The season is upon us, Christmas season that is.   I remember the Christmas on my grandfather’s farm when I was 10ish and the gifts that stand out (no not underwear) were a toy submarine and a flashlight. The submarine from my Uncle Julie (julius) was supposed to rise and fall in the tub just like a real sub when placed dissolving tablets in it. It never worked as advertised but for awhile I looked forward to bathtime. The flashlight was dead by morning. I must have laid for hours with my brother and we flashed the beams of light on the ceiling in the basement where we were stashed until morning. The lights were zoomed, spun, and battling on the ceiling until we fell asleep. It felt like we were awake all night but it was probably more like midnight.

When I was about seven years old I remember living in Quesnel and getting a wooden tobaggan. It went to use the next day, and I remember the year I received a crokinole board. Cool ! Sadly the sweaters, socks, and electronics I undoubtedly received have faded from my memory.

But Christmas cooking, Christmas trees all decorated, sneaking Christmas fudge, and family time opening our gifts in turn together all stand out in my mind.

The Christmas magic returns now to me with the simple events and activities with family. I look forward to quiet time with Susan,  the happy task of making her smile when her neck is rubbed. The Christmas magic of hanging out with my son David, and my daughter Mandy is hard to compare. Even though now I tend to lose to them in whatever board game we play, I still look forward to it. Hopefully there is more snowmen in the future for me, more delicious turkey, and many more memories never to fade.