A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-2 WEEKS TO GO

As the weather has played havoc across the country this week, Christmas preparations continue. One concert cancelled due to weather and rescheduled for next week. Needing to shovel the driveway was some needed exercise. Relatives on both coasts are dealing with flooding along with snow. At least it looks like Christmas. For me, wrapping is coming along very slowly. Trying to do 3-6 each night so the mess in 1/2 of my bedroom will be reduced. Some cards via snail mail and a newsletter via email have arrived and are in my Stocking Christmas card holder by the family room. My Christmas tree is nicely decorated so am enjoying the lights while I eat dinner and watch the news. Some sad news- a sister of my Dad's passed away October 2nd. The family had not informed us until they received my Christmas card to her. Another good reason to keep in touch this time of year!  Next week will bring two grandchildren's concerts and some babysitting. Cleaning up my desk at work between cases as I will take some vacation days the week of Christmas to help with babysitting and well some Christmas crafts and baking with the grandchildren.

Lots of hands on items for them to have some fun. Not too sophisticated as children need unbreakable things and books to read.

With the CDs and one being a children's special in the CD player, there will be music and singing in the house.  I am always glad I do things so early in the season as the season is exhausting with all the hoopla and activities. Looking forward to knitting and crocheting by the Christmas tree once the wrapping is done. Oh yeah, the house could use a good cleaning as the dust bunnies are crying- clean me!!

Of course if there is time to visit quaint settings and stores, the lights and decorations are so beautiful. Wish I could return to St. Jacobs town as it like other little places across the country give such a Canadian look to everything. The snow makes the children laugh. The library up the street from my house has a hill. Yesterday while everyone was cursing the snow and the drive, one could hear children sledding down it- laughing with glee! Oh Christmas- two weeks to go!

A COUNTDOWN TO A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS-4 WEEKS TO GO

The Christmas cards are signed and addressed with several family and friends receiving the Di Mambro newsletter. The out of town parcels that have be ready for two weeks will be sent today after work. The Christmas decorations have been hauled from the closet and they are sitting on the dining room table as slowly items will find their place in the house. Since there is an abundance of items, not everything gets put out every year. For years all the little Santa items stayed in the big tins. Only the big Santas were put out. This year however the high shelf that holds my African and other craft items will display many of those items. My collection of Christmas books will be available to visiting grandchildren. The sideboard in the family room will hold the crèche and other books on the Holy story! I will draw the kiddies attention to the display. If they want they can play with the crèche items.  My outside lights look okay. We are one of two houses that have lights up on the street so far! There will be a work dinner next Tuesday and the hospital dinner/dance next Friday. Some store bought cupcakes and brownies nicely decorated are in the freezer, just in case a quick lunch or invite is given. All the holiday wine and booze has been bought. I love the German cat bottle wine. I use some for the Christmas dinner. Bottles to take to other dinners or functions are waiting as well as using red wine as part of two Christmas gifts took some consideration. Going to the LCBO- the Liquor Control Board of Ontario- on a Tuesday night when casually browsing and stocking up for the holiday season as well as beyond was enjoyable. In another two weeks all the stores will be rammed and the selection diminished. Wine does not go bad so buying weeks in advance really works.  Yes I check those last minute sales. If someone is short a gift or two, there are always gift cards!!! Getting the outside purchases done will leave me time to wrap presents over the next few weeks. When the gifts are for immediate family it can be a slow process. Nicely wrapped or the modern way- tissue and throw in a gift bag. Again being available for babysitting. 1/2 of Saturday while working on decorating, two of my grandchildren will be here. So finding a way to include them in the process or just providing some craft materials for them. Lots of movies available- Christmas and others if wanted. Or they may want to play in the yard. Lost most of the snow from last week's storm but the light dusting last night may be enough for them. Yes it is time to put my favourite CDs in the player. What is Christmas without music?  Adolph wants to buy the Christmas tree but this weekend is not for decorating it. So his idea to put it in a corner of the garage and it can be brought in the house and put up when this big Elf is ready.  I usually like to put up a fresh tree about 10 days before Christmas. Eventually I will buy an artificial one but not yet. Still like the smell of a real one in the house. I love the modern world with the online shopping! Especially for the grandchildren when trying to make sure I have the right sizes for clothes. If buying for one person store shopping is easy but I found the online purchases for 5 to be less stressful and manageable. Some jaunts to the stores will occur as the  Christmas decorations are always pleasurable to see.  In the midst of all the work, there are always sappy Christmas movies to watch. It is hard to believe that November is almost over! December will bring the pressure of getting ready for all the season's happenings. Stay calm and Christmas on! Four weeks to go!

IT'S BEGINNING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS

The tree is decorated with my lights flung over the curtain rod on the sliding doors behind it so the reflection in the window makes them look more colourful. Just a couple of stocking stuffers to buy to round out the gifts. With the light dusting of snow on the ground this morning, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. How about your area? Many parts of Canada and the United States have been slammed with snow! So the skiers and sledders and snowboarders must be in heaven! Time to get out the skates for those make shift outdoor ponds and rinks! How is your baking going? Are you finding some quiet Christmas season moments with friends and family? A holiday concert at the day care this week to see my grandchildren perform should be fun! Next week delivering the gifts to the girls' houses is an activity I enjoy! Clears out a big corner in my house!  Christmas! Must put on some Christmas music which I absolutely love and when no one is around I sing out loud! Two weeks and a bit to go! So pace yourself and don't get sick from the stress! If alone, let someone know so you can join their activities! If you are missing someone this year, put a little memorial for them to be included in your festivities. Oh yes it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!! Ho, Ho, Ho.!

NANA SAYS KEEP CHILD'S PLAY SIMPLE

Each generation of parents wants their children to be brighter than the one previously and larger than life. Are computer skills at two years old really necessary? Exposing children to books, crafts, creative opportunities are the fodder for learning. Toys with bells and whistles are good too but not the only things to be available.While playing in the snow with one of my grandsons recently, I followed his lead. He likes to dig and play with his roller- his wheelbarrow. It is his machine. He was transporting the snow from one place to another. We were engaging in imaginative play. The tools- shovel, plastic wheelbarrow and snow. We were labelling, counting and using the materials at hand. Hum! Skills that could help with a lifetime? Later he wanted to play with a ball of my wool. He took it around the house- made tunnels and walls. Even Nana was on her knees crawling under his tunnel in play! Simple play. There is always the old joke- the child likes the box a toy comes in better than the toy itself. By talking with childen- language development; grammar; math- how many cookies on your plate?; science- look at the squirrel eating-where do you think he lives or observing the night sky watching the changing of the moon;  listening to music and reading from favourite books- are skills readily available to any parent rich or poor. Playing with children allows the opportunity to develop a relationship as well a teaching moment. All those little moments really are important! What simple play activities do you do? How do you engage with the children in your life? Do you have other suggestions for simple play? Following each child's interest and lead can enrich the experience.

CANADIAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Is borrowed from many different sources. Many of the early British settlers brought the songs of the Protestant church to North America.
I love Christmas Carols. My favourite is Oh Come All Ye Faithful- Joyful and truimphant....
When I studied Latin in High School, even learnt that version- Adeste fidetes, laete triumphantes.
The story of Christmas is played out in song. Angels We Have Heard on High tells of the angels. The First Noel brings us the Shepherds and the Wise Men going to Bethlehem to see the Baby Jesus. Some songs just bring out the Joy- like Joy to the World. For me, hearing a choir with wonderful voices is such an important part of the season.
Now holiday concerts at schools and day cares must be neutral so Jingle Bells and Santa songs are okay. Rarely do the little children sing Christmas Carols. I do remember my children when in the younger grades could sing carols- Away in a Manager was popular song for them. In Kindergarten, my little Sonya belted out this song drowning out all the other children in the class!!
From the Middle Ages in England, Good King Wenceslas is a strong song telling of the generosity of the rich to the poor. Almost letting us know how the tradition of reaching out to others at this time of the year started.
Thinking of Canadian songs- there was a popular one- Granma got run over by a Reindeer- rather sick humourous if you like it. There are some French, Aboringinal and Inuit songs to sing. Some are adaptions from other songs. Like Twas on the Eve of Winter time when all the birds had fled, is a wonderful example of making it Canadian and suiting one of the original cultures here in Canada.
Christmas through song is a way of connecting with the traditions and cultures from around the world. Showing there is a Christian spirit that has prevailed worldwide. Reaching out to others in every community to celebrate the joy of the season. Inviting non-Christians to participate, like the Secret Santas at work that include everyone. So let's sing! I think I will put on some of my CDs and sing along.
What are your favourite songs? Do you enjoy the music of the season? Do you prefer the traditional songs or the new songs that are non-religious?

OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVALS

Start to happen across our nation. Locally during the summer, we have music in the park at our Mill Pond or Richmond Green. Street events always include music, bands, groups. There is something very endearing in hearing music outside. Whether it is jazz, rock, country, gospel or a combination, music brings the lazy days of summer forward. Even our local pub next door has caribbean music on Thursday nights that I can hear sitting at the front on my chair. Love it! Do you have favourite summer music opportunities?

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

Is my favourite Christmas Carol. Music makes the season so joyous. It can be tiring to hear the stores playing the same songs over and over but I never tire of listening to Christmas classics. Away in a Manger is the song little ones usually sing at school concerts or church. Silent Night sung by any choir sets the mood for the Christmas story. Songs about Santa- Santa Claus is coming to Town, Reindeer- Granma got run over by a Reindeer and a White Christmas- I'm dreaming of a White Christmas are always popular non-religious songs. The story of a good king from the Middle Ages, Good King Wenceslas bridges the gap to modern times. Angels we have heard on High reminds us of the Angel in the story. The First Noel, What Child is This, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and of course O Holy Night are songs provided by many artists on many CDs. Sometimes we even have a favourite version of each song. Many movies and shows always include the music of the season. I like to put a selection of CDs to be played each year. Always in the background as I wrap presents, decorate the house or bake . I even have a good Kids' Christmas Favorites CD that is a blend of carols and songs. It is teaching my little grandchildren the music of the season. Do you have a favourite carol or song? Do you play the music regularly? Do you like the radio stations with continuous Christmas music? Have you listened to a Choir live or an orchestra playing the melodies? A visit to church enables us to sing our favourites. Does the music of the season bring joy to your soul?

MUSIC SOOTHES THE SOUL

It is said music mimacs the human heartbeat. It is what babies hear when in the womb. For most of us there are songs, melodies that trigger so many memories. The song we danced at our wedding. Amazing Grace sung at so many funerals. The music from Marching Bands. Christmas Caroles. Campfire tunes. Nursery Rhymes sung to our babies. On my first encounter with Adolph- Si Si Rider still bring those memories. Yellow River playing while we were in Hawaii during our Honeymoon. Some groups just have too many songs to mention them all- The Beatles from my youth still carry some weight in musical circles. Classical music as background to many movies, themes, ballets. Reading a book with music. Club music that makes us hop. Music geared to an individual culture. The song- I Believe - from the 2010 Olympics will always be with me. From the Lion King- Can you feel the Love tonight- Adolph and Natasha did their Father-Daughter dance to it. Muscials we have seen give a feel good feeling. Some groups or singers albums just have so many songs that we listen to them over and over for years and years. Favourite couples dance music. Just dancing with someone you love ! Do you ever feel the artist is singing the song just for you? Have some songs carried you through a depressive situation? Does some music make you cry, laugh, sing, rejoice? I could not imagine my life without music in the foreground sometimes and the background other times. What does music do for you? Has there been a time when it saved the moment?