TO HAVE A RESOLUTION OR NOT?

Many people begin the New Year with a list of resolutions that many experts- whoever they are- say are not fulfilled by the end of January. So disappointment! Why have any resolutions? How did the notion of a resolution even begin? Thinking about this whole notion, a decision was made not to have any resolutions. So how to start the new year freshly? What not just continue as is? Finish projects started. Continue to eat well. Exercise enough. Enjoy life and family. Do the things that bring meaning and pleasure. Why not start the year with the same old, same old? Sounds a little boring but if your life already has joy and pleasure, why not just add more of the same? Or just the same! More is not better, it is just more! Perhaps life's goals are more meaningful than resolutions! Or do we even need goals! Is getting up in the morning and putting a foot in front of the other, making life happen the best way to start any day as well as a new year? Well I personally have no new year resolutions! How about you?

                                                                 
                                                                           CHEERS!

SAYING GOODBYE TO 2015

December ending so another year has come and almost gone. There is always a joy to be able to reflect, review and rejoice about the year ending. To be alive and able to welcome a new year is a life's blessing. Sometimes going to a party like many people are planning or going to Niagara or New York City or City Hall in Toronto or just a quiet celebration at home, Canadians are saying goodbye to the year. So how about you, what are your plans and celebration? Did you get some things or activities done? Did you fulfill your resolutions? Did you even have any resolutions? 2015 was it a good year for you?

NANA SAYS VACATION DAYS ARE GOOD FOR DOWNTIME

With Christmas finished and the New Year approaching, it is a good time to sit back and enjoy the downtime. Rather than rushing around, try for some quiet events at home and in the neighbourhood. Of course some people are on a beach on a southern vacation but there are lots of things to do locally. Skating on an outdoor rink or indoors is a fun event too.  Home crafts or just cleaning up the craft area for the next projects helps too. With new items for Christmas, perhaps it is a good time to clean those closets. Sure the kids will say boring but often it is something that is necessary. Sorting through what fits and what does not! If a new item is needed, sales abound everywhere! Have the children, yes even the teens write a page about the year, Christmas or a special family event to put in your family album- a physical one, in the cloud, a computer file or whatever you use. It could become a tradition and a little mini diary of family events. Not much for now, but 10 or 20 years from now may be a moment at family events. Yes a video could do the trick but often the simple printed word written by little hands can mean more too! Encouraging reading, art, simple activities are good not only for children but the adults. Yes we can run and run and run around but being comfortable with our own company is good too! Teaching children to do simple activities is needed. Sometimes a play date may help. One friend over to spend a few hours with each child and a simple meal provided. Put away the gadgets. Too much face time is well too much. So the play date works with actual real time and conversation. Before long the new year and back to school will happen, the new hoopla will begin! Are you tired yet? So some restful activities may be what everyone needs! If the kids are too noisy, maybe there is a grandparent handy to help with them!!

FAVOURITE IMAGES OF 2015

A year can bring many changes, challenges and events. As seen through pictures, it can become clear what brought the most pleasure.

Celebrating a special birthday.

Winter with its white beauty.

Making a fresh batch of gnocchi for home and children!

A 50th anniversary High School Reunion in May.

Pretty in pink spring flowers and trees!

Pan Am Games in Toronto and area!

Oh those Jays gave us a good run!

Fall pumpkins and vegetables! The bounty of the nation!

Remembering!

Everything that Christmas brings! Family, friends, food, fun and love!

ENJOYING THE POST CHRISTMAS QUIET

Boxing day sales out of the way for the shoppers, being home for many Canadians enjoying the new gifts that could include a camera or a gadget or the current craze of adult colouring books on a post Christmas Sunday. Reading the papers from the weekend leisurely rather than snippets on the computer. Nothing like the feel of newsprint and if needed can clip an article or two to review again at a future date. Some families still have "get togethers" planned. Some are still eating leftovers like turkey sandwiches with soup. And the veggies with gravy! Movies at home or the theatre are a hit during the seasonal break. Trips in Ontario include jaunts to the Niagara area to see the winter Falls and enjoy the indoor play areas for children or up to snow country for the skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing! Hoping there will be enough snow! Still enjoying the lights and decorations until it is time at New Year to put everything away again. Many leave the outside lights up until after Epiphany- January 6! No wrapping and hoopla so the quiet projects can be reviewed and work continue. Finish any phone calls to family not yet made on Christmas day. More time to chat. Yes texting and emails can happen, but the real sound of a voice is pleasurable too! Or just puttering around the house and neighbourhood to take it all in! Time to slow down and not smell the roses but to appreciate all that is in front of us! Between us! And behind us! The present with all its wonder!

                                                Enjoying the moment in time!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK EIGHT

Well it is Christmas day. Early rising for Adolph to call his cousins in Italy, His cousin Carolina loved the photo book we sent her of our family events the last year!  I spoke to my sister in Leduc Alberta this week. We sent her the same photo book- she loved it too! Well I sent one to my Dad in the Nursing Home in West Kelowna-Westbank, BC. as well! Last Friday there was the hospital Holiday Breakfast for all the staff. Well attended by all! It was busy at work as many patients were prepared to be discharged home for Christmas. The staff a little happier as there are so many goodies everywhere- chocolates, cookies and other stuff as thank yous from families and often our doctors and each other! Those that have to stay will be treated to a nice Christmas meal. The staff that are working today have a free lunch provided in honour of their hard work. The malls were packed with last minute shoppers. Apparently a lot of them were men buying those last minute gifts.There is a warm Christmas on record in the GTA while other parts of Canada have had their share of snow. North of Toronto in the Barrie area there is snow which is good for those ski and snow board operators. In Toronto, the skating rink at City Hall is closed as it is a pool right now. In a few days the temperature should drop freezing it again.
Our usual Christmas Eve seafood dinner which is an Italian tradition was just the two of us as our girls had plans with their in-laws. So instead of the 7 dishes, we had 3. Lobster was the main stay, shrimps and dip,  a crab mixture with some salad and a fresh bun. Rounded out with white wine for me and Italian chocolate torone for dessert. We watched another Christmas movie on TV and the concert from Italy with David Foster and Andre Bocceli. Very casual as the big meal is today.
Of course the traditional Canadian dinner with turkey and all the trimmings- fresh bread stuffing
( bread, onions, celery, fresh parsley, garlic, sage, a pinch of ginger, some butter cubes all mixed with the bread-white and brown) in the turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, 2 squashes, mushrooms and to have an Italian flavour to the meal for Adolph- some Italian sausages and roasted red peppers, some crunchy Italian bread.. Dessert will be a Yule log, Tuxedo cake and some apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. I miss the plum pudding and rum sauce but no one eats it but me so I do not include it anymore with the meal. It was a standard growing up as my Mom would put real rum in the sauce!! Of course the house is full of candy canes, chocolate santas, cookies- my girls make them with their children and many other goodies placed in dishes. Drinks will include white and red wine, milk-white or chocolate for the kids, pop, tea, coffee and bottled water. So a feast for all will be had. For little children and many adults opening those stockings and Christmas presents left by Santa will be happening right now across the country. Last night NORAND tracked Santa's travels across the world- makes us all a believer again. The Elf on the shelf gets put away for another year! Just hoping the grandchildren enjoy all the presents given to them. One little guy looked at his bag of stuff saying is it clothes?? Well some has to be clothes as it is for the Mom!
So what does it mean to have the big day here. A blessing. Memories of Christmas past! The fun that was provided by the adults in my life and now providing it for my family too. A day at home to putter and prepare for the meal later in the day. Listen to more music. Christmas- a time for connecting, going to church, singing carols, loving the children- well it is the biggest blessing to have them in my life. Knowing that some of the efforts went to support those in need in the community and to keep them in mind throughout the year! Remembering those we lost and keep their memories alive in small ways. So a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good day!

THANKS TO THOSE WHO WORK OVER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Not everyone has the days off to enjoy with family and friends. The police officers, the firemen, the health care professionals, staff at the Nursing Homes, the bus drivers and airline personnel, the convenience store owner, the emergency staff at hydro or any other utility-just in case- there is a down time. So many more!! Sure they get time and a half for working the stat but still they are not with family. Luckily the stores close at 6 pm so the sales people can get home to be with their families too on Christmas Eve. Our Armed Forces wherever they are, here's to you for being there and supporting Canadian efforts in the world. and at home. Well in all the kitchens across the countries- the cook who is usually the Mom- thanks to you for making Christmas look so easy! Santa's elves and helpers everywhere for all the shopping, wrapping and delivering of the presents, hosting the parties and Christmas/Holiday concerts that make the season fun. The joy of Christmas is from all the work so if anyone has been left out- thanks to you too!

NANA SAYS TWO MORE SLEEPS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Parents have it very rough the days leading into Christmas. The children's excitement is through the roof. How many sleeps? Are we there yet? The elf on the shelf can just contain them for so long. Are you naughty or nice- Santa is watching becomes very thin! Eyeing those presents under the tree! Can't wait until Christmas morning! Children have a sugar overload even when there is lots of fruit and vegetables around the house! Love the tangerines and clementines this time of year! Getting children to eat the yummy fruit is another thing! Too much Christmas can be well too much! Relaxing activities like a movie- watched The Grinch that Stole Christmas with the grandchildren last night on their sleepover! Good to chill while eating snacks like popcorn! Even with the excitement too much together time can lead to conflicts! So try some separate activities with the children apart from each other. The areas that have snow provide outdoor activities that are good exercise and the fresh air tires the children. Skating on indoor rinks without the outdoor freeze can help too. The swimming pools are open that provide some entertainment and exercise! Children need to move. So even in the areas of Canada right now that are seasonally warmer than normal, get out for a walk! Good for the adults! If able to get to the snow, then the skiing, snow boarding and tobogganing can be great fun! Christmas does have its traditions so reading The Night Before Christmas, the Nativity story and other favourites can be quiet activities for the kids. Lots of crafts and colouring. My oldest granddaughter made a beautiful banner that is now in the dining room pinned on the curtain to be part of the Christmas dinner decorations. The noise, the excitement, the music, the hype is what I remember about Christmas as a child. Creating those same moments are important too. It is supposed to be a little hectic and chaotic! Remember it goes by so very quickly, so jump on and enjoy the ride!

SAYING MERRY CHRISTMAS IS VOGUE AGAIN

Yes people at the stores are saying Merry Christmas and not just Happy Holidays. Nice to hear. It is the Christmas season, isn't it. In Canada we do celebrate diversity but it is okay to say Happy Kawnazaa, Happy Hanukkah, celebrate Nooraz in the Spring, Diwali and whatever comes along. So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone, well at Christmas and New Year!

By being wished a Merry Christmas from a non-Christian is really diversity. Everyone has a special holiday which is really a Holy Day so saying the real day has more meaning. When it is another special celebration it is not expected that someone for example celebrating HOLI in the Hindu faith in March have to wish a Merry Christmas so why at Christmas do these other celebations need to be mentioned. Why not just celebrate each one uniquely? Chinese New Year is different than the regular one so leave it at that! Celebrate both! Fun and food come with most faith days!! Learning about others at the significant time really has more meaning anyway!! So Christians everywhere, during the year wish others a Happy whatever it is and at Christmas, do not shy away from a Merry Christmas to one and all. If lucky those from other faith groups may get a present or two and even be invited to a good festive dinner!! What are your thoughts?

DECEMBER 21- FIRST DAY OF WINTER

And the shortest day. Only 4 more sleeps until Christmas! The Winter Solstice is the reason many celebrations occur around this time of year- to bring light to the dark. Some of our Christmas festive times have roots in past centuries. Wonderful that humans connect with other times. Perhaps Jung was correct with his collective unconscious. Or is it just our gene pool? Sometimes we think of the winter of our life! Seniors anyway do! Winter can be just as much fun as the other seasons depending on how it is approached. Some sprend the whole winter down south, somewhere warm! Indoor and outdoor activities abound. It is also the day a dear friend died so many years ago, so we do think of Larry! Spending time to enjoy the events of the season. Connecting and reflecting- not a bad concept! So what do you do the first day of winter? Do you have special rituals? Or are you just looking forward to December 22 when the sun is starting to come back to us!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK SEVEN

With the presents all wrapped, it was time to deliver them. So all the presents to the girls and families so the  grandchildren can have lots under the trees. Empty spaces in parts of the house again. One grandchild had a holiday concert- can't call it a Christmas concert anymore but at least a couple of songs mentioned Christmas. Let my daughter and husband go to their company Christmas dinner! Adolph will be buying the turkey. Potatoes, gravy mix, squashes are bought for next week's dinner. The Pot luck lunch at work was good with a variety of food and desserts. Colleague presents exchanged with each other. My favourite parts of Christmas- driving down streets and seeing the light displays. Going to some high end neighbourhoods with their elaborate displays is fun. I would not want to see the hydro bill. Everyone takes a string of lights or two and makes an unique display! Just the joy of  Christmas lights everywhere! Love it. My most favourite activity with the exception of course of  having loving family is sitting quietly in my family room by my Christmas tree- knitting, watching TV, reading a book or just sitting quietly! It is peaceful and a reminder of my childhood sitting by the Christmas tree with the lights on. Some new traditions that people do- the Elf on the Shelf. Last night at one daughter and son-in-law's house- the elf named Snowball was playing cards. Such a fun and cute idea! Maybe I'll get an elf for next year too! Cards arriving in the mail- fun to hear from everyone and know people are doing well. At work, everywhere one goes in the building, there is food. Staff bringing goodies for each other. Patients and families giving thank you cookies and chocolates. There is a buzz. Seeing people bringing parcels and presents to each other! Trying to make this a special Christmas as plans could include it being the last year in this house! Maybe went a little overboard but whatever when real retirement hits then time to ease up!  Meanwhile my philosophy is to make it the best Christmas I can to create good memories. The joy is just having each other to celebrate together. One week to the big day! Are you ready? Do you have a little Christmas hangover with all the work and preparations involved or are you just flowing with the mood and enjoying? I find myself singing Christmas carols out loud. Just love the music!  Perhaps it is why I sit quietly in my family room because it is a very tiring season!!

So HO HO HO Santa will be coming to town!

CANADIAN CHRISTMAS IMAGES

Poinsettsa!

Presents!

Table full of Christmas treats!

Wreath on a door!

The Santa Claus Parade!

Keeping Christ in Christmas!

DO YOU HAVE THE CHRISTMAS BLUES?

Amidst all the hoopla of Christmas there can be some hidden feelings. The surface happiness can hide some underlying depression, anxiety or grief. Christmas as the special time it is, can be a reminder of missing the old times, the loved ones no longer with us or perhaps the first time away from home in a different place. Not every family lives around the corner from each other. Often siblings, children, cousins can be spread across the country or even the world. Wanting everyone to be together is just not feasible! If it is the first Christmas after a loved one's death it can bring the blues faster. Recognizing how one is feeling and knowing it is not unusual to have some down times or a low mood let's all the emotions of the season prevail. Pulling out favourite pictures, watching the home movies or videos, putting a Christmas decoration on the tree as a reminder or whatever let's all the feelings be normalized helps with the days of feeling down. If there are family conflicts Christmas can be a time they rise to the occasion. Spending too much time together can exacerbate them. So limiting the time can help. Often everyone comes together to satisfy one family member but it may not be the happy time wanted. There can be a Donny Downer in every family! Stay away from him! The competitive one is another annoyance. My gift cost more than yours! Or the- I was so busy with my life, I did not have time to get anything for anyone! The Blues can be caused by those negative people that exist in families! So what to do! Gravitate to those people that mean more. Maybe say no to a function or two if they have become out of hand! Create your own Christmas season. Do the things that have meaning to you and yours. For your children, make new traditions that will be their memories. With your grandchildren, find some fun stuff to do- less is more so make them simple. Sometimes just a walk in the snow or making the best snowman works for the Canadian child! The time together! Sometimes the blues can be conquered by telling people in your lives how much you love them and just being together is the best Christmas. If you are missing someone, have a good cry! If we can't cry with our grief when can we? Christmas colours are red, green and white but sometimes blue creeps in!
#christmasblues#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#normalizeyourfeelings#rememberingyourlovedones#seasonalblues

TEN DAYS TO CHRISTMAS

Or is it. Some countries and traditions celebrate on other days then the 25th of December. The 6th of December is important to some. Christmas Eve is important to Germans who open their presents on the Eve. Epiphany is January 6th celebrated by some Orthodox Christians and La Befana for Italians. So the next few weeks will be the start of various celebrations for the worldwide Christian community. Taking the time to celebrate and enjoy the festive events as the home stretch is in sight!

CHRISTMAS-A TIME FOR GIVING IN CANADA

Along with all the presents exchanged between family and friends, Christmas gives us an opportunity to reach out to others. So many causes so pick the ones that have meaning to you. The Food Bank in your community always needs items year round but add some Christmas treats like Candy Canes. The Toy drives so any child that needs an item at Christmas gets something. Remembering the child does not need to be Christian to receive a gift or two. It is the spirit of the Christian community to include all people. The local agencies that serve dinners to the homeless or those that simply can not afford a meal can use an extra donation. Toronto had its last turkey and fruit cake giveaway yesterday that was started by Ed Mirvish decades ago from his Honest Ed store. The property is sold. Perhaps someone else will pick up the tradition in the city. Then there are the national events that may need a donation or two. Internationally to help those in other lands with an education, health or agricultural donation to give a hand up and not just a hand out! Inviting someone new to the Christmas dinner table can be a simple way to include others. So pick your cause as it is impossible to give to all charities. Christmas helps us pause and think of others who may need. If you are someone who is needing some extra help, it is on the way. Canadians are a generous people and try to reach out to others.

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK SIX

The excitement is in the air. The traffic during the day and weekends has picked up as last minute shoppers are out in droves. My wrapping is finished. So scheduling the parcel drops at each home will happen soon. Taking the gifts for work colleagues can happen Monday as one friend who is retired will surprise us with a visit. Wednesday is our program Pot Luck so already have the non perishable stuff under my desk, i.e. box of crackers, box of cookies, plates, plastic cutlery. Although someone else is supposed to bring the plates and cutlery, I always bring extra. When I first started on the Surgery Program the first Pot Luck had no plates!! For those of you that may not understand what a Pot Luck is- well everyone that is coming brings a dish of food. It could be a salad, a meat dish, a veggie dish, dessert etc. The Luck part is- one hopes that the dishes will be different and not a table full of salads or just cookies! So the Pot Luck! Actually any Pot Luck usually has more food than is possible to eat at any one go!
Back to the wrapping,I needed to round off the gifts for one grandchild. As I was finishing wrapping, I realized I had 3 boxes for 1 and only 2 for the other. As we know children do not care if the cost is the same, just how many items are wrapped. So a quick walk to the local Mall to buy a shirt and pants, voila another box under the tree for him. Walking was a good thing. The traffic was bumper to bumper going into the Mall. The amount of beeping that drivers were doing to each other points out the frenzy that starts to happen this time of year. The second Saturday before Christmas.

With the wrapping finished for me, the bedroom now looks like a bedroom again. Threw or just moved all the stuff to the craft room to be slowly organized and put away. Why I say slowly is because my husband will need some wrap or gift bag and a tag or 2 for a present for me. Although we usually just buy a joint gift for each other- this year a new camcorder-, we still put a small gift under the tree.
There is a major family event today that will be fodder for a good post next week. A report back on the Pot Luck may another report too.
The local concerts of Christmas music are happening in many locations and churches. The Nutcracker will be performed at our local theatre- wish I had tickets. Of course the National Ballet of Canada has their annual Nutcracker ballet in Toronto every year.
No snow in our area but many parts of Canada have lots of snow. So it will be a White Christmas for them. The Christmas movies continue on TV which drive my husband crazy as some of them are not the classics and rather lame! Good thing for him there are sports to see!!
The picture was taken a couple of years ago at Yorkdale Mall which is a rather large Mall. I thought the Moose gave the post more of a Canadian flavour, eh!!
#christmas#yorkdalemall#mooseinthemall#christmasconcerts#christmas2015#presentswrapped#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#nutcrackerballet#christmaspotluckatwork#barbaradimambro

HAPPY OR STRESSFUL-CHRISTMAS CAN BE BOTH

As the season reves up, there is a new joy or energy in the air. Those who organize and pace themselves are starting to enjoy the moments of the season. Stress is driving in a snowstorm or fighting shoppers at the Mall but sitting quietly doing whatever by a lit Christmas tree with a favourite beverage is not stressful. Wrapping gifts a few at a time can be enjoyable too. Choices of how to do the gift giving can be varied. With small grandchildren, they need presents under the tree but in a few years it could be money or gift cards. Seeing the faces of children unwrapping their presents is part of the event. As a couple we buy a joint gift- something we would like to have. There is always something small under the tree to open Christmas morning. The parties and lunches are starting to happen. Love it. Receiving cards in the mail. Love it. The small pleasures are happy ones. But some thoughts do creep in. Remembering those no longer with us! Thoughts and memories of other times can be brought to the present moments! Talking about the old times and remembering those loved ones can be part of the Happy!! Keeping those memories alive. Telling the younger generation about those people and what they did at Christmas can be part of the family tradition. Bringing out some old pictures or watching the Christmas movies now on video flipped to digital can be fun too! So your decision- are you happy or just stressed? Try to aim for happy! The season rushes by much too quickly!

NANA SAYS IS IT CHRISTMAS YET

Any festive holiday is difficult for children.Christmas and its preparation can be over the top with events, parties and just getting the home ready. Children are part of the excitement. They often have trouble containing themselves. Like the car ride- are we there yet? Christmas can be how many more sleeps. Are we there Yet? Having children enjoy the many events of the season can help. Needless to say it can be exhausting for parents. Are you feeling the exhaustion yet? Probably. So find the quiet moments with children. Listen to Christmas music. Watch a movie. Read the Nativity story. Find and contain the energy. Making quiet crafts can help. Any activity that can bring silence and concentration can help. If one parent can sneak away to wrap presents that helps too!

BLESSINGS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Counting our blessings does not take much. A home. A job. Family. Friends. Warmth. Food on the table. Knowing what blessings you have can give you the incentive to reach out and give to others in need in the season. The toy drive. The food bank. The gifts to international causes to give a hand up not a handout! Education and health promoted for all! Teach today so the person can do tomorrow. Each blessing had comes from generations of hard work and dedication so be the present to give to the future. Oh our blessings!

LIFE IS LIKE A FRUIT PLATTER

Presented together we all look pretty. Each a different colour. Each having a different taste. Sometimes including every fruit but sometimes only a few. Variety, acceptance- what kind of fruit are you?

Maybe adding a few sweets helps with the variety?

WORKING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

As our personal lives take on the pressures of the Christmas season, work still has to happen! Being attentive to clients or patients or whoever you provide a service takes energy and time. Being kind, considerate and understanding is easy for an office job but remember those in the stores, making gift baskets or preparing catered food for the functions are working even harder. So take time to acknowledge, thank or just be aware that like you, everyone is busy too! So your busy is not more important than others' busy!! Just watch so many people are trying to outdo others with " anything you have to do, I have more." Try to do what is on your plate at home and work. It is not a competition. Everyone does what they want for the holiday season, making their own memories and celebrating their own traditions. More at a Christmas dinner table does not make the event better if your dinner table has fewer people, it is still your celebration. There is always that number game. " I am having 10. But I am having 20!" Less can be more anyway. Fitting in work around the season does take challenges. The office party. The pot luck. The Christmas dinner/dance. To exchange gifts or not?? When to pull out the Christmas ear rings and sweatshirts to be festive can be the ultimate question?

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK FIVE

Into December, the pace  picks up for shoppers everywhere- if one still has lots of shopping to do. Last Monday sent the " out of province parcels" to Alberta and British Columbia. Mailed the Christmas cards to Italy and the United States too. By Friday all the other cards written and put in the mail. Of course the 2015 newsletter was written a few weeks ago to add to the cards. Sobeys had nice outdoor planters so bought one of those for the front outdoor area last weekend. The greenery adds to the trees with lights already there. As many families and friends are doing, the Christmas  friend's dinner party for adults was held on the 5th. Time to share drink and a good meal- lots of veggies and fruit along with the chicken breast. It was good to give the house a needed clean so now in better shape for the Christmas season. I did the modern thing by buying the veggie, fruit and cookie platters ready made. Sure saved lots of preparation time!  The Christmas tree was bought and put up earlier than normal. However it is very skinny and fell out of its stand on Friday so stood up anchored in the stand again only to be leaning. What to do? So anchored it to  the large hook on the curtain rod that is well secured to the frame as well as the door handle of the sliding door. Keeping scissors handy in case we need to make a quick exit from there. So you have seen the pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, well we have the Leaning Tree of Richmond Hill!!! Finally put my Christmas CDs in my BOSE player- takes 4 at a time and flips repetitively so no need to attend to the unit. The music was nice during our dinner quietly playing in the background. So back to wrapping the local gifts and determining if the gifts  for the grandchildren are even. Do I need one more thing??? Or just some gift cards to round out the presents! There are more houses with lights on my street so it is looking prettier. One house has a good front yard display with lights on the trees and two of those prelit deer covered in white lights! During the busyness of the season, good to have a quieter day to watch lame Christmas movies on TV or catch a quick nap. The pace is picking up at work too. This time of year lots of winter illnesses starting to happen. So need some energy to do my job. Of course no one wants to get sick at Christmas time so want to keep my immune system healthy. No snow yet but we want a white Christmas not a blizzard. Some parts of Canada like the Maritimes have been experiencing lots of snow!

NANA SAYS BLEND SOME CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS WITH MODERN IDEAS

Family traditions are okay but they should not get in the way of how a modern family needs to function during the holidays. Some parents can take time off work to be home during the school break but many need to work. Not everyone can afford a trip south to get away from it all. Then the demands of " this is the way we always did It!" Yes when you were a child but now the two parents both bring traditions to the table. My husband and I blended the Italian-Canadian aspect of our family. Christmas Eve with the seafood dinner and 7 dishes that came from his home country of Italy was always welcome. Christmas Day with the Canadian turkey dinner and all the trimmings with the Christmas crackers- English idea gave the Canadian tradition I experienced as a child. The stockings for the children were hung with the goodies to come from Santa. Adolph did not have a stocking as a child so never rose to the occasion of wanting a stocking. So we do not do it now that we have been empty Nester! Although I miss the idea of filling a stocking at Christmas. Of course my house was always decorated for Christmas with the tree and lots of lights. My mother always made our childhood home very festive with lots of baked goods. Making new family traditions work. My children were always allowed to open one present Christmas Eve, where as a child I was not. My children love the idea that Christmas dinner is still at home with the parents. They do have some events during the season we attend. Perhaps the children in the family will bring an idea for everyone to do thus creating a new family tradition. Some couple still spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day driving to family events all over the province. Not a great tradition. Some families should rethink how to get members together without the stress of all the driving. There will come a day when these parents will go to the children's home for the dinner. As children grow, they want to stay in their own home Christmas day to play with their stuff. There are plays and concerts and ballets at Christmas that can become a tradition too. Some people like to see the National Ballet Nutcracker every year in Toronto. I have seen it with the girls when they were younger. Perhaps it is time to take the grandchildren to see it- a new tradition. Parents are trying to create memories and traditions for their little ones to capture. Less is more! The simple things are the best things. Rather than trying to bake for an army, maybe just make some simple sugar cookies to be decorated as an activity. Bringing those cookies to the Christmas dinner are always welcome. Those boxed gingerbread houses that many children love to make are fun too. But less is more, so attending all the functions that come with the season is cumbersome, try to slow down all the rush. A good hot chocolate with marshmellows while watching a favourite Christmas movie while cuddling on the couch is a good simple, fun event. Maybe while the kids are watching, the weary parents can take a short nap. One of the best Christmas traditions is you the parent! How you handle the season makes the memories. If you are tired and nagging and just complaining about all the work that is the memory you are creating. So check yourself periodically. If you are not enjoying yourself, try to cut back on some aspects. Life is not perfect, so Christmas will not be perfect either. Just aim for a good one. December events are just gearing up, so remember your support team- the grandparents and the siblings without children. How can they help!

DECEMBER-A TIME TO ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Leaving November behind, December is the month of fun, parties and work. Those last minute shoppers have a few weeks to buy their presents. For me, the season is about the spirit of it. What to do, where to go, who to help! The toy drives, the food bank, the charity donations, are part of the Christian way of doing things. Is there someone who needs to come for dinner? A phone call? An email? A longer letter in a Christmas card? The season makes us think about others we have not thought about for the year. A good thing as it gives us a chance to reach out and well touch someone or just connect! However, it is tiring. Are you tired yet? I know I am even though I am on track with all my Christmas stuff. Thank heaven for online shopping as it has helped me to round out those little purchases for grandchildren. So December 1 means we are in the home stretch. More lights on streets. The buzz picking up. Thinking about how to help those in need. Then melancholy moments of thinking about those no longer with us. Those who live far away and it would be nice to have them here for the holidays. Memories creep in! Usually good, but sometimes the ones that hurt. Remembering the last Christmas with someone. Knowing it would be the last one. It may be our last Christmas in our house so I do want to make it special. No definitive plans of moving but it feels right to think about it. The last year has brought some deep soul searching of what is next!! So Christmas brings up all the need of what has been, what is now and what is the future. Sounds a little like The Christmas Carol by Dickens doesn't it. Perhaps he had it right so many years ago. So are you going with the flow or has the season conjured up some deeper thoughts? Are you keeping it simple? Are you going full out with plans? Family dues! Concerts! Movies! Music! Oh December- the last month of 2015 but will it be a good one. I do hope so!!

THE SCOTS WENT EVERYWHERE-HERE'S TO SCOTLAND

The Scots influence in Canada is paramount. St. Andrew's day is celebrated in the world. Fergus Ontario celebrates in a big way. Even a province- Nova Scotia was named after Scotland. Our roots and heritage in Canada has many Scottish values. Fiddle playing and Highland dancing are performed at events across the country. Many people like a good malt Scotch, made where else but Scotland. Every parade has one or two bands playing the bag pipes and the members wearing kilts in their favourite tartan. The Scots of course have Celtic roots too which makes up a large percentage of the world's population. I do not have Scottish blood but I do have some Celtic genes. Here's to the Scottish people today.

THE CANADIAN CHURCH BAZAAR

One of my Christmas goals this year was to go to as many church bazaars as possible. So far I have attended 5 such events. The work that the groups at the various churches do is so noticeable. The bake table full of seasonal goodies. Cookies, banana bread, pies, muffins and more all neatly wrapped in festive seasonal paper. The White Elephant tables full of misc items that often could be found at a garage sale but here they are. Some people try to bargain. I usually just give the asked price and if possible- tell them to keep the change if it is close to the $20.00 bill given. The crafts- often knit or crochet wear, Christmas ornaments,stockings, table arrangements are some of the items for sale. A used book, CD or video/DVD table.  Used jewellery and sometimes clothes.A tea room offering well tea or coffee with some goodies to eat. One offered a Spud lunch for part of the day. The lunch out can be something that is fun. What is noticeable are the Christian women and men and youth working as volunteers to raise money for their churches or the various functions they do for the community. Many local churches put together food hampers for the needy in their community along with supporting overseas occurrences. A couple of churches are part of the OUT OF THE COLD program for the homeless in the GTA. One night during the week the church is open to those needing shelter or just to get out of the cold. Along with baked goods from each event, I have bought a baby knit sweater and hat and mitts, a real silver creamer-$2.00 and some collector dolls ranging from $2.00 to $5.00. It is a good thing I have walked to most of them. The churches mid town are a good walk for me. It curbed my spending and limited me buying more items I did not need. It also gives me an idea of where to donate household items no longer needed for next year. The church bazaar was part of my childhood. It was always an event that was fun. I would even buy a Christmas present or two with my saved allowance money. I remember my Mom working at our bazaar. One year she bought me a nice pair of shoes. I looked at them and said Mom those are the shoes I donated!  So attending bazaars in the community fulfilled my goal of giving to the people in my community in a small way along with bringing back childhood memories.There are other ways to give too. Coast to Coast churches are having special Christmas functions in their communities. So be part of your own church function but try to attend others. There is life outside the Mall or online shopping. It worked for me.

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK FOUR

I did attend the Richmond Hill Santa Claus parade last Sunday November 22 with only one of my grandchildren. Sophia wanted to come so out we went. A little cold but manageable. The house is decorated. I changed the decorations on several areas of the house. Hung a variety of stockings along the fireplace- not original but it does look colourful. The living room has things for the grandchildren to touch and actually they can play with them- the Hallmark singing snowmen bought over the years, the colourful empty boxes to be stacked and some of the soft santas that can not get broken but cuddled. The good ones are high on the tables or shelves.

Since one of my lovely daughters is having an event, ordered a special prochetta- Italian pork roast with herbs and spice- from a Fine Italian food market. Little pricey but it will be good at her December 13th event for family and friends. A trip to the LCBO- Liquor Control Board of Ontario to purchase the wine, gift boxes and liqueurs for all the events. I have enough wine to take me to the New Year and beyond. It was November 24th so I said to the clerk- one month from now and this place will be rammed! A few extra Christmas bottles in case we get an invite to an unscheduled event! Writing and planning the menu for our dinner party with friends on the 5th. Trying to add some extra touches. No children so can have an adult theme. Wrapping gifts has been good while watching repeat sappy Christmas movies. Some of the movies are rather lame. Nothing like the classics. My bedroom is Santa's workshop but there is a light at the end of the tunnel I went to another Church Bazaar to support local people. Of course those corners of the house continue to get attacked when I am in the mood and actually have some energy. Lots of breaks and even a " cat nap " yesterday! I was the first on my street to put up some Christmas lights. Now a couple of other houses have some too. However, my street is never one full of light displays. So when I am out driving, I like to go down streets with lots of lights. Christmas lights are one of my favourite things about the season. I love Christmas shopping but I must confess I am using online shopping more this year as it is so convenient especially at 6:00 a.m. Especially for children's toys or books so easy to find. I do not enjoy searching in stores for that elusive item along with other parents and children. Why do some parents let their children play with the store's toys and leave them scattered in the aisles? So at home, I do not see it! I bought the fancy cards for family. Fun to purchase baby's first Christmas card for our new grandson! So more seasonal preparation and looking forward to some social events.

AMERICAN THANKSGIVING IS DIFFERENT THAN A CANADIAN ONE

Firstly it is in a different month. There are pilgrims involved. Both do celebrate the harvest. It falls on a Thursday and the next day is Black Friday. It has an amazing parade in New York City that is attended by thousands of people and watched on TV. Canadians send their Happy Thanksgiving to friends and relatives there. Both have turkey with all the trimmings, although their trimmings may be a little different. Not sure if they use cranberry sauce as a condiment. People fly, drive, take a train or bus or even walk to get home for the special day. The stock market in the US is closed for the day. Can you think of other comparisons?

#canadianthanksgiving#canadianthanksgivingdifferentthantheamericanone#celebratingincanada#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

NANA SAYS CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHILDREN

And children at heart. So parents have the pressure to make memories! So take the pressure off. Planning, planning and organizing will help to get through this very busy season for children and parents. Choose your events! Can you make it to everything, probably not! So one local parade, the school concert, the Santa picture, the Christmas picture,  family parties will fill the time. Then making sure the Santa gift is the right gift! Prioritizing daily and weekly helps to get through everything. Buying the school teacher and the lesson teachers and the coaches theme gifts. Remember to buy a couple of extra ones as children often want to give to someone else you did not think was necessary! Since it is for children at heart, put some events that you enjoy as parents too! Making memories with the children is important. Do you need holiday baking to feed an army or is one batch of sugar cookies decorated with the kids enough and fun? Making a gingerbread house can be fun and edible too. Having Christmas music in the house and sing along. Watching a favourite movie together- okay you can write the cards or wrap a gift at the same time too. Trying not to be a busy frenzied parent is difficult. But remember creating memories that are enjoyable is not ever easy! Did I say it take the pressure off! Decide what is important for your children and family system! Please do not get caught up in comparing with others who are trying to do more. If you are a working mother, you can not compete with the stay at home Mom so don't even try! Do the best you can with the time you have! For children, candies in the house and presents under the tree is the best start! The rest is just icing on the cake!  Oh, your presence is more important than presents in the long run. So hugs, kisses, letting your children know the best thing about Christmas is having them!

THE CHRISTMAS STRESS PICKS UP

Lights in a blur like the frenzy of the season as it speeds up. So much to do! So how to manage it. Slow down and focus on one activity at a time. Christmas shopping can have themes. Rather than something different for everyone- a theme of tops or books or even gift cards to favourite places. If a crafter, making the same item but in different colours so no need to learn a new pattern every time. Remember it is not just about gift giving so the family events can bring lots of fun too. Everyone makes a dish or baked good so the load is off any one person to do it all! My children often rent a playground place close to Christmas so a group of friends with children can all enjoy an evening out with no one taking on the mess of clean up! However part of the season is to feel the frenzy and fun. Parties, dinners out or taking a small present to a special person in your life can bring a smile to your face. I remember walking home from work last year and seeing people with  little gift bags in their hands. The joy, the fun- when someone receives something it can bring a smile. I like to try to wrap with a little flair. This year I have lots of string ribbon so have devised a way to put 6 strands in the middle for a little extra something on top of a gift. Easy and I will use up lots of the ribbon I have. So sort through the Christmas stuff you have stock piled and use up your resources at hand. I found by pulling everything out, I found stuff I forgot I had. Of course having an area in your place where you can leave the wrapping so it is easy to grab what is needed. That space is my balcony and a corner of my bedroom- messy but only temporarily! The Christmas lights on the streets and businesses always bring me pleasure. I love the colours. Happy colours! So if stressed, stop and find something in the season you love- the lights? the music? a movie? or just a favourite drink- sit by the window and watch the snow come down! The season is just picking up. So if the heavy work is done like the outside lights, decorating the house, finalizing plans- December can begin with fun rather than just stress. Well there is always some stress but it means you are alive!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS WEEK THREE

Sorting, wrapping- two out of town boxes ready to go, 1 more to do. An early work Christmas/holiday dinner out at a restaurant in Newmarket- Made in Mexico on Wednesday evening with Secret Santa gifts for everyone to share. Yes they serve Mexican food. Received the list from my second daughter on what the kids need for Christmas. Seeing what has been bought and what else to buy. The Festival of Lights at the McConagahy Centre, Friday evening to celebrate our Veterans. On Sunday the local Santa Claus parade will occur. Time to go and snap some photos with the grandchildren- if they attend. Plans at work for a pot luck lunch in mid December. Listening to Christmas music on one radio station but really too early for me to put my CDs with non-stop Christmas music playing in the house. Usually like to listen as I decorate which will occur next week. I have so much Christmas stuff that once it is hauled from the closet, hours of decorating or a minimal this year. I'll see what my mood is when I review my stash! Some TV channels have movies now but not really in the mood for those shows yet. I have two drafts of my Christmas newsletter done so it is time to write the final draft and print them to put in the Christmas cards. I have bought the Christmas stamps to use locally, US and International.  Trying to put away all the clutter that has accumulated in the corners of my house. With all the yard work and hubbie's surgery, the clutter got a little out of hand. My poor den has become the repository for stuff. It will be a January job to sort, sell or give away! The weather has become cooler with some snow in other parts of the country but not locally yet. Some towns an hour or so away have had some mild snow flurries but here in Richmond Hill, just getting a little cooler! My boots and winter coat are ready when needed. I am still the only house on the street with lights so far.

One float from Aurora's parade last year!

FRIDAYS- YEAH

What is it about Friday? The day before the weekend. Plans for a dinner out for many people or at least take out to make the start to the weekend pleasurable. Time away from work and colleagues. If bad weather, can stay home. Or take time to get to an event. More shopping- groceries or otherwise! Of course gifts for Christmas and birthdays! Fridays at work are usually busier than other days! Trying to organize the weekend for the people there! Friday let's us know we made it through the week. Getting ready for the plans for the weekend. Time with grandchildren-actually helping with babysitting this weekend! There was a Mama and Papa song about Mondays! Perhaps it is time to write a song about Fridays!

SOME PEOPLE ARE TOXIC SO CHRISTMAS BRINGS CHALLENGES

We all have situations in our lives where there can be no relationship. With billions of people on this earth it is okay to pick and chose which people will be our friends and those to whom we are polite. Families can make it very difficult. Some siblings do not get along and never will. When parents are alive children often try, but once parents pass away, many siblings make the choice to go their separate ways. It is the civilized thing to do. But there can be those in the family system that like the drama and expect all parties to attend all events together. Forget it. If the relationship is toxic then stay away from each other. Then the in law situation. No blood, just married in! No real commitment to the original family. To try to make family traditions continue that no longer have any meaning is rather futile. Couples and their children make the new family unit. Decisions can be made for them. The extended family works around each couple. With my work in family history, it is often interesting to see how history does repeat itself. Each generation may have had some family members that were toxic and affected how events happened. For me, I would rather have happier smaller gatherings where people sort of enjoy being with each other, then contrived "we must be together for the sake of Mom" events. It does not work. Perhaps a simple meal at a restaurant rather than a big event at one person's house who takes on all the work, could be a compromise. Christmas is a huge event where these old conflicts often start to present the ongoing family conflicts. Smaller events on the days in and around Christmas may work so everyone sees everyone but not at the same time or the same event. Get real. Be honest. If you do not like each other then stay away. A friendly Christmas card to all family members should be more than enough. Even to the toxic people in your life!

CANADIAN NOVEMBER REFLECTIONS 2015

Beauty can be all around us. A simple neighbourhood walk can give us opportunities to reflect on life. A look to the sky through the leaves.

A visit to a church and the beauty of the windows. Actually Richmond Hill United Church in well- Richmond Hill Ontario Canada.

Stained glass with a story to tell about the Christian faith.

Streamers from a light with the colours of the rainbow- indoors of course. How nice- an indoor rainbow!

Not art but an interesting crosswalk that could be seen as art!

Fall flowers bring colour to the changing season.
Take a walk around your community. Look for the images that bring some pleasure to you. Life can be big landscapes and famous locations or just simple pictures nearby. So what are you waiting for- get your camera and take some photos!!

PEACE BEGINS WITH ONE

With all the tragedies in the world, peace and hope for a better world begins with one. Share with 2 others who can share with 2 others. 2 to the power of infinite will help solve the problems of the world, one person at a time. Trying to suppress all the negative thoughts against others including our enemies takes incredible love and hope! Loving all the children of the world! Working towards education and health for all so they too can have a future! Peace, love, charity but the greatest of these is love. I work and struggle every day on trying not to judge others but it is a difficult task when I view events like Paris. But peace starts with one so I will do my best to live up to my own words!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS - WEEK TWO

Letters to the troops were sent November 10. Each year I write to our troops wherever they are serving. The Christmas lights are up outside. My two prelit Christmas trees by the front door are put on little outdoor tables to give them height. I have an ordinary display with coloured, white and blue strings of lights strung from bush to tree to tree. No awards to be won, just some Christmas colour. When they are spread out they actually give more light and seem bigger. I bought the speciality cards especially the First Christmas for new baby for our little grandson born in September. I continue to organize and shop for Christmas. I will be attending a work function dinner needing to bring a Secret Santa gift which is wrapped and ready to go. I am reorganizing some areas of the dining room and living room in preparation of decorating in a couple of weeks. I resisted the urge today to buy more Christmas decorations as I do have a closet full of Christmas stuff. I will be pulling out the Christmas paper and bags to start to wrap the out of town gifts. They need to be packed into boxes to be ready to post the end of November. Finally the photo books I made for a couple of family members came by mail from Blacks. Their stores closed but there is still a lucarative online business with some good bargains for photos, books and other goods. Organizing, organizing, sorting and continuing to shop are part of the Christmas season. Helping the community too. I attending a church bazaar and a Nursing home bazaar yesterday to give some support to their causes. Deciding which church services to attend and where there might be some beautiful Christmas music to hear over the coming weeks is important too. I will watch the Santa Claus parade from Toronto on TV later today. The parade is taped then put on TV. It actually helps those who are in the parade to see themselves. I love Christmas and have learnt to pace myself so I can enjoy all it has to offer.

129 VICTIMS 129 STORIES

When we hear the number of people who died in Paris, it means little until we put faces to the numbers. With more dying from the injuries sustained, the tragedy becomes surreal. For most of us just going about our average day can bring home the reality that no event can be safe. So deciding to live in honour of those who lost their lives is the best strategy. Each loss represents a story- a family attached to the person. A reason they were where they were Friday night. I was shopping today and thinking that my quiet mall or any one's place of shopping could become a location for tragedy. By learning about the victims they become people. To the people of Paris and France, worldwide support has given hope. Even in Toronto, the Toronto sign has been lit in the colours of the French flag. The CN Tower has the colours of the French flag. Hockey games played the French national anthem. Australia, Britain, Germany,  and many other parts of Canada have done symbolic gestures and vigils. The outpouring of support is heart warming. I saw a picture not seen by me before of Paris after September 11th- the American flag very huge in front of the Eiffel Tower. Very poignant. Countries that believe in democracy, liberty, peace are behind each other. So I will continue to hear the stories of the lives lost. It keeps it real- not just numbers.As with other tragedies like plane crashes- people, not victims lost their lives. Being vigilant but not paranoid keeps us going. In public places being aware of those around us to keep each other safe. I always watch out for little children anyway. So by keeping yourself safe, you help to keep others safe.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

It's just another day or is it. Depends on your point of view! Or suspicions! Do bad things or unusual things happen on the 13th! Quite frankly the fact it is Friday and the end of a work week works for me! I really can not remember it making a difference in my life. One nephew has a birthday  the 13th of June so sometimes it does fall on a Friday. Being a pay week it had some luck. Going to a birthday party today makes it fun for all! So how about you? Any trepidation about it being the 13th?

POSITIVE THINKING FOR A THURSDAY

Sometimes the road seems lonely. But keep going and there could be a solution around the corner!

Look across the water, to the hope of a greater life.

Wait on the bench for a friend to join!

Then burst into a sea of colour and inclusion!

WRITE THE CANADIAN TROOPS 2015

Not only attending Remembrance Day services, it is a time of year to think about our Armed Forces serving in various parts of the world and Canada. My tradition is to write a fun Christmas letter to send to the men and women serving. Since I do not know one personally it must be addressed Any Canadian Armed Forces Member. No parcels- just letters or postcards. So on red or green paper with a little Christmas sticker or two the composed one page letters are printed. Folded and addressed with some tape to keep them closed but allowing for the Belleville post office to have a peak to see it is just a letter. Addressed 17 last night so will be in the mail today. I used to send some small parcels but after September 11th it was not allowed- just notes from non-family. You can find the addresses in the National Defence website or just use the email address to send Morale Mail to the troops. Some years I may get a response from someone. I have a binder with my special letters. Maybe one day I will share some of those poignant responses. I never know if my little letter touches anyone. I hope along with school children and others the various locations fill a wall with such letters, notes and Christmas cards. So like a garden each flower adds to the overall appearance. Letting people know we are thinking of them, especially those serving away from home at Christmas is such an easy, small gesture out of the busy Christmas planning. I have been doing this since 1991!! Supporting our troops is such a Canadian thing to do, eh!

2015 COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-WEEK ONE

It starts with the list. Usually written early in the fall or late summer. Who, what, where and why. Always looking for sales and purchases that could be used for Christmas presents. Asking for early wish lists from families so if a large purchase is necessary to look for the best buy and of course a sale. Checking out Christmas bazaars and sales at churches to help support their efforts there. What local charities may benefit from some support. Deciding who to support, where to give. Organizing the December social schedule. Well Christmas dinner is easy but the other events. What time with friends and families. Going to outside dinner or lunches or entertainment. Of course prioritizing the out of town people. I still send 3 small parcels so having their stuff bought, organized and wrapped by the end of November is a must. Yes I know a gift card stuffed in a card is easy but receiving a little parcel is fun for the recipients that will get these little gifts. No lights or decorating until after Remembrance Day in honour of our Veterans. So have you got started yet?

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN RICHMOND HILL ONTARIO CANADA

Although Remembrance Day is November 11, our local service is always held on the Sunday before the 11th. So I walked up to the cenotaph to participate in the ceremony.

Prayers, hymns, reading of poems and the important laying of the wreaths.

The Veterans from World War Two become fewer and fewer.

Lest we Forget flag part of any ceremony.

Even precious hand crafted by the local brownies, guides, cubs and scouts! A good turnover on a sunny November day. Here's to those currently serving, we remembered you too!