What a treat it is to be able to experience the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of children. Kudos to all the wonderful volunteers and community partners who recently put on the Breakfast with Santa event held in local community centres. The first one was held at Westdale Community Centre and was a joint event organized by the three community centres in Charleswood – Westdale, Roblin Park, and Varsity View. The other one held in our area was at Headingley Community Centre. It is through the energy and dedication of countless volunteers that children get to experience the fun and magic of this breakfast.
One of the other events for children and their families that saw a return this year is the Santa Claus parade. I was happy to see that volunteers were able to organize this event once again.
Being able to revisit the memories that I have of Christmas as a small child is always a positive experience. I have also enjoyed this experience as a grandmother – experiencing Christmas through the eyes of my grandchildren. To see the excitement of children and the wonder in their eyes as they wait for Santa always warms the heart.
After the last 2 plus years of having our world turned upside down, being able to once again experience celebrations with family and friends is an experience to be enjoyed. Like many good things in life, we take for granted being able to get together with our family and friends to celebrate the holiday season.
With Christmas fast approaching, we will soon be experiencing the delicious aromas of cookies baking and turkey cooking. When I smell cookies baking in the oven, I am transported back in time to the home of my Baba on the farm. It’s interesting how the sense of smell is such an important stimulus for our memory – I can close my eyes and imagine myself in her kitchen as a little girl.
It is incumbent on us as parents and grandparents to ensure that we provide experiences for our children and grandchildren that will become a part of their “memories” . Perhaps we can find that in building a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, playing board games, or making crafts for Christmas. We hope to make new memories with our family members and it’s not important if it’s baking or cooking for our family or some other activity.
May the sparkle and joy of the holidays season warm your heart. I wish you a season filled with happiness, merry-making, and time spent with family and friends” making memories”.
Myrna Driedger