One of the things I really remember about Christmas as a child was the Sears Wish Book.  As soon as the Wish Book would arrive, my brother and I would grab our pens, and immediately go through the catalogue, initialling everything we wanted.  By the end, I’m sure each page had something initialed on it! 

This year, the Wish Book arrived… BEFORE LABOUR DAY!! Each year it seems to be coming earlier and earlier.  And, of course, I had to peruse it right away – folding down corners now, rather than initialling items.  But this time it was for things for little Alex.

And it seems that Alex also has my fondness for the catalogue – as you can see in the video clip below.  Please disregard my silly voice in the background (don’t you just hate hearing your own voice on film?).  I also really need to try and use our video camera more – rather than using the film option on my digital camera – the quality is just not there!

My true love gave to me… a Christmas Cactus!

I love Christmas Cactuses.  They are so pretty and unique – and the flowers come in such an array of colours. 

 I received my first from my friend Stephanie back in 2002 for my birthday - and still have it (to her amazement).   I have a few others as well.  One was a grocery store bargain cart find ($.99!!), another was a cut from my grandmothers, and yet another is Matt’s Grandmothers.  The one from Matt’s Grandmother’s was actually her mother-in-laws - so I’m not sure it’s exact age- but I’m guessing it is (at least) 70 years old!  And that thing has bloomed every single year – until it came to our house.   Matt’s Grandma was going to throw it out because it was getting so large – but I said I’d love to take it on.  But it just won’t bloom!  And actually – none of my Christmas cactuses have bloomed since that one has come into our home (hmmmm…).  I’ve been taking them outside in the summer, and not putting them into direct light – but nothing. 

Oh well – maybe next Christmas?

my true love gave to me… a tacky holiday sweater!  No – Matt didn’t – but I know we all have received those gifts.  The gaudy holiday sweater, the bright purple jeans, the lime green hat… You know – the gift that does not keep giving the whole year through. 

My Great Aunt Ruby gave gifts like that.  Growing up, each year we looked forward to her Christmas package arriving – and we would always open it up as soon as it arrived – just to see what she was able to come up with that year.  The one gift I really remember was a bright orange sweatshirt with a puffy white persian cat on the front.  It was never worn.  She also once sent a multicoloured (pastel) crocheted throw.  At the time, it was just put away into my hope chest – but now I use it.  It means so much more to me now that she is gone (it is Alex’s new fort blanket).  I know it is the thought that counts, but…

Do you have a bad gift story to share?  Either way – here are 9 Tacky Holiday Sweaters We Can’t Help But Love.

Santa has sent Alex a personal message!  Isn’t that cool?  It’s a direct message from the Portable North Pole System…  Santa is so high tech.  Enjoy!

(Thank you Barbara for the link!)

Sorry – I know I promised video – but it didn’t happen.  I tried to get Alex’s new trick on video today – and it was a no go – he is way more interested in seeing what is going on on the video camera screen…  I’ll try again tomorrow.

One of the special things about Christmas is attending community events.  Whether it is a Santa Claus Parade, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Choral Sing at a church, or volunteering at a community meal, there is something extra magical about being amidst so many people sharing the same joy of the season. 

A few years ago, I was a member of the Stratford Book Festival committee, and one of our projects was hosting a CBC’s reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  The reading was held in a beautiful old church, freshly decorated for Christmas and was a lit by candle light.  Because we are in Stratford, we had a host of amazing world renowned Stratford Festival actors and actresses reading - they were truly memorable events.  The most special was the one where Loreena McKennitt made a last minute performance at intermission. If you know who she is you will understand. If you have not heard of her – have a listen on her website (and if you choose to buy a cd, I highly recommend Live in Paris/Toronto where proceeds go to  the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety, a program close to my heart).  I still have goose bumps thinking of her performance.  If you live in a community where this CBC event is being held, I highly recommend it.

The year after the Book Festival folded, we started to attend the christmas dinner for my mom’s church – and this year we went tonight.  Now Matt and I do not attend this church (it’s a Baptist church), we prefer a more traditional service (I’m Lutheran and Matt’s Anglican), but we really enjoy this event.  The dinner is open to congregants and their family and friends – and is sold out each year.  This year the church actually moved the dinner to a hall to better accomodate the numbers.  There is time to socialize, a nice turkey dinner, and then we watch entertainment of some sort.  Tonight we were lucky enough to hear Ali Matthews perform (yet another amazing Stratford musician).  Ali has the most angelic voice (next to Loreena McKennitt that is) and played a collection of known Christmas carols as well as a number of songs she has written.  She really brought home the real meaning of Christmas – Jesus, and reminded us to count our blessings (rather than sheep at night). 

I really look forward to attending more such events with Alex – especially the Santa Claus parade (this year’s was rained out).  What community event do you look forward to every year?

The giving of gifts is always something that is associated with Christmas.  Of course we always buy for our family and for our close friends, but Matt and I try to also try to give something each year to a charity or cause that we believe in.  We have given toys to “Toy Mountain” so local boys and girls will have something to open up Christmas morning.  Each year we also donate food to the food banks for families in need.  And we have bought gifts through World Vision to help people around the world.  For instance two years ago, I gave Matt supplies for a classroom (appropriate for a teacher I thought).  These are all small things – but hopefully make a big difference in someone’s life. 

This year, we are supporting Simple Dreams.  Simple Dreams-To Russia With Love is something a wonderful couple from Stratford do.  Each year, Ruth and Richard Kneider travel with a team of volunteers to Russian orphanages and provide the children with a McDonald’s meal, a party, and a gift.  In January 2009, they gave this wonderful gift to 3,000 Russian children!  By donating $10, you can provide one child with this opportunity.  So we are going to support these local heros so that children half a world away will have a real reason to smile this coming year.  Last year I bought a pin in support of this program, and put it back on my jacket today (so yes, you can wish me a Merry Christmas! )

There are so many worth while projects out there that need support – how do you choose?!  By the end of the year, I’d like to support the Children’s Bridge Foundation, and I’d  like to make a microloan to someone in the Kiva system.  What are you doing this holiday season, however small, to make a difference in someone’s life?

(Tomorrow’s blog will hoepfully have  a video in it!)

I’m finally starting to get in the festive spirit.  Not sure if it is the massive snow storm that has rolled into our area, or if it is just the excitement of the holiday beginning to show everywhere, I know for sure it has something to do with Alex being home, but whatever the reason, I’m getting the bug.  In honour of the fact that I’m feeling the Christmas joy for the first real time in quite a few years, I’m going to share something festive over the next 12 days (I’ve been inspired by Christine too!).  I’m going to share some favourite websites, music, videos, memories, and new traditions. 

By the way… According to Santa, did you know that there are 12 days, 12 hours, 16 minutes and 27 seconds left until the big day?

On the First Day of Christmas…

There are some movies that are a must for me to watch each and every holiday season.  The main one – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  The original with Burl Ives - not any of those imposter versions.  

I don’t know what it is about the movie – but it is special.  I love the claymation, the music (I own the soundtrack and know all the words to heart), and the characters.  The misfits are something I’m intrigued by – perhaps because at times I see myself as a bit of a “misfit”.  

It has also been around since 1964 – a real holiday staple.

Some might say I’m a little Rudolph crazy.  For instance, I’m actually wearing a Rudolph tee-shirt right now.  I also have a collection of 20+ Rudolph ornaments for our Christmas tree (this year they are still packed away – I was afraid for their safety from little hands).  One of our wedding shower gifts was a Mrs & Mr Claus figurine. 

Now I’m embarrassed to say I have yet to watch it this year.  Since we have a new entertainment unit, our VCR isn’t being used - and I only have a VHS copy.  So a DVD version is on my radar (hint, hint, Matt!). 

I have many other holiday movie favourites:

• Elf (and this is one of Alex’s favourites!)
• Frosty the Snowman
• Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
• The Grinch
• Home Alone (one and two)
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Joyex Noel (I know – does not go with the theme  here – but a very good movie)

What movie is a must for you each Christmas season?

Over the weekend Alex had his first official visit with Santa.  This was actually really quite neat.  The City Centre Committee had Santa in his sleigh with a reindeer downtown for kids to come and visit.   So off we went.

Here’s Vixen

And here is Alex and Santa!  Alex really didn’t know what was going on.  I’m just glad he didn’t cry or was scared. 

Have you taken your child to meet Santa yet?  What was their reaction? We are going to attempt the mall this week…  Wish us luck!

Through the blogging community, I have met some amazing people.  One such person is Elizabeth.  Elizabeth is the wonderful mommy of Olive, a crafter, a TurboKick instructor, and she runs a  non-profit animal welfare organization called Tenth Life that provides another chance at life to injured and abused stray cats (phew - I’m tired just thinking about her life!).  Now Elizabeth is needing some help raising funds for Tenth Life to help save more kitties.  If you make a donation to Tenth Life before December 16, you have a chance to Win a Wii!  Each donation of $5 gives you one chance at winning, a donation of $10, gives you 3 chances.  How cool is that! 
Now I know this year has been extra hard on a lot of families, and it is hard to make money stretch every where you want it to go.  But this is something small you can do that will go a long way.  

And another thank you to the Catherine, who donated the Wii!  You rock!