The magic of Christmas memories

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/12/2021 (540 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Christmas season is upon us and I hope you all find some joy and peace to nourish. At this time of year, I sometimes reflect on pleasant memories of years long ago.

Cutting down the tree

When I was young, cutting down the Christmas tree was an all-day event. We packed into the car and drove east of Winnipeg, paid our 25 cents at the designated area in Sandilands Provincial Forest, and traipsed into the bush with dad’s axe to figure out which top of one of the tall trees would look best in our living room.

Some years the tree was not perfect. OK, some years it was downright comical. But it smelled fabulous and always looked beautiful once the lights and decorations were adorning it. On occasion, I know Dad drilled holes in the tree trunk where he placed branches to make the tree look fuller.

On the way home from this trip one year, the car broke down a block from our house. A family friend, Roy Main, had a bad back and could not help push, so, in fun, he tied a rope to the front of the car and pretended to be pulling it solo down the last block to our house. In reality, everyone else was behind the car pushing, but it made for a great picture!

Visit to Santa

A highlight of the season was heading downtown to see the mesmerizing window displays at the Eaton’s and Hudson’s Bay stores. The magical moving displays and the animated nursery rhymes in Santa’s Village were sights not easily forgotten.

The lights

Driving around the streets to see Christmas lights was also a favourite pastime. We had our favourites, such as the three wise men atop the Great-West Life building, the display at Arbo Flora garden centre, and the homes on Dunkirk Drive, but every light added to the season.

In the back seat, we had to bring scrapers for windows that fogged up. Dad put frost shields on the driver and passenger side windows so those in the front seat could see out. Cars have better air circulation now and I still love to go and look at the lights.

The food

One similarity to today is the season had a lot of food-based traditions. I never developed a liking for shortbread or the Christmas pudding that most of my family treasured, but the oatmeal cookies with dates in between still bring a smile to my face.

Boxing Day tours

Dec. 26 shopping was not a thing in my childhood. Instead, four families spent the entire day together sharing food and friendship. Rotating from house to house with activities such as skating and tobogganing in between was heaven for children and adults alike. I always looked forward to Boxing Day.

I hope this season is joyous for you. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone! See you next year!

John Hindle is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email him at john@johnhindle.com