visiting Kathi in Winnipeg and Vancouver. When my mom and I were alone in later years she would come to Ottawa to be with me.

When I was away at Christmas I missed being at my own parish church of St. John‘s. Now I am here.

My own traditions are unfolding. I made the famous stuffing and Noel Shrimp Bake. My Christmas cards and letters have all been sent. I have been receiving many in the mail from friends near and far. Christmas decorations are being enjoyed. Recorded music and other seasonal programs are being enjoyed on my new PVR and TV. I have been listening to Christmas music in my car and in my basement and on my TV - the nice Galaxie channels - and on Youtube on my computer. I found some French language carols.

As for my social calendar it is full enough for me. I have attended some events and not attended others. The day of the Greenbelt Christmas party I was too busy. Did Abracadabra go instead of me? The Parish Council meet and eat event was cancelled - too many folks could not go.

Our old Wednesday morning group from St. John’s met for a service and breakfast. We talked about Christmas plans and as one friend said - it is all different now.

*****

My young neighbour too is having a different Christmas without her mom and dad. The animals in the house will provide entertainment - I am sure. Last weekend she was putting up her outside Christmas lights and decorations - a blown up Santa and snowman. She also has a very sweet pair of snow people sitting in a swing. Her mom and dad used to sit in a swing like that.

O little town of Bethlehem

I was there in Bethlehem - twice. I would not like to be there now - there is too much conflict and unsettledness in the region. However in the news soon we will hear about Christmas services there.

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There are Christmas crèches from my past and my present.

The Catholic Church - St. Julien’s - in Lachute always had one. So did the rich neighbours. There was a large one with life sized figures.

Of course the manger was always empty until Christmas Eve.

I walked by an empty one a few weeks ago outside a Catholic Church.

St. John’s has a beautiful one with intricate figures made by one of the more artistic members of the congregation.

Advent part 2

Someone who really knew her way around in the decorations found the box with the Advent candles.

All was nicely put out for the first Sunday in Advent.

The Advent candles look to be a little short. This is their 4th year of use. Some new ones will have to be purchased for next year.

*****

Christmas is coming. My cards and letters are getting organized. The presents have been wrapped. The parcel is almost ready to go West. My decorations have been found.

The Christmas tree will be next.

Ribbons for the stuffed animals will have to be found as well. They do like to be appropriately dressed for the season.

Advent wreath and candles

Next Sunday November 29th is the first Sunday in Advent.

We are on a hunt this week at St. John’s for a box with Advent candles and decorations. This summer a very conscientious and enthusiastic group tidied up various cupboards at the church. Decorations for various events were moved to an upstairs storage area.

I found the Advent wreath. I did not find the box. I have called in some helpful folks who might know.

More to follow soon….

Vicki's Christmas

I made all the delicious food items as mentioned previously. Some has been eaten and some is in my freezer. I gave away some of the Christmas cookies and I ate the rest.

I did not have turkey at home this year but I did have some turkey sausage for breakfast Christmas morning.

I went to the service at St. John's at 10:15. There was a fair number of folks there. We went around the creche for most of the service. I remember being there on other Christmas mornings with my mom - she often came to Ottawa at Christmas.

The trip to Morrisburg for a meal was very nice. The roads were dry and it was sunny. My friend's house was easy to find. There was lots of family there and there was a place at the table for me. The dog was kept out of the way but she did not seem to be too upset. The new granddaughter was much admired.

I had some nice Christmas presents including a fair number of bunny items - a pin, a notebook, some kleenex, some napkins and some honey - all with bunny designs or connections.

I thought I had missed the Queen's message but there it was on YouTube on the Royal Channel. There were some videos of a very young Prince Charles. She wished everyone a very happy Christmas. I think that is an English expression.

I had Christmas emails and cards just like Abra did. It is always nice to get some unexpected ones from friends.

*****

Of course I was remembering Christmases past on Princess Street in Lachute.
I could almost hear my mom saying
- is it time to put on the Christmas tree lights?
- how is our fire doing in the fireplace?
- do you need to bring in more wood?

When I did go out for the wood, the back door would jingle with the Christmas bells hanging on it.

Abra's Christmas

I got a number of Christmas cards.
I got a lot of Christmas wishes in emails - whatever those are.

I had some very special wishes from my cousin Red Serge - Kathi's horse in Vancouver.
I had a bag of carrots from the friend that my mom had Christmas dinner with.
I had Christmas cookes from a friendly barn mate.
I had some special goodies from the barn staff.

Otherwise I ate the same as I usually do.
I went out to the field in the snow and the ice. I much prefer the snow.

Christmas 1943 and 1944

From the letters my dad sent my mom during the war.

Christmas 1943 in England:

I have received the Christmas parcel with the fruit cake. Is there the legitimate amount of rum in it?

We shall be looking after the men at the noon meal. (I presume he meant the tradition of the officers serving.)

The batmen have got their hands on a chicken for us - from where we don’t ask too many questions.

Entertainment was provided on Christmas Eve to keep most of the boys out of the pubs before Midnight Mass. I took the Protestants down to the midnight service in the local village church- all seven of us to be exact. (He was in a French Canadian regiment.)

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Christmas 1944 in mainland Europe:

I almost forget what it is like to have a real winter blizzard. Heaven knows what it does in this part of the world in winter.

Is the Christmas present still unopened? It had better be.

The officer came back with a live goose and a duck - our Christmas dinner is assured. Next year I will be sampling your culinary art I hope. (He did.)

Christmas tree preparations. What you really needed was me for supervision and technical instruction and you to do the work. I can visualize up some wonderful ideas of decoration reclining at my ease with a glass in one hand.

Christmas 2008

I have been enjoying my neighbour’s wooden reindeer. He moves them around often and now they are looking down the street and waiting for Santa.

The Advent Sundays went by and I was in different places than the usual Sunday morning service.
1st - sick with the flu; unusual for me
2nd - early service and then to a horsy party at the stables
3rd - Lachute for carol service and dedication of a memorial plaque for my mom
4th - snow and too much of it.

I have been enjoying receiving Christmas cards and reading the notes and letters from friends.

I have been listening to my Christmas Cds and music on the Internet. As I am writing this, I am listening to BBC. When the voice of the narrator sounded very familiar I realized it was Christopher Timothy who was in All Creatures Great and Small.

I have several outings planned between now and New Year’s. A few visits to Abra are definitely on my calendar.

I have been checking the local weather reports for driving tomorrow. I think it will be fine. I will be at the church service in the morning and then heading out for an afternoon visit.

I am glad I am not flying anywhere - many Canadian airports look to be in a mess with many people and flights being cancelled and delayed.

Snow and winter in the past: pt. 2

Besides going to Eaton's in Montreal to meet Santa, we would also walk a few blocks down St. Catherine Street - now Rue Ste. Catherine - to Ogilvy's. Their window was always quite spectacular.



Looking out one Christmas Eve at our neighbours' kitchen across the driveway - there was Pere Noel - Santa. I think he made a stop at our house as well.

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Lachute always had lots of snow in the winter. When there was a big storm, we all listened to CJAD Radio from Montreal to hear whether our school would be closed for the day. There were lots of kids bussed in from the country so it sometimes was closed.

There was a small hill in our neighbourhood and when the driving was bad you could not get up the hill. Wilson's Hill - named for the paper mill nearby - no longer exists because of a street redesign.

Christmas reflections pt. 4

This is the time of year when I miss my mom. There were so many Christmas traditions that included her.

There was a family tradition from my dad’s family that the dinner was always on Christmas Eve. Then Christmas Day there was the opening of presents followed by a full breakfast of bacon and eggs. Then later in the day when one was getting hungry again we had some leftover turkey.

Some went to the midnight service on Christmas Eve and some went to the early morning service on Christmas Day. After the late service we would go to bed. We were interested in our French Canadian neighbours’ traditions. They went to midnight mass and then would come home to host a Réveillon and then on Christmas Day the neighbourhood was very quiet.

My own experiences of Christmas food started when I was quite young. I was probably not even a teenager when I started to make the Spritz cookies. There was a tradition that as I was making them on Christmas Eve, a good friend of my dad would come by with Christmas greetings.

My mom also taught me how to make gravy so that was one of my jobs for the Christmas meal.

I remember special outings especially when my sister and I were younger. We went to Eaton’s in Montreal to Toyland to meet Santa. We went to the local Legion for the kid’s Christmas party and met Santa again. There were also performances at the Sunday School but I am not sure whether Santa was there or not.

The decorations and the tree were always a delight. What kind of stand to put the Christmas tree in was a changing situation from year to year. If the bottom of the tree was not quite flat it was in danger of falling over. The best solution was a bucket of sand instead of the flimsy tree stands.

There was a glass front porch at Princess Street which meant that the lighted tree was quite visible from outside. It was a long time later that my sister told me of the tradition to leave on your Christmas lights on Christmas Eve so that Santa can find his way to your house.

My mom was a great cook and when she came to my house she would bring her famous basket with all kinds of goodies in it. She made rum balls and shortbread and liver pate and fudge and other delights. She also made a rum pie for dessert as my dad was not one for the traditional English desserts.

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So what are my Christmas traditions?

I do not like to put up any decorations until the first Sunday of Advent. Then they stay up until Epiphany on January 6.

I like to write a Christmas letter every year. It helps me too to remember what I have been up to.

I much prefer the Christmas Day service to the one on Christmas Eve - too many folks there and too late for an early bird like me.

Christmas reflections pt. 3

Growing up we spent our Christmases in Lachute. We had a regular routine of visiting family.

After my dad died in 1975, my mom would come to Ottawa to spend time with me. There were also trips to Winnipeg and Vancouver to visit Kathi. In Winnipeg we plugged in the car when we went to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In Vancouver, my mom was most impressed by the golfers who were out playing a game.

The last time I spent Christmas in Lachute was in 2001. My mom was in the convalescent home. I went to the early morning service at St. Simeon’s but my mom was not up and about at that time of day. We had Christmas dinner together at 320 Princess Street.

By 2004 my mom was living in Ottawa in a retirement home. On Christmas Eve she came to my house and we ate some of the Noel Shrimp Bake. That was the last time she was ever in my house. The next day I went to the retirement home to have dinner with my mom.

After my mom died in October 2006 I went to Toronto to spend Christmas with the sisters at the convent. It was very pleasant and it was good to be there.

*****

I was recently meeting with a couple of friends. We started to talk about what we were going to do this year. One was spending time at a cottage and another was off to the West Coast and a green Christmas. I said I was going to do something different this year and that is true.

I will be at my own church for the service on Christmas Day. I can help out with Altar Guild and flowers as needed. Then I am off to Morrisburg to have a Christmas meal with a former schoolmate that I met up with at my Traf reunion.

I checked the notice at the barn about Christmas hours and I could visit Abra between 12 and 4 and give her a Christmas carrot.

Christmas reflections pt. 2

This is me on my very first Christmas. I was born on April 2nd, so I was about 9 months old.

I am sitting on the coffee table which my mom had in her house for many years. Now I have it in my house. It was a wedding present from her sister.