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?

CHRISTMAS DAY 2014

Well it is finally here- Christmas. Santa arrived for all the little children so the stockings are slowly being emptied across the country. Presents are opened, phone calls made to loved ones near and far. Breakfast made or lunches started for those that have their big meals at noon. Food preparation- making sure the turkey is being thawed if not a fresh one.  Time to play with the new toys or start to read the new book or to try on that new top. Time to feel blessed to be near family. Missing family that is not nearby. Hoping my family enjoyed my special project of making certificates to honour family members that fought in World War One. Giving the Vimy Ridge pins to family members who were related to our Ernie Ellis who received medals for his efforts there in 1917. Giving a toast to our Armed Forces members who are serving far from home this Christmas. Giving a toast to each other for being here and together another Christmas. How is your Christmas going? Hope you are enjoying the day together!!

#christmasday#vimyridgecertificatestofamily#celebratingchristams#rememberingfamilymembers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#cakeandcandlesforchristams#christmasday2014

CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE HUNG

in the doorway with care. When you send cards to friends and families every Christmas, the delight is receiving one back with little messages and updates. My Christmas newsletter is well received by many and those that think it is lame-oh well!! In the last week, I have had some fun. A card from one of our Armed Forces personnel from Haiti thanking me for my well wishes. As everyone knows, I have sent letters or cards and before September 11th little packages to our Armed Forces personnel wherever they are serving. I usually may get one letter or card back. Last year I did not receive one which is okay but in my mailbox this week the card from one was waiting. Then Zia Maria in Georgia, USA thanking us in Italian for the update. Sylvia on Vancouver Island that writes long messages in her cards every year makes her card a joy. Debra telling me she loves reading my newsletter every year. Cathy still working and loving it! Some just sign their name after a Merry Christmas. Of course an email newsletter is printed and placed with with cards!! I save all the stamps as I am a collector as most people know! I love the young family cards with the recent family photos! Love that the younger crowd still sends out lots of cards that way! Close family will also receive a phone call because the voice on the other end is good to hear. Oh Christmas card, oh Christmas card you are a pleasure in my life! To all who sent one, your card in hanging in a special spot and has another special place in my heart!!

CHRISTMAS EVE- ARE LINE UPS IN THE MALLS THE TRUE MEANING

Christmas Eve can be a stressful, mad rush of a day for many people here in Canada. Buying everything at the last minute and wrapping gifts all night. By starting the process very early in the Fall, the day can be a joyful reflection of the meaning of why we celebrate in the first place. Writing a last minute email, calling a friend or relative to wish a Merry Christmas, perhaps picking up some fresh bread or buns, last minute tidy up for welcoming guests but being home and taking time to stop and smell the poinsettas is my idea of savouring all that is Christmas! Good Catholics attend midnight mass! Protestants went to church yesterday or some will have special services on Christmas day at their places of worship. Reading the Christmas story to grandchildren brings back memories of discovering Christmas. Shopping until you drop or being home with loved ones enjoying the moment- you chose! Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad!

THE LAST MERRY CHRISTMAS SIGN

I bought this sign at a craft sale at a local retirement home several years ago. Liked it as it would be good to have by the front door in my garden by the window. The lady who sold it to me said it was the last sign she had. Her husband had died that year. He had made signs as well as other woodworking items as a post retirement hobby and some additional income. She was selling the reminder of his items. I told her it would have a good home and would be cherished. I took the sign home and realized it actually was quite special. When I pull it out each year now to put by the front door, it is a reminder for all of us there will be the last one of whatever it is ! Each Christmas I am vigilant of the fact it could be the last one for many people I love. So I always try to make it the best Christmas and not just another one. I like to think there may be something special to do. Last Christmas it was the Olympic theme. I knit red hats for the family to wear when the Olympics started and had included several items to use in our celebrations. 1997 was a special Christmas too as I knew it would be the last one for my mother-in-law Concetta as her cancer had advanced. I took a special Christmas video with her doing, talking and being so the memory would be there for us to this day. She died July 1998. There are many reasons for all of us to enjoy to the fullest. This year there is a new member in our family and my son-in-law's family has two new members. We lose some along the way but life is beautiful and we gain some new people. Are there special memories of the "lasts" in your life? Are you the person that just makes it special as if it is the last Christmas you would be together with someone you love? If we do not make the holidays special then what is it all about? Are there some firsts in your life? You have added some new ones!Tell me your special Christmas stories.