The turkey has enough butter stuffed under the skin to make Nigella blush and the gluwein is simmering away on the stove. Our tree sparkles from the front room……
The trees lay stacked up on the side of the road bursting with the promise of Christmas. The Douglas Fir, White Pine, Scottish Pine and the Blue Spruce….the choice was endless. Which one would it be this year? We had driven along Highway 8 through the greenbelt along the escarpment. The vegetables stalls had given way to the sale of Christmas trees, no more pumpkins and asparagus but rows of fuzzy green. Much thought and effort goes into the right choice of Christmas tree here in Canada. Families deliberate over how tall it has to be, the shape and whether it will shed its leaves. We stop the car at a nearby diner to grab a coffee and notice a little boy as he gazes up at the tall frame of the chosen tree.
“Dad, this is the one!”
The excitement and wonder beams from his face. The practical dad contemplates how he will tie it onto the roof of the car. He paces out the length and works on his plan. Mother has a faraway look on her face as she recalls the Christmases past and is envisaging this tree with the family decorations. There were heirlooms that are brought out each year and a few new additions to add to the sparkle. My coffee steams as I make my way through the brisk air. I pull my hood over my head and feel the fur trim snug against my face. My thoughts go back to 3 young boys that gathered around our tree back in South Africa. It will be the turn of our grand children soon!
The bare deciduous trees that shook off their leaves in the fall are tinged with snow. The evergreens cling onto the soft white powder like a cake does to frosting. The sun slips down behind the hills early as we wend our way back home. The snow illuminates our path and the houses twinkle with Christmas lights. Bright white lines the roofs, iridescent blue around the doorways and soft red sparkle in the shrubs. Fresh garlands accentuate the wooden slatted porch and rustic White Birch reindeer guard the front door.
It is Yuletide in Canada and a time to make memories with family and friends. There will be a special place near our tree this year for those who are no longer with us. They will be greatly missed.
I wish you all a joyous Christmas!
Anne
I was there as I read. Your Mom know was too. Somethg about Pinkertons or a P name /word I’m not getting right. Sorry it’s too late in eve to help that way, but u can imagine she’d not miss
being with you now she’s mobile! And “determined” she says. Your tree is PERFECT! I love it – xxx
Hi Anne!
Sorry I have really been “skropping nes” as you say!!!!!Thank you for your lovely short Christmas story.You make us want to have a cold , white Christmas!!!!Well I am settled at last.The move was hectic as I always seem to do it in stages and not all at once!!!But I have had more than a week to sort out my house on my own and now I am settled!!!!At last!!!!I will post some photies on Facebook soon.When the kids are here!!!!!The kids will be here for Christmas and then my dad arrives next week.I can’t wait to show him your photies.I know what he is going to say.Sy is nog mooier as voorheen!!!!!!And then my brother Robin will also arrive next week with his new lady so it will be busy, busy, busy!!!!!Have a blessed wonderful Christmas with lots of love and good cheer.Will drink a glasie or two to you!!!!Lots of love Ros
Hello Anne, thank you for a lovely Christmas message from snowy white Toronto. You look gorgeous! We are promised are bright, cold and frosty Christmas Day tomorrow. Heading 20 mins down the road to Southsea, to spend the day with Nick, Claire and Clover, and Claire’s family. Boxing Day will be with Angie and Henry and Angie’s daughter Jannet and Warwick. Angie and I had a very special 4 days in Switzerland with my Aunt and Uncle to celebrate her 80th. An awesome party! We wish you, Philip and the boys a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, fulfilling and exciting 2015. Tons of love Sal and Roger xxxxx
Thanks Sal, always good to hear from you across ‘the pond.’
I look forward to the stories yet to be written of tiny little feet pitter-pattering towards that beautiful tree. Thanks for taking a moment to send your wishes!
Thanks Joan, you feed me with material when we chat and I appreciate your ideas on the music too.