Memories of the season

St. Vital

This time of year leads to a lot of reflection. Remembrance Day is always special since both my mom (Canadian Red Cross Corps) and my dad (Fort Garry Horse) went overseas during the Second World War. Dad landed on Juno Beach in the first wave on D-Day.

We never spoke of the war in our home when I was growing up. Dad did not want to talk about it. It was not until he was 88 years old that he agreed to tell me one story about the war, which I wrote down as “The Bravest Man He Ever Met.”

As he told me the story, I suddenly realized my father was talking about landing on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. Can you imagine finding out your dad was that involved in such an historic event after so many years had passed.

I have since visited Juno Beach and had my own experience but that is a different story. Remembrance Day will always remain special to me.

And now we are approaching Christmas and the holiday season. I love this time of year and memories keep coming back to me. My parents made this time of year special with traditions they brought from their youth and I have tried to maintain my own traditions with my kids and grandkids.

Even when I was pretty low on funds, enjoying Christmas lights was an annual adventure. It still is.

When I was young, Mom and Dad would put the four kids in the station wagon and drive around looking at lights. Whenever we went downtown, we always drove home past the three wise men on camels atop the Great West Life Building. We were all in awe and it is a cherished memory.

The windows frosted up back then with so many in the car and everyone was assigned a scraper so we could see the next lights. St. Vital has its own annual displays, including Arbo Flora Garden Centre on St. Anne’s Road and the giant evergreens on Dunkirk Drive. And, of course, there were unique displays on houses everywhere.

There is something about the lights that brings a warm glow to my heart and fond memories of good times with my family and friends.

I hope you take the time to treasure good times from your past whatever those memories might be. And I hope you can create your own special memories this year.

Wishing you all the warmth and joy of the season!

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A major fundraiser for the local museum is upon us, as the St. Vital Museum (600 St. Mary’s Rd.) is selling its 2026 calendar, featuring 12 months of unique historic pictures. Cost is still only $5, and they can be purchased at the museum when open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. They can also be purchased just next door at Miller’s Meats (590 St. Mary’s Rd.) How many could you use?