The family being together for a wonderful Christmas feast was considered the gift we all gave each other. Being together playing board games, having conversations, and watching our parents having fun. But the focal point during the Christmas season for all of us was the birth of Christ. Mom appreciated us going to midnight mass with her and Dad. The service was at our little Anglican church in Unionville on Christmas eve. I fondly remember sitting between my Mother and my oldest sister Betty. I usually ended up being carried to the car half asleep every year till I was around 6 or 7.
My mother decorated with real pine boughs, a live Christmas tree, and real mistletoe for years. Dad would somehow put up coloured Christmas lights outside despite the fact he was not a handyman as such. Mom and my sister Betty baked for a month before Christmas, and the whole feast was home cooked. Both of them were excellent cooks and every year was a culinary triumph. But the things I remember with the most fondness were a ceramic Mary against a golden 'fan' on the mantle and a Nativity scene down where the children could see it; but could not touch. I just know that Christmas was more joyful and more about faith than fantasy back then.
I think that around my 35th year Christmas became less than the joyful Christian holiday it was long ago. The commercial hedonistic attitude that is part of the season these days, often can make the Christmas canvass gray. However; in the last few years, since I have been home again, a lot of that joy has been renewed. I think that it is because I am active in a church again. The real and practical suggestions that have been given by the pastoral couple at that church around the different seasons; particularly Christmas, have been the one thing that has renewed my outlook.
I hope that all of you have a Blessed Christmas!
The Wee Few Thoughts of Dylan the Dog
All I want for Christmas is a few soft treats to eat and maybe a toy. I sure would like some green grass instead of all that cold stuff. I don't ask for much. Perhaps 'Peace on Earth' for humans and animals alike is my special wish. Have a Happy Christmas all of you!