GOOD FRIDAY IN CANADA 2013

As a stat holiday, everyone has a chance to stay home. Essential services, however,  must have people working. It is a religious day for Christians everywhere, finding time to go to church. What does it mean? The day Jesus died for our sins! The burden of carrying the cross through the streets of Jerusalem is played out in religious pageants. Thinking about the sacrifice is a way to reflect on beliefs and our lives. The whole concept of doing for others. Treating others as we wish to be treated. Easter has a way of slowing us down to help to understand a larger meaning to life.  The bunny, the easter egg hunt, the dinners together are rituals that bring family together.

NANA SAYS CHILDREN KEEP US YOUNG AT CHRISTMAS

As we age the magic of Christmas fades and becomes a series of tasks to be done. Then little children come along and remind us of the magic. Visiting the Christmas story of Jesus in the manger and providing a creche to act out the story helps with the process. Decorating with items that can be touched and enjoyed give children and grandparents a chance to share some moments together. While babysitting two of my grandsons after work, we were turning on the musical ornaments, playing with the Hallmark snowman items, and building a huge tower with some decorative Christmas boxes while waiting for "Mommy" to pick them up. Letting little children direct their play can be fun. Having some Christmas hats to wear rounded out the play. In the "hustle and bustle" of the season, find moments just to slow down and enjoy the little children in your life. Watching my grandsons running around with the hats- bought at the Dollar store- well for a dollar was enjoyable. Since parents are busy with work, shopping and creating those Santa moments, grandparents can create some good memories for their family members. A reminder that many Christmas decorations that can be broken are left in boxes in the closet to be put out when the grandchildren are older. I love my home to be fun so I have the items that can be touched out on tables. The next visit may include some spontaneous craft moments with the older granddaughter when she comes. There is so much pressure for parents this time of year with the constant reminders for children to be good - Santa is watching! So children and grandparents together can be the relief needed. Besides as grandparents, aren't we all just little children at heart anyway!!

EASTER EGG CANADIAN STYLE

The Easter Egg has pagan roots
and in most cultures around the
world it is a symbol of rebirth.
For some there is an association with
fertility. Even the word Easter was from the Saxon language- Eostre. They brought their traditions involving eggs, chicks and rabbits to Britain in the 5th centruy AD. All items that are prevalent during the Easter season today.
As a child, we would boil eggs and then decorate them with crayons or markers. Small eggs were hidden throughout the house to find on Easter morning. There was an Easter parade in Toronto in the1950's. I remember getting an Easter bonnet to wear
to it.

Sometimes a new Easter outfit or dress to match would be a gift. Then it seemed special to go to church with the new outfit to hear the Easter story. Many different cultures throughout the world have their own customs around eggs and how they decorate them.
Now Adolph and I hide some chocolate Easter eggs for the grandchildren to collect in their colourful baskets. They have an egg hunt at their own homes before coming to our house for Easter dinner. Last week I asked my granddaughter if she wanted the Easter bunny to come to our house to hide eggs. She said yes. So I asked if she wanted me to email him to ask him to come here. She agreed! There are some books on the coffee table to read about the real significance of Easter. A nice blend of religious and fun things to do! What do you do for Easter? Do you have fun with your children or grandchildren? Do you have any special traditions with eggs?

HE'S THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

In all our Christmas preparations it is important to remember Jesus is the reason for the season. In my home, there is a table full of creche items, tins and books about the Christ child. My grandchildren can play with the figures as well as we can look at the pictures and read the books about the story. Each year a new book can be added to help honour the time. Some cultures put an elaborate Creche under their tree. What do you do to keep Christ in Christmas?