Advent Calendar of Memories 2013 - December 24 Christmas Eve

I don't remember what we did when I was young. I am sure we tuned into the radio to hear the report of Santa's status. We would likely be excited and have trouble falling to sleep. My great Aunt Margaret spent many Christmas holidays with us when she was living in Southern Ontario. Once we had a television, we would watch special Christmas shows before it was time to get ready for bed. I don't recall ever opening any gifts on Christmas Eve.

In my teen years, I either went to church with my brother and his girl friend or went to one of the churches holding services on a rotation. As an adult, I remember going with my mother and father to our church. They were in the choir on Christmas Eve once they retired.If the weather was co-operative, we would go for a drive after the service and see the Christmas lights. Before the services became family oriented, I showed a Christmas Eve movie with the children in the Sunday School hall. 

 While we had the supermarket, Christmas Eve was a busy one right up to 10 p.m. when they closed. Then my parents had to come home to prepare the bank deposit.

One year we spent Christmas at my sister's and on Christmas Eve we attended the church service there. 

Christmas 2002 was spent in Guatemala. Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.

Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.
 We were all waiting until midnight.  Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.  Then it was time to open gifts.

Tonight I will attend the Family Service. After that I will likely watch some television.

To all, I wish a Merry Christmas and a time of creating new memories for you and yours.

In the language of my Germanic ancestors Fröhliche Weihnachten. In the languages of my immediate family, I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, and Feliz Navidad.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 

photo from Christmas 1952 - Ted, Nancy and Janet

updated 2013

© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2013 - December 23 - The Meaning of Christmas

Christmas means many things. The most important meaning is that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. For that reason, prominent in my home are the nativity scenes.

This first one, I pulled out of the storage container. It is one from my childhood. I don't know when we purchased it.

The star is missing from the top. The front part folds up for storing. Although, there are two sheep in the front, the scene depicts the visit of the three magi (two in front and one in the stable). Also in the stable with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus is a camel.

My mother purchased this Mexican scene when we went there just after Christmas, I am thinking January 1980.

My Guatemalan scene has grown in stages. The original pieces were the wooden figures. These were a gift from my brother and sister-in-law. During a visit at Christmas, I was given some more characters, the trees and buildings. Several more have been added since. 

Family is an important part of Christmas. As a child, I was fortunate to live across from my paternal grandparents. We would get to see our cousins too. My great aunt Margaret spent many Christmases with us. I usually spent some time with family at Christmas. It is a few years since I have hosted a Christmas celebration with some of the family.

Since, I became interested in genealogy and my family history, I also wonder how our ancestors celebrated Christmas. For many I am sure that celebrations were simple with church services being an important part of the season.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December!

© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories - 2013 December 14 - Cookies

Did your family make Christmas Cookies? How did you help? Did you have a favorite cookie?

My mother made cookies for both the family and church bazaars. I do not remember helping her. One year as an adult, I made many angel shaped sugar cookies for the church bazaar - "Invite an angel for tea". I don't remember how many but it was lots!

My favourite Christmas cookie is the melt in the mouth shortbread cookies. My mother also made cookies using a cookie press.
This is the shortbread recipe found in the small binder of handwritten recipes. Note - few instructions or details. I am not sure if these are the ones I remember.
1 cup lard
1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups All purpose flour
1/4" thickness - 375 degrees F (note that there is no time limit given)

 Here is another Shortbread recipe from the cookbook

There are few details written down
1 cup butter beat
 3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cup flour

Spread on cookie sheet
at 300 degrees F for 50 minutes

I have not tried either of the above recipes so I can not vouch whether they are tasty. The last one looks easy. 

In the 1970s, when the library had its "Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker" bazaar, the library staff (the women) had a cookie making party. We had lots of fun with each person given a task. The recipe was from the Canadian Living magazine - date unknown.
Check out the Canadian Living web site for the sugar cookie recipe.

When talking about cookies, I must also talk about the "Cookie Walk" at our church bazaar. We didn't come up with this idea. For many years, members of the congregation were asked to contribute at least 7 dozen cookies. People lined up to fill containers with this delicious and often colourful items. There were 2 sizes of containers. The price was a bargain but still a few people liked to cram the boxes extremely full. We always wondered if the cookies were smushed when they got home. The last time we had the cookie walk, volunteers gathered the day before and pre-packed an assortment in the boxes. 

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December!

© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories 2013 - Christmas at Church

Our family attended church every Sunday so it was no different during the Christmas season. Of course, there were some special services.

During the period leading up to Christmas there was Advent. I do not remember lighting Advent candles until after I was a Sunday School Teacher. The church would be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. During the years I was Sunday School Superintendent, the Advent Wreath was my responsibility. I would talk about the different candles and I would teach the congregation an Advent Candle song.

For many years, the most important service was the Carol Service. At first, it was only offered once but the demand was so great it was put on twice on a Sunday close to Christmas. The church organist/choir leader, Victor Kerslake, would work with the choirs for months. The church would be packed (near 900 people I figure). There would be choirs, ensembles and solos. The children's choir that I was part of would be in the side galleries - the boys on the east and the girls on the west. For many years, a wooden platform would be put up to extend the pulpit area. Unfortunately, a minister came who didn't permit this anymore. The intermediate choir (older teens and early 20s would sit on this extended platform.) The service was mostly music with only a few readings. 


If Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, our family would open our gifts from Santa before going to church. The Christmas gifts would be opened in the afternoon after we had lunch. 

As a teen, on Christmas Eve, I would sometimes go with my brother and his girl friend to her church for the special Christmas Eve service. One year, my sister and I were in a young peoples' group at a neighbouring church and our group looked after the service and the lunch that followed. That year, Santa had arrived before we got home but we did not look at what he brought. 

When I was teaching French for the Central Algoma School Board (near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) 1971-2, I lived on St. Joseph's Island and went to Harmony-St. Mark's United, I joined the choir. At Christmas, we put on a Christmas Cantata with a gospel style. That was fun to do!

Oh yes, there were Christmas bazaars and Christmas concerts too.

  This year I attended the Salvation Corners' Advent Walk. The four churches on one corner have presented this for a few years but it was my first time to attend.

updated from 2010

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 
© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2013 - December 10 - Christmas traditions

Christmas Traditions
When I think of Christmas pasts there were some traditions in place for a number of years that have not continued. Changing times have resulted in some changes. 

When I was young, we would open our Christmas gifts from Santa before breakfast. Then it would be time for breakfast. I don't recall any special food being served. Breakfast would be cleaned up. We'd get dressed and then it was time for opening the gifts under the tree, unless it was Sunday morning it was off to church.

The one tradition that has continued is how we open Christmas gifts. Although, it changed slightly over the years.

When I was younger, our family custom was one person to act as "Santa". This was usually my dad. He would dig under the tree to pass a gift to each person as it came their turn. Only one person opened a gift at a time. Everyone would ooh and ah! It didn't matter whether it was a pair of socks or a new toy or book. The giver would be thanked if they were present. My dad's big gift for my mom would always be given last. Often, it would placed somewhere other than under the tree. Someone would grab a camera to capture mom's expression when she opened her gift. 

After all the gifts were opened, each person was assigned a spot to display their gifts. A list was made of what a person received. This helped when you did your thank you letters. 

After my brother got married, we adopted his wife's family's tradition of passing out the gifts to each person at the start. Still, only one person could open a gift at a time. If it was your turn and your pile was getting a little short, you might pass until it came your turn again.

I enjoy taking my time to open the gifts and to see what each person received. I do not like to be rushed.

I think the idea of taking time opening gifts goes back to when our parents received few gifts, so it paid to take your time as it was soon over. It gave you a chance to appreciate what you received and to see what others received. 

When we were teenagers and young adults, for several Christmases we went to Florida for a holiday. We would open gifts often after work (post 10 p.m.) a few days before. It didn't have the same feeling. 

Now Christmas morning is different. Depending on the plans for the day, the morning is quiet usually spent watching Christmas programs on TV and watching the Christmas message from the Queen.  
The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 
© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories, 2013 - Santa Claus

I wrote letters to Santa as a child. We looked forward to receiving his reply. We saw Santa at the Santa Claus parade. Our parades have not always been in November and in the morning. I can remember walking down in the afternoon and there was tons of snow. (that is how I remember it.) Christmas 1989, although I didn't attend the parade, I remember how much snow there was as I had to make a trip to London to visit my father in hospital. Santa would also pay a visit to the Church Christmas Concert.

After we got TV broadcasts in this area and had a TV (I think I was 5 or 6. ), we watched Santa on CKNX, the only TV station we could get from Wingham, Ontario. The station didn't come on the air until November 1955. On Christmas Eve, during the News hour, the station's staff would host a Christmas party with their families in attendance and of course, Santa paid a visit before setting off on his trip.

One of the favourite things in our area, when I was a young person, was to listen to the afternoon broadcast on the radio (CFOS). Santa would be joined by Peek-a-boo (a little elf who was invisible and could report to Santa whether you were good or not - name pronounced by Father Time as Peck a boo) and also Father Time.  Another interesting character was also Jack Frost. Santa would wear special glasses to see Peek-a-boo. Santa would read the letters he had received. Perhaps, the new "Elf on the Shelf" is a modern rendition of this theme but ours was never seen.

Each programme would end with everyone repeating the Christmas wish with Santa. Now, is my memory serving me correctly? Do I have it right? Do any of you who are reading this remember these radio broadcasts?

"I wish that all the boys and girls in the world are happy this Christmas and that I can learn to be so good that every day is as happy as Christmas day." Of course Santa would end with a HO, HO, HO! and the "so" in "so good" would be stretched out. 

During the Christmas Fund Broadcast,the radio station would connect with Santa for his message. On Christmas Eve, the Radio Station announcer would check in with Santa to get his final report and the reminder that it was time for little children to go to bed.

 One year, in high school, at our annual Christmas concert, one of skits had our well remembered characters - Santa Claus, Father Time, Jack Frost and Peek-a-boo. 

 I wish had a photo of Peek-a-boo to show  you, but since he is invisible to everyone but Santa Claus, you will just have to use your imagination.

updated for 2014 from a posting in 2010

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 

© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories, 2013 - Christmas Lights

December 4

We put out Christmas lights at the places where I have lived but we never went overboard. None of our close neighbours did either. I have yet to do it at my new home.

It was a favourite family activity to go for a ride to view the Christmas lights that people put up on their property. We did that when we were children and I continued to do it with my parents in adulthood. I remember taking my nephews out to see the lights when they were little.

I still enjoy seeing the lights that people put up. Some of my neighbours have put up lights. They certainly brighten up the dark nights.

In our city, we have the Festival of Northern Lights. This celebration has grown since it started. Volunteers put up the decorations along the river as well as in Harrison Park.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December!
© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories, 2013 - Christmas Music

December 3
What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?

We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories.  One orange record had  "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". Another disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."



I can only recall caroling once outdoors. 

I enjoy attending Christmas Carol Services or special Christmas Concerts. For many years, when Mr. Kerslake was our church organist, we had a Christmas Carol Service - actually two - afternoon and evening.  The church had several choirs: boys, girls, Vespers (teenagers) and the adult choir. 

When my dad was in hospital at Christmas (1989), he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. Every time I hear or sing "Silent Night", I remember that Christmas. That was my dad's last Christmas.

This year, I attended the concert put on the Paisley Community Choir. Their concerts always showcase a variety of different styles of Christmas music. It is always a very enjoyable evening.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 
© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2013 - Christmas Cards

Dec.2

Christmas Cards were always welcomed at our home. Sometimes they would be put on a table or on a television, or perhaps posted on the wall and sometimes on an iron Christmas tree for showing cards. My mother sent many cards to family and friends. She had a Christmas Card book that had the addresses with a place for check marks for those sent and received. It was interesting to see the changes of address as people moved or were married. It was sad to see a name stroked out due to their passing. 

I have kept some special cards that I received over the years. 

I look forward to receiving cards, especially where a Christmas letter is enclosed. I still need to make my list for this year.

Here is a Christmas card that my father sent to his parents when he was in Italy during the 2nd World War. 

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 
© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories 2013 - Christmas trees

Did you have a real tree or was it artificial? How big was the tree? Who decorated the tree? 

When I was very young, we had a real tree and as a little child I am sure it looked big to me. From the pictures, I would likely say it was around 7 feet tall. The last real tree that I remember in our house was when I was a teenager. I recall taking it out and all the remaining needles were falling off, as the tree was pulled out the door. 

Christmas tree - 1952

For many years, we had an artificial tree. 

I remember my dad being responsible for the lights and making sure that the icicles were hanging properly. As we got older, we helped with the trimming of the tree. 

Some of the most special ornaments were handmade. As each one is pulled out of the box, you think about who made it. Today, while choosing which Christmas decorations to put out, I looked at some of them. Perhaps, I will have to get a Christmas tree next year as it is sad to see the ornaments sitting in a box.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) allows you to share your family’s holiday history twenty-four different ways during December! 


© 2013 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories - December 4 - Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards were always welcomed at our home. Sometimes they would be put on a table or on a television, or perhaps posted on the wall and sometimes on an iron Christmas tree for showing cards. My mother sent many cards to family and friends. She had a Christmas Card book that had the addresses with a place for check marks for those sent and received. It was interesting to see the changes of address as people moved or were married. It was sad to see a name erased due to their passing.

There are still some boxes of cards received that I will pack up and take me with to my new home. From time to time, I got through me and discard some but I still have those that are special that I want to keep.

I look forward to receiving cards, especially where a Christmas letter is enclosed. I still need to make my list for this year.

In my postcard box, I have some special cards that I have kept. The following is an old Christmas postcard. It says to Jack to Will. I am not too sure who each of these people were but I liked the photograph and thought.

© 2011 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories - December 1 - Christmas tree

During the early years, our family had a real Christmas tree. Eventually, we purchased an artificial tree. The quality of these improved over the years. We also had favourite ornaments that we loved to place on the tree. Over time new ones were added. Special are the ones that my mother made as part of the women's group.

I haven't put a large Christmas tree for a number of years. It is a lot of work for only one person to enjoy. I have put up my yarn Guatemalan wall tree with its minature ornaments. This year, I am preparing to move in January so I am not sure whether it will go up.

Below are a couple of Christmas trees that I got to enjoy over the Christmas holidays last year.

at my sister-in-law's place

at my sister's

© 2011 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 24 - Christmas Eve

How did you and your family spend Christmas Eve?
I don't remember what we did when I was young. I am sure we tuned into the radio to hear the report of Santa's status. We would likely be excited and have trouble falling to sleep. My great Aunt Margaret spent many Christmas holidays with us when she was living in Southern Ontario.

In my teen years, I either went to church with my brother and his girl friend or went to one of the churches holding services on a rotation. As an adult, I remember going with my mother and father to our church. They were in the choir on Christmas Eve once they retired. (While we had the supermarket, Christmas Eve was a busy one right up to 10 p.m. when they closed. Then they had to come home to prepare the bank deposit.) If the weather was co-operative, we would go for a drive after the service and see the Christmas lights. Before the services became family oriented, I showed a Christmas Eve movie with the children in the Sunday School hall.

I usually go to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It is a family service at 7:00 p.m. Several times, I have been invited to friends' place for Christmas cookies and a visit after the service.

To all, I wish a Merry Christmas and a time of creating new memories for you and yours.
In the language of my Germanic ancestors Fröhliche Weihnachten. In the languages of my immediate family, I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad

photo from Christmas 1952 - Ted, Nancy and Janet

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 21 - Christmas music

What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?
Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.


I still have a record player. Although, they are a bit scratchy, I put one on to listen to. They bring back memories. After 78s, we graduated to 33 albums and single 45s, then cassettes and now CDs.

We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories.  One orange record had  "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". Another disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."



I can only recall caroling once outdoors.


When my dad was in hospital at Christmas (1989), he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas. That was my dad's last Christmas.

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 20 - Religious Services

Did your family attend religious services during the Christmas season? What were the customs and traditions involved?

Our family attended church every Sunday so it was no different during the Christmas season. Of course, there were some special services.

During the period leading up to Christmas there was Advent. I do not remember lighting Advent candles until after I was a Sunday School Teacher. The church would be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. During the years I was Sunday School Superintendent, the Advent Wreath was my responsibility. I would talk about the different candles and I would teach the congregation an Advent Candle song.


For many years, the most important service was the Carol Service. At first, it was only offered once but the demand was so great it was put on twice on a Sunday close to Christmas. The church organist/choir leader, Victor Kerslake, would work with the choirs for months. The church would be packed (near 900 people I figure). There would be choirs, ensembles and solos. The children's choir that I was part of would be in the side galleries - the boys on the east and the girls on the west. For many years, a wooden platform would be put up to extend the pulpit area. Unfortunately, a minister came who didn't permit this anymore. The intermediate choir (older teens and early 20s would sit on this extended platform.) The service was mostly music with only a few readings. 


If Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, our family would open our gifts from Santa before going to church. The Christmas gifts would be opened in the afternoon after we had lunch. 

As a teen, on Christmas Eve, I would sometimes go with my brother and his girl friend to her church for the special Christmas Eve service. One year, my sister and I were in a young peoples' group at a neighbouring church and our group looked after the service and the lunch that followed. That year, Santa had arrived before we got home but we did not look at what he brought. 

When I was teaching French for the Central Algoma School Board (near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) 1971-2, I lived on St. Joseph's Island and went to Harmony-St. Mark's United, I joined the choir. At Christmas, we put on a Christmas Cantata with a gospel style. That was fun to do!

 This year, the young people did a great play for the congregation at the morning service on the 19th. Christmas Eve there will be a service at 7 p.m. with quiet communion offered before or after the service.

© 2010 Janet Iles updated from 2009

Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - December 19 - Christmas shopping

 How did your family handle Christmas Shopping? Did anyone finish early or did anyone start on Christmas Eve?

I do not recall anyone during my childhood/youth being last minute shoppers. My mother was a list maker and kept track of the gift giving as well as those gifts received in her notebooks . I am sure things were not left to the last minute as Christmas time was always a busy time in the grocery business. I still have the tiny notebooks. The earliest that I can find with the list of gifts written in shorthand was in 1955.

Gifts purchased have a check mark beside them. This is only page one of two for that year. Mom had gifts to purchase that had to be sent by mail so she would have to get those away early. She gave gifts to her siblings and her nieces and nephews. I can remember when there was enough mail around Christmas that we received two deliveries a day by Canada Post.
What did I get from mom and dad that year? -- Slippers, pyjamas, and telephone (toy of course)

One year, my dad took my sister and I Christmas shopping for new dresses. We were headed south for Christmas that year. My dress was a bright pink, with a dropped waist and it was sleeveless. I can't recall my sister's outfit. We went to B. Gorbet and Sons - women's clothing store and furrier. It has been closed for a number of years. [Information on this business and the founder] 

This year, I haven't done much in the way of shopping, but I still have a few more days to get it done. 
© 2010 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 December 18 Stockings

Did you have one? Where did you hang it? What did you get in it?

Christmas 1952 I am almost 3 years old. My sister and I are sitting beside the "fake" fireplace" Our stockings are hung waiting for Santa. The fireplace was made from wooden orange crates covered in "brick" paper. Did your family make use of these wooden crates for furniture such as bedside tables?

An orange usually was in the toe of the stocking. There would be a few toys and some candy.

In my teens, we graduated to tights and these were put over a chair. When we moved from the apartment over the corner store that we owned, the fireplace did not come with us. (not as a fireplace anyways).
 posted in 2007 and 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 17 - Nativitiy Scene

 My Guatemalan nativity scene with a few additions is the focus in my living room. Here is how I have set it up this year.

Unfortunately, I am still having trouble with uploads of photos to my blog so this does not show the colors well. I have posted them to my Flickr account. At the point of the page, there is a link to my Flickr account.


© 2010 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 13

Did you travel anywhere for Christmas? How did you travel and who traveled with you? Do you remember any special trips?

Most years our family would stay close to home for Christmas. Occasionally, we would travel to see friends but it would only be a day trip.

During my teen years, our family travelled several times to Florida - Naples, Fort Myers and Sannibel Island. We flew. It was fun to get away from the cold and snow. I didn't mind not having a white Christmas.

When I was little my paternal grandparents lived across the street. At some point on Christmas Day, we would walk across the street to visit. Quite often, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.

As an adult, I have gone twice to my sister's for Christmas Day. Back in 1978, she was expecting child #2 any day, so we packed up everything and headed there for Christmas (via car). Now, I often go to my sister's during the days following Christmas. 

Christmas 2002 was very special as my brother, sister and I would be together for Christmas Day. My sister and her son accompanied me to Guatemala. I had gone over to Barrie on the 21st travelling by coach. Early on Monday the 23rd, we left Barrie on an air-bus with door to door service to the Toronto airport. That began our adventure. It was a long day as we had also stops in the Detroit and Houston airports.

When we left the arrival lounge at Guatemala City, straight ahead in the mass of people were Ted, Doris and Sarah. I am not sure what we would have done if we hadn't seen them right away. By this time it was quite late. It was hard to believe we were there. A brightly lit Canadian Christmas tree awaited us at their home. 

Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.

Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.

 We were all waiting until midnight.  Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.

Now it was time to open our gifts.  Never have I ever opened Christmas gifts that early in the morning. 

After 1 a.m. we posed for family pictures and despite the late hour and the long day, we still looked pretty good. Finally we headed to bed. During the night, the vibration of the firecrackers being set off, set off the sensitive car alarm.

In the morning, the crowing of the roosters announced that it was Christmas morning.  What a great feeling to wake up where you didn’t look out of the window to fields and streets of snow - no thought of snow boots and heavy winter clothing and travelling on slippery, snowy roads with the fear of poor visibility.

That was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to see family and to experience Christmas in another culture. 

© 2010 Janet Iles

Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - Christmas Gifts - December 10

What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give?

Well, when I think about this I honestly can't name a favourite gift that I received. It is not that I haven't received many great gifts because I have. My mother kept a note pad listing the Christmas gifts she was going to purchase. Even if you read the list before Christmas, you wouldn't know what you were going to receive because it was written in shorthand.

One gift that I received a few days before Christmas 2000 did not come wrapped in paper to be  placed under the Christmas tree, nor did it come by parcel post. It came from a stranger via email. It was the helpful piece of information that took me back another generation in my Iles family. I wrote about it in A Gift of Genealogy.


My favourite gift that I gave was in Christmas 2000. I made three copies of a brief family history. I gave a copy to my sister and my brother. The book was printed on my computer printer and put into a three-ring binder. Our parents were the focus of the book. I talked about them, their families and traced only their direct lines as I knew it at that time. A couple of years ago, I did an updated version for four of my nephews.

One year, around 1993, my mother and I gave each other the same sweater. When we exchanged the gifts, only the two of us were there. She opened hers up first. At first, she thought something had happened to the gift tags. Then, I opened mine. We had a good laugh about how we both had chosen the same gift for the other. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes without consulting the other, we would both chose to wear this same sweater and the same coloured slacks to an event. 

When I was younger, our family custom was one person to act as "Santa". This was usually my dad. He would dig under the tree to pass a gift to each person as it came their turn. Only one person opened a gift at a time. Everyone would ooh and ah! It didn't matter whether it was a pair of socks or a new toy or book. The giver would be thanked if they were present. My dad's big gift for my mom would always be given last. Often, it would placed somewhere other than under the tree. Someone would grab a camera to capture mom's expression when she opened her gift. 

After all the gifts were opened, each person was assigned a spot to display their gifts. A list was made of what a person received. This helped when you did your thank you letters. 

After my brother got married, we adopted his wife's family's tradition of passing out the gifts to each person at the start. Still, only one person could open a gift at a time. If it was your turn and your pile was getting a little short, you might pass until it came your turn again.

I enjoy taking my time to open the gifts and to see what each person received. I do not like to be rushed.
 
My mother and I have always liked people to open the gifts carefully to save the paper if possible so that it could be reused. I didn't know if my any of my nephews remembered that but when my nephew was opening the wedding gifts, he was tearing off the paper and he said, "Sorry, Janet". Well I really don't expect to recycle wedding paper.

© 2010 Janet Iles