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Vol 38 • No 07

$4.99

December 2025

Letters to Santa

Tinsel Traditions Cosy Christmas Comforts Readers’ Holiday Memories

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Contents

DECEMBER 2025

homefront 8 Between the Lines A note from the Editor

10 Letters From Our Readers Letters to Santa

20 Downhome Tours Asia 22 Then & There Downhome catches readers up on major recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and acknowledgements across NL and beyond.

letters to the big guy

24 Why is That? Why do we decorate Christmas trees with tinsel? Linda Browne 26 Life’s Funny Christmas on the Farm Edna Way

27 Say What? A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth

24 tinseltown

28 Lil Charmers Christmas Cuties 30 Pets of the Month Happy Pawlidays!

32 Book Nook Downhome dives into the latest and greatest in Newfoundland literature 34 Fresh Tracks Wendy Rose reviews Shoreline Sounds by Wade Tarling

38 Adventures Outdoors Hares, Hounds & Hearing Gord Follett 4

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30 waiting for santa paws

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Contents

DECEMBER 2025

60 fresh ideas

features 44 Keeping the Dream Alive Stories from Santa’s Assistant

56 Where My Heart Lies A four-part series on life and death Barbara Dunphy

Explore 60 Biosis Bridges the Gap

New-Wes-Valley reinvents itself, one module housing unit at a time. Marie-Beth Wright

dream maker www.downhomelife.com

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Contents

DECEMBER 2025

find your peace

home and cabin 72 Stuff We Love Downhome Christmas Nicola Ryan 74 Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions. 78 Everyday Gourmet Christmas Morning Bread Pudding Andrea Maunder

reminiscing 92 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places. 93 This Month in History The SS Beothic 94 This Month in Downhome History 6

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72 Christmas Downhome-style

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98 eyewitness to history

98 A First-Hand Account A sailor’s letter describes the Halifax Explosion Lester Green 108 The White Shoulder Bag Harold Clarke

112 Puzzles 124 Colouring Page 126 Classifieds 128 Mail Order About the cover May your holidays be merry and bright with Downhome’s annual Christmas issue. Our cover features a harbour alight with the warm glow of the season, from Conception Bay South’s Carrie Pink. This issue is packed with readers’ holiday memories, delectable dishes and all you’ll need for a very merry Christmas.

Cover Index Letters to Santa • 10 Notes from the North Pole • 44 A Taste of Home • 82 Tinsel Traditions • 24 Cosy Christmas Comforts • 72 Readers’ Holiday Memories • 102 www.downhomelife.com

the back porch 132 The Labrador Current The First Green Christmas Nathan Freake 134 What Odds Paul Warford’s holiday humbug.

136 Ties to Home Salvage Art and Birch Brooms Dianna Brown

140 The Rose Kim Ploughman 142 The Silver Christmas Tree Cyril Griffin

144 Photo Finish December 2025

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between the lines

Christmas can mean many things to many people. It can be a time of wonder to some, yet polarizing, visceral and raw to others. A reminder of what we lack or miss, or a fine line between having too much or too little. Feasting, indulging and revelry are the name of the game for many, an exercise in excess at the end of a long year. Others may prefer the quiet comforts of an early morning beside a twinkly tree. Why, you may ask, have I decided that, in this most festive and warm time of year, to take this line of thinking in our annual holiday column? Because, much like snowflakes, no two of us are perfectly alike, and neither are our mindsets or circumstances. Collecting ‘Letters to Santa,’ for example, is always a fascinating exercise. You learn much, unpacking the secret wants of kids and kids at heart. There’s the hope, anticipation and wonder of children, eager to hustle to their trees on the morning of December 25th and discover whether the magic of Santa Claus will live to see another year. There’s an undeniable charm and innocence to the idea of believing in something so strongly that it directly informs who you are and how you act. Naughty or nice, am I right? There are also more selfless messages, professing a desire for peace, healing and acceptance. To aid those with nothing, comfort those with broken hearts and offer some measure of calm in a time that can feel so chaotic. A wise man once said to me that it’s your presence, not your presents, that counts. To that end, this issue is dedicated to all the big and small moments that make Christmas mean something. It could be a thoughtful gift from an unexpected place, or a random act of kindness when such things can be in short supply. So from our Downhome family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Dillon Collins Editor-in-chief

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Submission Guidelines and Prize Rules

You could WIN $100! Every reader whose PHOTO, STORY, JOKE or POEM appears next to this yellow “from our readers” stamp in a current issue receives $10 and a chance at being drawn for the monthly prize: $100 for one photo submission and $100 for one written submission. Prizes are awarded in Downhome Dollars certificates, which can be spent like cash in our retail stores and online at shopDownhome.com.*

Submit Today! Send your photo, story, joke or poem to

Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or submit online at: www.downhomelife.com *Only 1 prize per submitter per month. To receive their prize, submitters must provide with their submission COMPLETE contact information: full name, mailing address, phone number and email address (if you have one). Mailed submissions will only be returned to those who include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Downhome Inc. reserves the right to publish submissions in future print and/or electronic media campaigns. Downhome Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material.

Hidden somewhere in this issue is Corky Sly Conner.

Can you find him? Look carefully at all the photographs and in the text of the stories. If you spot Corky, send us your name, address and phone number, along with a note telling us where he’s located. Your name will be entered in a draw and the winner will receive a coupon worth 25 Downhome Dollars redeemable at our store, or through our website.

Send your replies to: Corky Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3

mail@downhomelife.com www.downhomelife.com Deadline for replies is the 25th of each month.

Congratulations to Todd Snelgrove of Harbour Grace, NL who found Corky on page 82 of the October issue!

*No Phone Calls Please. One entry per person

www.downhomelife.com

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We may not be the North Pole, but we here at Downhome like to think we have a link to the big guy in the red suit. Earlier this fall, our team called on kids and kids at heart to submit their letters to Santa, which we generously pass on here for Kris K’s approval and your reading pleasure. Merry Christmas! *Note: Submissions may be edited for length and clarity

Dear Santa, My name is Lewis Roul and I am 5 years old. My little sister is Grace and she is 3 years old. We also have a new baby sister, Anna, who will only be 3 months old at Christmastime. We live in L’anse-au-Loup, Grand Bank, NL and we have both been very good this year. We wanted to write you a letter to say thank you for all the special gifts you gave us last year. We don’t have a list of things we want this year, as we would just like any surprises that you choose to give us. We love you, Santa, and we can’t wait for your visit. It is our favourite time of the year! Love, Lewis & Grace Submitted by Samantha Roul

Dearest Santa Paws, I hope this letter finds you healthy and jolly. This year for Christmas I will be at doggy daycare because my mom works at sea, so we won’t be together. My only wish is for you to spread some extra holiday spirit to anyone who will be in the same situation, and can’t be with their loved ones. If you’d like to leave some beef pizzles in my stocking, I won’t be upset! Merry Christmas! Your furever bestie, PennyLane Submitted by Rhonda Mercer

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Dear Santa, These are my beautiful grandbabies Riley, Veronica and Ryder. They are so helpful, kind and loving. This year the two older ones would like a new phone or tablet. The baby, he is right into dinos and building, so you decide! I’m gonna go make some homemade goodies this year and some carrot muffins for the reindeer. If I had to get one thing I really wish for it would be for everyone in the world to find peace and love. Love always, Nana Submitted by Elaine Earle

Dear Santa, Thank you for all the gifts you brought us last year, we really enjoyed them. We have been good kids this year. Willow is soon turning 8 and Wilder turned 3 years old. This year Willow would love a “My Mini Baby”, 3D pen filament and a reborn doll. Wilder would love an ice cream store toy, monster dirt arena and maybe a surprise. Please don’t forget all the children in the hospital. If you could, please say hello to Mrs. Claus, the elves and all the reindeer for us. We are looking so forward to the Christmas season and the arrival of our elves. We will leave out extra treats for you and the reindeer. Take care and have a safe flight, Willow & Wilder Cook Submitted by Kimberly Horne

Dear Santa, Thank you for all the presents you brought me last year. I loved them all! This year I would love a new dinosaur and an accordion like my great pop’s. I will be spending Christmas in Goose Cove with my Newfoundland family this year and I’m so excited! Please don’t forget all my little friends in Labrador city. Love, Claire Submitted by Amy Fitzpatrick

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Dear Santa, I hope you and all your reindeer are doing well and getting ready for the big day. I’m sure all your elves are busy working hard to get all the toys ready for the good girls and boys. If it’s possible this year I would like a big Minnie Mouse, flash cards and a blankie. Please bring sissy a water bottle, bum cream and a blankie. I would like you to be extra careful and make sure you don’t fall on the snow and ice. I’ll be sure to leave milk and cookies for you when you get to our house. Lots of love, Jasmine & Hailey Submitted by Santa Martin

Dear Santa, My name is Kevin and I’m 4 years old. I was a good boy this year! This year for Christmas, I want a big dino egg with slime and a t-rex. I would like something little too, like a small race car. My sissy is really small so just bring her diapers. Don’t forget to bring your bell this year for pictures at the mall. It’s really my favourite. From your pal, Kevin Submitted by Rebecca Kelly

Dear Santa, My name is Jameson Keough. I am 2 years old. I will be 3 in December, so I will be a big boy. I am from Parson’s Pond, Newfoundland. This year for Christmas I would like a Christmas ball, a train set, some Play Dough, and a tow truck mater toy. Also, don’t forget about all the little boys and girls out there and my cousins in Parson’s Pond and Harbour Breton. I know you will make sure they get some toys. I will leave out some milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer. I cannot wait for Christmas this year and to see what you bring me. Be safe Santa. I hope you, the reindeer and Rudolph have a happy and safe trip. Love, Jameson Submitted by Brittany Elizabeth

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Dear Santa, My name is Luke Walsh and I am 1 year old! I’m a little too young to write my own letter, so mom and dad will write it for me. Thank you for all the wonderful presents last year. Even though I don’t remember much, mom and dad made sure I had the best first Christmas. They said I’ve been such a good boy this year! For this Christmas I am asking for a pair of hockey skates, a Mickey Mouse transport truck set and anything else you would like to bring me! Please don’t forget my big cousins Riley, Jonah and Jack, and also all the sick boys and girls. We will leave you some milk, cookies and something special for the reindeer and Mrs. Claus. Safe travels! Lots of love, Luke Submitted by Kerry Patey

Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good boy this year. I’m all ready for Christmas in my cosy Christmas PJs. If you could bring me some of those Milk-Bones, a little bit of chocolate (just for me, not for my humans, of course), I’d be the happiest dog in the world! Paw-lease and thank you, Buddy Submitted by Diana Lushman

Dear Santa, My name is Brady and I am from Upper Gullies, CBS. This is my second Christmas and this year I would like some building blocks and books to read. My mom and dad say I have been a very good boy this year. Don’t forget to visit all the sick kids in the hospital and I hope my cousins get some new Lego to play with. Lots of love, Brady Submitted by Jennifer Murphy

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Dear Santa, My name is Beau. I am only 3 months old so, this will be my first Christmas! I hope you and Mrs. Claus are doing well. I have been a very good boy this year, and for Christmas, I would love some new toys to help me learn and grow. My Mommy will leave milk and cookies for you, and some carrots for the reindeer. We wish you safe travels, and I will watch for you in the night sky. Love, Beau Submitted by Candice Hann

Dear Santa, My name is Benjamin Savory, I’m 14 months old. I met you last year at a few places for the first time. I think I have everybody charmed enough with my smile and laugh to say I’m on the nice list this year and will see you again. But I hope I’m not scared of you. Mom keeps saying she isn’t putting up a tree near me because I will wreck it. But all I really want is my favourite things: some dirt, to keep going outside, food, lots of love from all my family, and for daddy to keep singing to me while mommy watches and listens. And oh, of course I can’t forget I love Ms. Rachel, balls and big trucks! Lots of love, Benjamin Submitted by Tiffany Downey

Dear Santa, My name is Elise and I am 2 years old. Thank you for all of the presents you brought me last year. This year I have been really good, even if I do get in to a little mischief sometimes! For Christmas, I would love to have craft supplies, magnetic tiles and a Toniebox. Please don’t forget about my brother, Maverick. It’s his first Christmas and he would like new clothes, books and a Jack-in-the-box toy. I can’t wait for your visit and will leave some treats for you and the reindeer! With lots of love, Elise Submitted by Erin Gillingham (Slade) 14

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Dear Santa, My name is Nyla Doyle and I am 4 years old and the youngest of my siblings. Being the youngest comes with the title of being the baby of the family, and since I am the baby everyone, especially my mom, keeps grabbing my cheeks. This year for Christmas I would like to have a squishy baby doll of my own so I can grab her cheeks like mom grabs mine. And maybe, just maybe, my mom will grab my dolly’s cheeks too and leave mine alone. If you can’t beat em, join em. Hey Santa? Love your friend, Nyla Submitted by Cheyanne Murphy Doyle

Dear Santa, My name is Addison King and I am 4 years old, so my mommy is helping me with my letter. First of all, thank you for all the wonderful gifts last year. I loved them! I tried really hard to be good this year and mom said I’m doing great! For Christmas this year, I would like a Barbie dream house, a hunting suit, and anything else you’d like to bring me. Please don’t forget my sissy Marcy. She’s been really good too, and my daddy, who will be working on the Atlantic Merlin this year. Mommy, Sissy and I will leave you a yummy lunch. Your friend, Addison Submitted by Hilary Keeping

Dear Santa, I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Georgia Raymond and I am 14 months old. I have been such a good girl this year. It’s been a very busy year of learning and making friends. Thank you for the wonderful gifts last year. For Christmas, I would like some new toys, books and a new outfit. Please also look after all the little girls and boys in the world and give them something nice. I will leave some milk and cookies for you and some treats for the reindeer by the tree. Merry Christmas Santa. Love your little friend, Georgia Submitted by Crystal Raymond www.downhomelife.com

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Dear Santa Paws, Woof woof, it’s us, Boss and Sheruff! We’ve been the bestest boys ever ... mostly! We’ve been practicing our sit and stay and we’ve even tried to be gentle with our toys, but no promises! This is Sheruff’s first Christmas and he really wants some super-long-lasting chews and TOUGH toys so he doesn’t eat the Christmas tree. We would both love some squeaky balls and a new stuffy friend to cuddle. Please don’t forget about the doggos in shelters. We want them to find forever homes for Christmas. Tail wags and slobbery kisses, Boss and Sheruff Submitted by Monica Stanley

Dear Santa, My name is Cooper, and I am just over two months old. I have been such a good boy since I was born, I’m even sleeping through the night! I don’t need much for Christmas this year, but a “crawl-around car” would be nice as my mom says this will help me learn how to sit up when I’m ready! Please don’t forget all my friends who are also celebrating their first Christmas, and all of the sick boys and girls. See you soon! I’ll even share some of my milk on Christmas Eve! Love, Cooper Submitted by Macy Cooper

Dear Santa, My name is Jax and this will be my first Christmas EVER!!! I’ve been told I’ve been really good. Even the nurses in the NICU said so. Everyone tells me that this Christmas thing and you are a really big deal, and I can’t wait to find out what it is all about. Mommy said I get to ask for something from you. I would like a new truck to play with please. Also, could you bring a little something for my mommy and daddy and our two kitties? And please be good to all the amazing NICU nurses and doctors that helped me grow big and strong so I could go home with my family for this Christmas. Fly safe, love Jax Submitted by Stephanie Park

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Dear Santa, Thank you so much for my gifts last year. I am so excited for my second Christmas. I will be 14 months old. I have been so very good this year, even if sometimes I want to party in the middle of the night (sorry mom and dad). This year for Christmas I really would like a Little People Castle, a cute tent, and some more books. Please don’t forget to give Milo, my puppy, some treats. He loves opening gifts, even more than me! Please don’t forget the ones who need some holiday cheer most and be careful on your sleigh! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Lily Mae Submitted by Jessica Drew

Dear Santa, Hi, my name is Georgie and I’m two years old! Thank you for everything you gave me last year. Mom said that I have been a good girl, but could use some improvement too! This year, I would love a baby doll and some treats for my cats and dogs. Don’t forget my sisters Katie and Hailee and my brother Hunter. Thank you, Santa! Love, Georgie Submitted by Karla Gould

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Dear Santa, This is your little friend Marshall Barker. I am writing this letter on behalf of myself and my new baby sister, Billie (8 months), with some help from Mommy. Thank you so much for my gifts last year! I have tried to be a good boy all year and my Mommy says I have been trying my best, especially in the ‘big brother department’. This year I would love if you could bring me a shiny red balance bike, a skateboard, some monster trucks and a few surprises. My sissy would love a ring stacker and some surprises too. Don’t forget about my cousin Lucy in North River and my cousins in Ontario and Alberta. Especially don’t forget the little boys and girls in the Janeway who can’t be home for Christmas. You can give them a few of my surprises if you need to, Santa! Drive safe and give Mrs. Claus a hug for us. Love, Marshall and Billie Submitted by Nikita Barker

Dear Santa, How was your year at the North Pole? This year in Newfoundland we had lots of hot weather. Hopefully for Christmas there’ll be lots of snow for your sled and the reindeer. For Christmas this year, if you can, could you please bring me bunk beds, a few Legos and a robot to make. But most of all I really want my Auntie Joanne to come visit from the U.S. for Christmas! She was born here and Newfoundland is her heart and home. That would be the best present! Love, Elizabeth Submitted by Rosemarie Hawco

Dear Santa, My name is Landon. This is my very first letter to you and I am so excited for you to visit me. I have been a very good boy all year, learning and making many milestones. I would love it if you could please bring me some new sleepers and cute outfits. and maybe a couple of new toys. Don’t forget the boys and girls who don’t have very much. They need the most love and Christmas spirt. Lots of Love, Landon Submitted by Jessica Dodds 18

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Dear Santa, My name is James, and this Christmas I will be one year old. Last year, I was born on Tibb’s Eve, and while I was only a couple days old, thank you for the gifts you left for me. This year mom said I need some new clothes and a surprise. Please don’t forget my big brother and sister, as they have been good…most of the year. I cannot wait to play in the wrapping paper and listen to all the Christmas stories and music. Safe travels Santa! Your little friend, James Submitted by Marcy Farr

Dear Santa, Leland here. I would like a toy dinosaur, please. Can you say hi to Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer? Hey Santa, it’s RJ! How is everyone at the North Pole? For Christmas, I would like a mini dirt bike and a Tracy robot from Spidey and Friends. Merry Christmas! Love, Leland and RJ Gollop Submitted by Aunt Jack

Dear Santa, My name is Nevaeh. I am 3 years old. For Christmas this year I would like a baby, a mommy, toys for the baby, baby accessories (a bed, stroller, food bottle) and some makeup. I was wondering, what are the reindeer doing? Love, Nevaeh Submitted by Rebecca Leggo

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homefront Downhome tours...

Asia

China Greg Vatcher of Mount Pearl, and Monica Sleumer display the September issue on the scenic Bund in Shanghai, China.

The Bund in Shanghai is a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, known for its striking mix of old and new. On one side stand grand colonial-era buildings from the early 20th century, once home to banks and trading houses when parts of the city were controlled by foreign powers. On the other, across the river, rise the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, Shanghai’s main financial district.

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Japan Wayne Parsons visited the Genbaku Dome, or A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan.

The Genbaku Dome is one of the few buildings left standing after the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It has been preserved in its ruined state and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby in the park, the Children’s Peace Monument honours Sadako Sasaki and other children affected by the bombing. Thousands of origami paper cranes sent from around the world are placed at the monument to symbolize the hope for peace and a world free of nuclear weapons.

Singapore While connecting through Singapore Changi airport, Brian Dooley, originally from Carbonear, stopped at the Jewel, to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

The Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, officially opened in 2019, showcases Singapore’s innovation and love of green spaces. The Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, stands at 40 metres and is fed by rainwater collected from the roof, which is filtered and recycled. It’s surrounded by a lush indoor forest, the Shiseido Forest Valley, which spans five stories, filled with walking trails and thousands of trees and plants from around the world. www.downhomelife.com

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homefront

Then&There

Downhome catches readers up on major recent news, notes, events, anniversaries and acknowledgements across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.

NHL Bruiser Heads to CB

One of the National Hockey League’s all-time enforcers is heading to Newfoundland. Donald Brashear, a veteran of over 1,000 NHL games and a whopping 2,600 penalty minutes, has signed to play for the Corner Brook Royals of the Central Western Senior Hockey League. The 53-year-old spent parts of 16 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers, in an era when tough guys were highly valued for their grit, intimidation factor, and fighting prowess. Brashear returned to hockey for the first time in nearly 10 years in 2034-24, suiting up for the Jonquiere Marquis of Quebec’s LNAH. Corner Brook Royals Hockey Club Inc

Hollywood Hijinks

Sometimes life is stranger than fiction. Star of the big and small screen, Josh Hartnett made international headlines when he was involved in an incident while filming his new Netflix series in St. John’s. Hartnett and an unnamed passenger were sent to a local hospital with minor injuries following a late-night accident when the SUV the pair occupied collided with an RNC patrol vehicle this past fall. The collision occurred around 1 am at the intersection of New Cove Road and Elizabeth Avenue in St. John’s. Hartnett had been filming a yet-to-benamed series set in Newfoundland, which follows a fisherman as he fights to protect his family, community, and way of life when a mysterious sea creature terrorizes a remote town. 22

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Piers Evans/NCC (CNW Group/Domtar)

Nurturing Nature

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has received its largest-ever land donation in its 54-year history working in Atlantic Canada, and it’s from right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. The donation from the Domtar corporation amounts to four large parcels of forested lands and waters along the Southwest Gander River and Gander Lake, near the communities of Glenwood and Appleton. The move is a part of the NCC’s “bold campaign to protect more than 1,800 hectares of boreal forest, freshwater shoreline and wetlands in central Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Flight to Remember

A record-setting flight touched down in Newfoundland. As part of the Flight to End Polio campaign, 89-year-old Ed Galkin became the Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the oldest pilot in history to fly a singleengine airplane across the Atlantic. He has completed four around-the-world flights, including his most recent in 2022 at the age of 87. Galkin, alongside Peter Teahen, landed in St. John’s on October 1st after completing their nine-hour trek from the Azores. The pair have successfully raised more than $2 million for the Rotary Global Polio Eradication Initiative. They kickstarted the latest leg of their efforts on August 30th, launching a 37-day, 8,800 nautical mile expedition. www.downhomelife.com

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Expert answers to common life questions. By Linda Browne

Why do we decorate Christmas trees with tinsel? The stockings are hung by the chimney (or electric fireplace) with care, Nan’s in the kitchen mixing up the Christmas slush, and the dustbuster’s going full tilt as you try in vain to keep the floor clear of all that tinsel. Love it or loathe it, there’s nothing like those sparkling strands that catch the glow of holiday lights and turn even the simplest Christmas tree into something magical. But did you know that this festive favourite has a history stretching back more than four centuries, beginning not as a decoration, but as a symbol of wealth and craftsmanship? “Tinsel was first created in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1610 using thin strips of silver foil,” explains James Cooper, aka “The Christmas Expert,” who runs WhyChristmas.com, one of the largest Christmas information sites on the web. “At that time, the word ‘tinsel’ was used for fabrics made of silk with gold and silver threads in them,” he tells Downhome via email. These metallic threads were woven into expensive costumes and heraldic banners and flags long before they found their way to the branches of Christmas trees. 24

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Originally, silver tinsel strands were used to adorn things like statues. It wasn’t until the mid/late 1800s that people began draping them on evergreens. In those days, candles were the main source of tree lighting and the reflective silver foil, Cooper says, “gave the tree an extra sparkle — as it still does today.” But real silver had one big flaw: it tarnished quickly. Eventually, other metals were used, but these came with their own problems. “During the early 1900s, aluminum tinsel was popular, with most being made in France. But production stopped during WWI,” Cooper writes. “Lead foil was often used to make tinsel strands in the early 1900s… However, it was banned in many countries in the 1960s and 1970s due to being a poisoning risk, especially for children.” As materials evolved, so did the forms of tinsel, which include strands 1-888-588-6353

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or strips not connected to a central thread (known as lametta, or more commonly icicles, Cooper notes) and tinsel garlands with short strips that are attached to a central thread. “The first ‘tinsel garlands’ were sold in the 1890s and were made from silver-plated copper wire,” Cooper says. But the real revolution came with the invention of man-made plastic tinsel, which “became very popular as it was much cheaper than metal tinsel and also lighter to go on the tree,” he adds. Today, most tinsel — whether strands or garlands — is made of PVC. In Europe, the largest producer is based in Wales, “where they can produce 656,000 feet/200,000 metres of tinsel garlands a month in the run-up to Christmas,” Cooper states. Beyond its glittering history, folktales from Europe have put a unique spin on how tinsel came to be, weaving stories about The Christmas Spider. “These tales seem to have started in Eastern Germany, Poland or Ukraine but are also told in parts of Finland and Scandinavia,” Cooper writes, adding that the legend of the Christmas Spider has since crawled into other countries. Each version of the story centres around a poor family who can’t afford to decorate their Christmas tree (“In some versions, the tree grew from a pine cone in their house,” Cooper says). “When the children go to sleep on Christmas Eve, a spider covers the tree in cobwebs. Then on Christmas morning, the cobwebs are magically

Gloria Young photo

turned into silver and gold strands which decorate the tree!” In some versions, Cooper explains, it’s the light of the sun that transforms the webs; in others, the miracle is performed by the “gift bringer” — St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or das Christkind. Today, echoes of the legend endure. “In parts of Germany, Poland and Ukraine, it’s meant to be good luck to find a spider or a spider’s web on your Christmas tree,” Cooper shares. In Ukraine, he adds, spider’s web Christmas tree decorations called pavuchky, which translates to little spiders, are also popular. “The decorations are normally made of paper and silver wire. You might even put an artificial spider’s web on your tree!” So if, like Seinfeld’s Frank Costanza, you “find tinsel distracting,” you can always trim the tree with a gaggle of creepy crawlies instead.

Do you have a burning life question for Linda to investigate?

Turn to page 9 for ways to contact us. www.downhomelife.com

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homefront life’s funny

Christmas on the Farm My 8-year-old granddaughter, Amelia, always loved to visit Lester’s Farm on Brookfield Road to feed the animals, and of course, to buy ice cream. When she was 3 1/2 years old, it was her poppy’s and my turn to spend Christmas with her family. The house was nicely decorated for Christmas, and her mom had a Nativity scene on the hearth. Amelia and I sat by the fireplace, and I began to tell her the real meaning of Christmas. I picked up each piece of the Nativity scene and explained to her the meaning of each piece. When I picked up the baby Jesus, I told her that he was born in a manger where the animals were. She quickly replied, “Yes, up on Lester’s Farm.” Edna Way Gander, NL

Do you have any funny or embarrassing true stories? Share them with us. If your story is selected, you’ll win a prize! See page 9 for details.

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“ You kept t receipt, righ he t?” – Fran C oursolle

Say WHAT? Downhome recently posted this photo (submitted by Noah Snelgrove) on our website and social media platforms and asked folks to imagine what this dog might be saying. Fran Coursolle’s response made us chuckle the most, so we’re awarding her 20 Downhome Dollars

Here are the runners-up: Santa didn’t read my letter. - Edna Walsh A real Elf on the Shelf?! - Gloria Edwards No, Mom, I said toy...not boy! - Debbie Sproul

Play with us online! www.downhomelife.com/saywhat

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homefront lil charmers

O, Christmas Tree Charlotte helps her daddy find the perfect tree. Jessica Stagg Churchill Falls, NL

Christmas Cuties A Christmas Story Vaeda’s all wrapped up in a holiday tale. Danielle Osmond King’s Point, NL

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Festive Flock Patrick, Emma and their chickens wish you an egg-cellent holiday! Alisha McDonald Labrador City, NL

Tis the Season!

Lil mummers Aurora and Lucas are always ‘lowed in. Andrea Rose Burgeo, NL

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homefront pets of the month

Feline Festivities Moxi’s all settled in for a long winter’s nap. Tina Sullivan Clarenville, NL

Happy Pawlidays! Rudolph in Training Luna’s set to guide Santa’s sleigh. Rhonda Strong Clarenville, NL

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Countdown to Claus Bentley knows Santa’s on the way! Katie Rice Labrador City, NL

Naughty or Nice? Stanley looks pawsitively festive. Alyssa O’Neill St. John’s, NL

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homefront book nook

Downhome dives into the latest and greatest in Newfoundland literature, running down must-reads and offering recommendations for your next book binge!

Home for Christmas Denise Flint After Books $24.95

Who says romance can’t find us during the holidays? From longtime Downhome columnist and noted author Denise Flint, Home for Christmas is a new collection of four cosy tales of love, hope, and holiday magic, which take place on the snow-kissed shores of Newfoundland and Labrador: The Keeper (1919) Returning to Battle Harbour, Labrador, after The Great War to find her fiancé engaged to another woman is not the homecoming Mary Butler expected. But as she realizes it’s her pride, not her heart, that’s bruised, she finds herself drawn to serious, war-worn lighthouse keeper Allan Bennett—her fiancé’s brother.

The Christmas Tree Wish (1978) Maureen O’Connor doesn’t have time to fall in love with Nick Williams: she’s grieving, has a niece to raise, and a career to figure out. Besides, he dated her twin sister for a hot minute back in university. But when old feelings bubble up and the pair discover they share a bond neither of them ever imagined, Christmas takes a romantic turn.

Kitty Hawk Flies Home (1948) Jack Williams is supposed to be dead. That’s Kate Goudie’s first thought when she sees him serving drinks in a Gander bar, years after he broke his promise to meet her in Marseille. With the war behind them and secrets to be revealed, can they learn to trust and love again?

The Next Big Thing (2010) Julia Wells is done with Newfoundland Christmas traditions. Simon Taylor can’t wait to soak them up on his short visit to St. John’s. Covering one holiday event after another, the two journalists find themselves sparking in more ways than one. Will romance bloom in the glow of the season’s lights, or will distance snuff out the burgeoning flame of love?

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Downhome Recommends A Moose Goes a-Mummering Lisa Dalrymple with Illustrations by David Sturge

In this Newfoundland “Twelve Days of Christmas,” Chris Moose loves to go mummering. But everyone, from two giggling geese to 12 blushing beavers, sees through his festive costume. With bobbles, lights and garlands, Chris’s disguise grows more and more elaborate until he begins to wonder if he will ever find a way to keep his true identity from his friends!

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir Mike Martin with Illustrations by Shey Kolee

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic. At the end, she finds that all we really need is to believe in the power of love. Mike Martin is a writer from Ottawa, Canada. His Sgt. Windflower Mysteries are set in Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador. Shey Kolee is an illustrator from Sri Lanka who specializes in children’s book illustrations.

A Puffin Playing by the Sea Gina Noordhof with Illustrations by Derek Peddle

The classic holiday carol “The 12 Days of Christmas” takes on a Newfoundland and Labrador twist in this cute children’s book. Instead of a partridge in a pear tree, the first day of Christmas brings a puffin by the sea; other Newfoundland and Labrador-themed “gifts” include caribou, mummers – and even carolling codfish! Plus, the author provides interesting background information on each of the 12 gifts.

Visit shopdownhome.com for these and other great titles. www.downhomelife.com

December 2025

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fresh tracks

new music talk with Wendy Rose

Shoreline Sounds Wade Tarling

WE ALL KNOW THAT ADAGE about stopping to smell the roses. But

what if we stopped to just listen to them? To hear the wind rattle through thorny branches, to catch the quiet jostling of leaves as they gently brush against each other. On his new record, Shoreline Sounds, Wade Tarling wants you to pause and listen to the ceaseless soundtrack of the world around us.

Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Wade has been enjoying the sights, and especially the sounds, of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 20 years. His work as a solo artist, music director, bandleader, and side musician has taken him all over the island and through Labrador. Wade has been performing with Juno award–winning trio The Ennis Sisters since meeting Maureen, Karen and Teresa Ennis in 2018. “I’m coming up to my 300th show with them, but who’s counting?” Wade tells Downhome with a laugh, before continuing on a more serious note. “Their ethereal voices and wonderful arrangements make every performance a joy. I feel lucky to be part of their musical journey.” Those musical journeys they have embarked on together are what sparked the concept for Wade’s new 34

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solo album – a gorgeous, layered ambient record featuring field recordings from all over the province. “I’ve toured with The Ennis Sisters many times across the province; in winter, spring, and summer. Along the way, I’ve discovered some incredible spots, even ones I’d never heard of before,” Wade explains. “That got me thinking: how cool would it be to capture those places through music?” Shoreline Sounds is Wade’s attempt to “capture the province’s beauty through sound — a kind of sonic painting.” But can sound capture something that visual art cannot? “I think sound has a way of reaching people on an emotional level that visual art can’t always touch,” the artist muses. “With music, you don’t just observe beauty, you feel it. A painting can capture the light and colours, but music can carry the rhythm of the 1-888-588-6353

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waves or the tension and release of a storm passing.” Wade graciously provides listeners with a checklist of what sounds to listen for on the record: “In “Pondside (Cape Broyle),” you will hear the robins singing and a car passing by. In “Stone Island (East Coast Trail),” you’ll hear the waves crashing and seagulls calling.”

“In “Starlight (Cape Spear),” you’ll hear the crashing of the waves and a LOT of wind,” he continues with a laugh. “The wind definitely was a factor when recording. Sometimes I had to wait a while until the wind died down in order to capture other sounds. I’d say Cape Spear was the most difficult location. The wind was relentless!”

Jeff Parsons photo

Port Rexton is featured on “Sailor’s Delight,” and the capital city gets its spotlight on “Signal Hill at Night.” Labrador takes a moment to shine on the aptly named track, “The Big Land.” “In “Thunderbrook (Grand FallsWindsor),” you’ll hear the beautiful sounds of the waterfall as I walked up the trail. You’ll also hear the WhiteThroated Sparrow, native to that area.” This bird call was one of the most surprising sounds captured during hours of recordings. “Believe it or not, I have never heard a White-Throated Sparrow in this province,” Wade notes. “I was delighted by its call!” www.downhomelife.com

In the middle of the record, there’s a dreamy, piano-focused song titled “Inclement Weather” – something that, as all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know, can be found in every valley, mountain, bay, harbour, inlet, and cove, from the east coast to the west coast, to the Big Land, and everywhere in between. Wade walks us through his process of combining the music and field recordings in this refreshing and creative way. “I generally started with the piano first. I developed a melody that I felt was suitable for each area. I then added drums, bass, and other textures to complement that melody. The field recordings were then added in, and December 2025

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Wade performs with Alan Doyle Alick Tsui photo

the track was sent to Donald Richard of Spacecamp Productions. He expertly set each sound to its appropriate level. He made sure the field recordings were present but not overpowering.” With this new approach to writing and recording for this longtime professional musician, did this album change the way Wade thinks about creating music? “This project definitely made me think about nature in a different way … I listen to it a lot more now. For example, I listen to how rhythmic the waves are and the stories the birds have to tell. There are so many beautiful sounds all around us. “Every moment in writing this has been worth it. It’s given me a greater appreciation for the world around us and reminded me that inspiration is everywhere if we just take the time to listen.” 36

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Christopher Deacon photo

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Wade with The Ennis Sisters

When listening to the record, one could certainly imagine these beautiful instrumental works being featured in a film or on a TV show. Unsurprisingly, delving into that particular field has always been intriguing to Wade. “I consider myself to be a big movie buff,” he says. “I’ve always been inter-

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ested in film composers such as James Horner and Ennio Morricone. I’d love the chance to write for film and television.” If any filmmakers or television producers are reading this article, be sure to take note that Wade Tarling is available for hire – in between gigs with The Ennis Sisters, of course. When asked if he foresees Shoreline Sounds as the beginning of a larger series or if this is more of a standalone exploration, Wade said that he would love to do “another follow-up album down the road. We’ll see what the future holds.” Whether it’s in a movie, on a TV show, or as another record, I’m looking forward to hearing the next installment of this thought-provoking project.

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homefront

adventures outdoors

Cliff Doran photo

Hares, Hounds and Hearing By Gord Follett

Half an inch of fresh snow on the ground and temps at minus one with light winds made for an ideal day of rabbit hunting back in December 2005. It was the second consecutive day of hunting for my young beagle brothers, Cassius and Clay, after a so-so outing with high winds, with me not being able to hear them from anything more than 70-80 metres away. I’d suffered from partial hearing loss for almost a decade up to that point as a result of firing shotguns and highpowered rifles with no ear protection whatsoever. It’s gotten progressively worse, even though these days I remember – most times, anyway – to use devices designed to muffle the 38

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sound of guns while still being able to hear hunting buddies and hounds in the distance. But as I’ve been told by doctors, nothing compares to natural hearing. Even today, my buddy Tony, among others, can hear beagles barking long before I pick them up. But I’ve cautioned him – and am offering the same advice to anybody reading this – that proper hearing protection is a wise investment. Because the next shot you fire may be the one that causes irreversible nerve damage. 1-888-588-6353

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A couple of morning rabbits for Pete Tucker and Pepper Ok, back to my two days of hunting, beginning with a wrap-up of a few frustrating hours on Friday. I headed to Bauline Line in Torbay, where my mother’s parents, George and Veronica Dymond, used to have a tiny cabin. I fished small ponds and ‘hunted’ tiny creatures with my BB and pellet guns as a boy, so I was still a bit familiar with the area, even

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though houses were sprouting up like weeds. I let the dogs loose around 8 a.m., even before I started getting my backpack and 12-gauge shotgun ready. Just as I slipped a handful of shells into the pocket of my hunting vest, they jumped a rabbit nearby and barked constantly until they went out of my range, which, as mentioned earlier, wasn’t much more than 70 metres in those 50 kph winds. Unable to determine just how far they’d gone, I relaxed and lit a cigarette. Before my second puff, I heard them and watched the rabbit hop across the trail 25-30 metres in front of me. I didn’t think they were as close, so I wasn’t ready. I decided to stay exactly where I was and hoped my hounds would bring the hare back around. Sure enough, 20 minutes later, the big bunny came out of the woods and stopped on the trail. Boom! One hare in the bag. We moved a few hundred metres until I heard Clay squeal nearby, which meant he picked up a scent and would be howling very shortly once he got a better whiff. “Aurrough! Aurrough!” Game on.

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This turned out to be quite a frustrating chase – for me and no doubt the dogs – because they drove the rabbit within 100 metres of me on three occasions. Because I didn’t hear them until they were half that distance away, the hare had passed before I could get in a better position to shoot. I eventually bagged that one around 11:30 and immediately took the dogs back to my truck. “You were doing your job, fellas,” I said, “but your Dad’s crappy hearing had me all screwed up.” The following day’s light winds and snow promised a significantly more satisfying trip as I headed west on the TCH towards Blaketown while the sun was creeping over the hills in my side mirrors. Just a minute after my beagles jumped out of the kennel, they were onto a rabbit, which I knocked over on the first pass. Cassius and Clay followed up for a quick sniff to confirm the kill, then darted back into the woods; noses down and “tails goin’ mad,” as we say, indicating another scent. “Aurrough! Aurrough!” Another one on the run and my hounds stuck with it, howling for almost 20 minutes through brush, thick woods and open areas of spruce and birch. It was here I waited quietly without moving until the hare slowly hopped straight towards me. By the time he realized I wasn’t a natural part of the

Gord and Tony Vinnicombe at “The Bus” in Northwest Gander

forest, he became my second harvest of the morning. Twenty seconds after the dogs followed up, Cassius opened up like never before. I knew he never barked on old scent, so I readied my overand-under, which still had a shell in the top barrel. Twenty-five metres to my right, I saw it darting through the woods and picked my spot between trees to end the chase. By noon, my beagles were back in the kennel, and I was on my way home with five rabbits, three of which I gave my dear mother to make a stew for the family. As I write this piece, I’m constantly thinking about the current snowshoe hare season and how success will be measured not by how many we harvest, but by how the new beagle performs, how much we’ll enjoy the camaraderie and, of course, our boilups.

Gord Follett was editor of the Newfoundland Sportsman magazine for more than 30 years and co-hosted the Newfoundland Sportsman TV show for 15 years. Email gordfollett@gordfollettoutdoors.com. 40

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You Love it, They Will too!

Gift Subscriptions $ start at

99*

plus applicable taxes

Start Your Gift Today! www.downhomelife.com • 1-888-588-6353 mail@downhomelife.com * Valid in Canada on a 1-year term. Total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NB, PE $49.44; NS $49.01; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14; US $54.99; International $59.99.

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Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, wildlife, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons. This is your chance to get in on our most popular reader contest and try to woo the judges into choosing your photo for the 2027 Downhome Calendar. These calendars are seen by tens of thousands of subscribers and displayed all year long.

What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:

by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, file sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.

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features

“Santa, do your feet smell as bad as

Uncle Billy’s when you take off your boots?”

“Santa, what did I do wrong that caused my daddy to die?” “Santa, why does the reindeer poop on my grampie’s lawn look so much like chocolate bars?” “Santa, why does my daddy like to drink more than he loves me?” After assisting Santa for more than 46 years, there are not many questions that Santa has not been asked. Santa can’t lie or bring false hope. Has Santa actually been asked the questions written here? He certainly has, and they were all asked by children on the Flight to the North Pole. For more than fifteen years, in December, children send thousands of letters to the FM radio station Hot 99.1. Then, for seventeen mornings, live on the air, a child is phoned and told that they have been successful and 44

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Courtesy PAL Airlines

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they will fly with Provincial Airlines on a real flight, Ho Ho Ho, to meet Santa at the North Pole. One year, Meadow was in row 16, seat C. Santa knew her question, as he and Mrs. Claus had received the letters the night before, and Santa sat with Mrs. Claus, discussing how Santa should respond. When Santa arrived at row 16, a little girl was crying, and Santa picked her up and hugged her. She tearfully looked Santa straight in the eye and asked, “So what is the answer to my question?”

nally turned off, the door is opened and through the door comes Santa, all covered in real snow. He stands by row 1 and shakes his head, and snow flies all over the kids in the first few rows. There are squeals of delight. Santa starts at row 1, and he knows the names of every passenger and the question that these little elves have dreamed up for him. He also knew that when he got to row 7, Emily would have a letter for him. She smiled, handed Santa a rolled-up parchment with a bow and asked him to call her that night with the answer.

The engines are finally turned off, the door is opened and through the door comes Santa, all covered in real snow. Meadow’s question had been, “Santa, my mommy died in a car accident in October. Will her spirit be with you in the sleigh on Christmas Eve?” The flight is a magical experience for the children who can come from all over Newfoundland and Labrador. They come to the airport at 6 am and are greeted by Santa’s elves. At 7.30 am, they go through security, show their boarding passes and are welcomed on the plane by the Captain, the First Officer and the flight attendant. The pilot tells the spellbound youth that the flight will take about 30 minutes and that it is snowing in the North Pole. The children buckle up, and the engines start. The plane is rolled out and soon takes off in the cold, dark morning sky. Soon, the passengers feel the plane descend, and a soft bump welcomes them to Santa’s world. Soon, the plane touches down softly and rolls to a stop. The engines are fi46

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Finally, Santa waves goodbye. The door closed, the engines start up, and soon the children peel the Christmas wrap off the windows when instructed by the pilot. They looked out and saw Signal Hill, and they knew they were almost home. Later, Santa sat with Mrs. Claus, and they opened Emily’s letter. “Dear Santa. You know my name is Emily and that my puppy dog, Buddy, died of cancer. Now, for Christmas, I really only want one thing. My mommy says that if I am really good, you can grant me my Christmas wish. I am asking you to bring Buddy back to life, and I will find Buddy happily asleep in his basket under our tree on Christmas morning. I love you, Santa. Don’t let me down. Love, Emily.” What did Santa do? He can’t lie or make false promises. He can only find a way to deliver hope, love and a peaceful path for the future. Sometimes, your presence means more 1-888-588-6353

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than the presents. Mrs. Claus found the answer as she usually does. Later that night, we called Emily’s number and spoke to her. We told her that we were looking outside the big window in our North Pole house. Outside in the snow, her dog Buddy was having a wonderful game of tag with Dasher, Dancer and Rudolph. We explained that if she agreed, we would look after Buddy for the rest of his life, and he would be safe and happy here with all the elves. There was a short pause, and a soft voice quietly said, “Thank you, Santa. That’s all I really needed to know. Buddy is safe. You and Mrs. Claus look after him, and Mommy and I will go to the pound after Christmas and get another puppy.” The writer has assisted Santa for 46 years. There have been hundreds of visits, and hundreds of teddy bears have been given away. My Santa has never been paid, but there are contributions to Rotary International, and the polio vaccine has been purchased for more than 500,000 children in the world. Give your presence. Hug someone you love. Remember the elderly and give thanks, for we are amongst the

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Ned Pratt photo

most fortunate people in the world and in a beautiful Newfoundland and Labrador. Merry Christmas. - From Santa’s Assistant, BruceT. P.S. Christmas is a wonderful time to make Memory Cookies with a child. Sugar, flour, vanilla, sprinkles. You’re not just making cookies, but making memories for a child which they will never forget. Give your presence.

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life is better Winter colours of Trinity, NL Mark Gray Bonavista, NL

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features

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“I’m mostly fine, but unfortunately, I’m the same person.” Even filming from a hospital bed at the Miller Centre, he’s still the same irreverent Andrew Strickland. In a twenty-minute video beamed across socials, the musician, filmmaker, and father of three offers an update to his friends and followers. Speaking directly to the camera, though his eyes are hidden behind sunglasses, he calmly recounts a harrowing story. In July of this year, Andrew suffered a severe accident while working on the set of a local television show. A fall from a catwalk over ten feet high left him with a fractured neck, head trauma, and a complete spinal cord injury. He woke from a coma five days later in the ICU, battered, disoriented and permanently paralyzed from the waist down. As he describes how he’s adapting to such a massive life event, his words are candid, poignant, and so wryly funny they evoke tears and laughs in equal measure. In the comments, his friends express how grateful they are that he’s alright and still unmistakably himself. Andrew’s facing some major changes. But reinvention is what artists do best.

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The 39-year-old Carbonear native’s been a fixture in the local music scene for years. As his alter-ego, Dicky Strangler, he’s played with several bands, including Smiley Ralph and the Long Distance Runners. His debut solo album, Goodnight Nobody, was released in 2023. As a filmmaker, he recently finished Oliver – a short film he wrote and directed with creative partner Andrea Dunne. Starring Percy Hynes White, it premiered at the Atlantic International Film Festival in Halifax in September. He’s also built a steady career behind the scenes in television and was working as a set dresser on a long-running series that morning in July. “I don’t have any memory of what exactly happened,” he says when we meet in person at the Miller Centre, the province’s public rehabilitation hospital. “Someone asked me to run a wire up through the catwalk above the set, and I was like, yeah, I can do that

before lunch. And I went around and I found the steps and that’s the last thing I remember.” He looks well, sitting up in a wheelchair, smiling easily. The neck brace is gone, scratches and bruises all healed now. In person, his eyes are dark blue and soulful. “Most days I’m pretty fine. I’m dealing with it really well … Suspiciously well,” he adds with a chuckle. “The neurosurgeon told me that they didn’t think I was going to come out of it at all. They were very shocked. They told me it was amazing, like a miracle, that I am so cognitively better than they thought I would be. There were people who thought I was going to die. A lot of my close friends were really upset because they didn’t think I was going to be the same person anymore.” But a rock n’ roller like Andrew won’t go out that easily. “I eat Cineplex hotdogs on the regular, I can’t die,” he jokes.

On the set of Oliver with Percy Hynes White 52

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Dicky Strangler/Facebook

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Andrew with twins Casey and Sloane in the Miller Centre “I don’t know what it is. My attitude is more like, it sucks, but this is it. It’s not the end of the world. Really, I’ll tell you, the floor above my floor here, twelve feet above me, is palliative care. A whole floor of people in the last moments of their lives. That’s where my

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best friend died ten years ago. So, knowing that’s right above me and I’m not up there, really puts things into perspective.” Across Newfoundland and Labrador, about 100 people sustain spinal cord injuries each year. For Andrew,

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Andrew and family outside the Miller Centre rebuilding begins each morning at the Miller Centre, where rehabilitation fills his day. “I wake up in the morning, I have my breakfast, and then it’s straight into therapy. There’s rec, which is weights and stuff, then physio, which is a lot of wheelchair skills and upper body strength, and OT, which is more everyday living, relearning how to do things,” he says. “It’s good and it’s exhausting – mentally and physically. “I’ve had a very privileged hospital stay, though, I will say,” he continues. “I’ve had a lot of visitors. A lot of peo54

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ple here don’t have a support group like I have. My parents are here every day (every friggin day), bringing me stuff, God love them. Andrea’s here almost every day, other friends are here almost every week, and people are bringing me food. I’ve been pretty fortunate, actually.” That support helps keep Andrew grounded while he focuses on his children, Bowie, 10, and five-year-old twins Casey and Sloane. “I’m not going to sit around and mope,” he says. “I have kids who probably don’t want a dad who’s just going 1-888-588-6353

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to be moping all the time. My life’s totally different, but there are still a lot of things that I’m still able to do that I enjoy doing. “The most important thing I can focus on is showing my children what it looks like to never give up. To show them what perseverance looks like, what determination looks like, what survival looks like. And I’ll take this experience and do what I do best, which is to turn it into something good. Actually, I have no idea if that’s what I do best. Maybe I’m bad at it.” Andrew also credits much of his progress to his creative pursuits. Among them, music’s been central to navigating recovery. “I remember when someone brought me a guitar and I was really nervous because I didn’t know if I could still play,” he admits. “When they handed me that guitar, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was terrified. Then it was fine.” A spare room at the Miller Centre with an upright piano became a de facto weekly jam and recording space. “Those were some of the best times I’ve had in here. I’m really lucky that I’m an artist, you know, because that is an outlet,” Andrew says. “A lot of people aren’t artists, what do they do

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with this? What do they do with that energy?” He’s finishing a new album now, writing films and planning for what’s next. “That’s just the way I am. I’m a creative person, and the only time I feel really productive is when I’m creating.” Still, it ain’t easy. There’s no change without challenge. Some moments are terrifying, the future’s wide and unknown. But Andrew meets it with quiet strength. “Life throws curveballs. It’s up to you whether you want to deal with it or be afraid of it and back away from it,” he says. “The only way out is through. That’s it, that’s a choice you make. You can run away from your problems, or you can face them headon and come out the other side, most likely a better person. You gain wisdom and life experience. Not all life experiences are going to be good experiences. It’s all about how you deal with that and how that builds your character.” Deadpan, he adds, “And since that video I’ve had so many women messaging me, goddamnit.” For more information: Spinal Cord Injury Newfoundland and Labrador facebook.com/SpinalCordInjuryNL

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features

A Four-Part Series on Life and Death By Barbara Dunphy

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Part Four Healing Even though it had been my choice, selling the family home and business left me devastated. So much of my life was dedicated to the funeral home and my family, and suddenly, with the stroke of a pen, it was all gone. I felt lost, and I couldn’t accept the changes. For months, I sought answers to questions I couldn’t explain. Pain, guilt, grief, and loneliness flowed in every direction, making it impossible to sleep, to eat, to focus on dayto-day living. I struggled constantly with my decisions, and I didn’t know where or who to turn to. Sitting alone, I turned the pages of the family photo album. It was the only part of my life left, I thought.

Barbara’s hometown of Holyrood today

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Kayaking in Conception Bay was good practice for exploring the coastlines in Guatemala In 2020, I realized I would not be able to move on by myself, and I reached out for help and support. There were many appointments with various grief counsellors, priests, and others, but to my frustration, I still couldn’t accept my tremendous loss. My healing didn’t really start until, on one grief counsellor’s suggestion, I began seeing an addiction counsellor who discussed my drinking. Slowly, I stopped drinking completely. The difference that sobriety has made in my life is unbelievable. I’m proud to say I haven’t had a drink since August 2, 2020. The loss will always be there, but now I can cope with it, and I’m rebuilding my life. It was always my dream to travel to other countries, which brought me to Guatemala on six volunteer missions helping with medical and teaching clinics, and building schools and houses with the organizations Loving Arms and Team Give Get Go. These trips gave me great insight into how 58

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that part of the world survives with little or nothing. The smiles on kids and their families’ faces say it all. You don’t need a lot to be happy! It warms my heart to think that I made another person’s life a little better. In January 2025, I made a trip to Mombasa, Kenya, to spend time helping and learning about the Wema Centre, an organization that aids kids living on the street access education and healthcare, and reunites them with their families. Wherever I go, I like to get out in a kayak. I kayak the local coastline in Holyrood and various parts of Newfoundland, but I also went kayaking in Guatemala. I could live on a boat. The water gives me so much peace – being out there is like being in your own world. I do most of my thinking while walking along on the shore or paddling out. The water has helped me accept all the changes in my life. I’m more settled now. The funeral home is in good hands. My life is my 1-888-588-6353

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Volunteer work in Africa and Guatemala

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own in a way that it wasn’t when I was committed to the family business. But I’m happy I gave all those years, and I think my heart will always be connected to it. Mombasa, Kenya, sounds about as far from a funeral home in Holyrood as you can get. But to me, this trip means that the young woman in the broken dress, awkwardly waiting for the family ambulance to deliver a new outfit, has come full circle. At its core, a funeral home is not really about death; it’s about families and helping people. I’m grateful that my own family passed their deep commitment to compassion and caring for others on to me. These are the qualities I’ve brought with me to the funeral home, the operating room, and now to a volunteer mission in Kenya. I may be the last in this line of Dunphys, but I know I keep the memory of my parents, grandparents, and brothers alive every time I lend a hand.

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explore

Biosis Bridges the Gap

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Its unique geography, hilly land formation and blustery climate demand some fine-tuning from the traditional duplexes found in the nearby community of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity (CWT), 35 kilometres away. Centreville is a resettled community with planned streets and unobstructed building areas. According to Mayor Ivan Pickett, they have had success with previous housing incentives and are adding more affordable structures.

Concept photo of proposed buildings for New-Wes-Valley

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Drone view of the selected building area in Wesleyville Enter Biosis, an innovative Danish company started in 2018, specializing in architecture geared to harsh climates, permafrost ground and temperature extremes. Greenland’s capital of Nuuk has weather and landscape resistant structures, and Labrador’s Nunatsiavut Government is exploring Biosis’ modular options, which provide buildings that do not require costly rock blasting or heavy excavation. Rather, these horseshoe-shaped structures harmonize with the existing environment and result in sustainable growth, using materials compatible with Arctic conditions. The uniqueness of this new age concept was enough to dispatch a Canadian Press reporter to contact municipal leaders and returning expats in New-Wes-Valley. When hearing of modular construction, most Newfoundlanders 62

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and Labradorians think of the St. John’s Alt Hotel, as sections of this hotel were prefabricated. Ninety hotel room modules were hoisted and attached to their bases during construction, some of which happened during winter. Next comes the image of the iconic Fogo Island Inn in Joe Batt’s Arm. The northeast section of that building consists of stilts made from cordon steel and stands 30 feet high. This pays homage to the tradition where local buildings were built on stilts; a new example of vernacular architecture in an area where building a foundation into the rocky ground was impossible. Initial views of the modular units in New-Wes-Valley suggest sloping roofs and wide windows to minimize wind and maximize sun warmth. Canadian sites, such as Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, 1-888-588-6353

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could benefit greatly from the Biosis model. Mayor Mike Tiller and his municipal councillors have already selected a sizable block of land on the oceanfront, close to Pearson Academy, restaurants and the area’s health services. These Danish-inspired structures will not be the brightly coloured jellybean row houses of Christmas ornaments; instead, they will have sizes and shapes dictated by the surrounding terrain.

and seasonal residents are snapping up summer homes. Add to that are houses bought to operate as Airbnbs, plus a local economy that will require more itinerant workers, especially in health industry. The squeeze is on! Cheryl Smith is a local municipal councillor and experienced real estate agent who has family ties to New-Wes-Valley. “Older residents need relief from increasing property taxes, which is a huge motivator to sell or downsize

Regarding water and sewer hookups, Mayor Tiller announced, “funding for that aspect of the project has already been assured through government.” Giving impetus for this new age approach to housing in New-WesValley, in a word: demographics! Aging boomers want to downsize, returning families need residences,

their lifelong properties,” she shares, agreeing that 17 new modular units to offer residents would be a gamechanger. Beyond this stand-out proposal, there are traditional housing options to ease the pressure for incoming inhabitants. Our province has developed tourism ads on “places to go” and now must concentrate on “places

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Affordable duplexes in the nearby community of Centreville to stay” for citizens and tourists alike. Like other small towns, New-WesValley can identify closed churches, former commercial buildings or empty schools that may be repurposed into affordable housing. The inner roadway connecting Valleyfield to Wesleyville could be considered for municipal servicing. Imagination is a key ingredient for the future! Certainly, the overdue federal focus on housing Canadians opens a huge funding window. Mayor Tiller hopes to retain seniors seeking smaller, one-level accommodations who currently relocate to find them in the

regional hub of Gander, 100 kilometres away. Young people who left for factory jobs in Ontario or oil-related employment out west, are now feeling the call of home. With retirements from the active work force, there are opportunities to work in the fishery, health and tourism. Several restaurants have changed hands; there is a Lucky 7 Café, a nod to the miraculous return of the Elite Navigator’s crew in 2024. Work sites like well-established Beothic Fisheries, the Dr. Y.K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre, and expanded tourism and entertain-

New businesses, such as The Lucky 7 Café in Badger’s Quay, demonstrate that there are opportunities in the region. 64

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ment, provide economic stability. This trend is showing up in kindergarten enrollment at Pearson Academy. Incoming fish workers will soon be the norm, health professionals commute in and out, and all need stable housing, not a long commute, at the end of their shift.

A recent report from the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL) and Annex Consulting’s Hope Jamieson say only 0.3% of the province’s total occupied housing stock represents non-profit units. In comparison, nationwide, community housing accounts for approximately 4% of the overall

Empty salt boxes, which have become Airbnbs and residences occupied seasonally create the need to add to community infrastructure. The Biosis option is a much better solution than bringing your bed down into the living room or developing a scarce building lot. Indeed, this area of Bonavista North can be thought of as a canary in a coal mine, with a housing quandary that other land challenged outports may be on the cusp of experiencing themselves.

housing stock. According to the report “Breaking the Bottleneck,” our province is far below average, Mayor Tiller is adamant, sharing with CBC that, “You can’t have people coming here looking for homes and not have anything for them to live in.” Obviously, every municipality wants to enhance, not depress, its future growth. These are exciting times as New-Wes-Valley reinvents itself, one module housing unit at a time.

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explore

Capital Mitsubishi Centre celebrates 50 years of community spirit By Anna Dwyer

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When a minor hockey team

from St. John’s got trounced by New Brunswick players in Moncton in 1971, one parent’s plan for a rebound created a community legacy. Young hockey dad David Riche was so impressed by the Moncton facilities that he returned home determined to build an arena. Despite the obvious need, obstacles were daunting. But Riche was a grinder. He would skate around the pylons – elbows up, of course!

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“At that time, there was no indication the city was willing to take on any project to provide indoor ice facilities for children,” said Riche. “This was causing considerable frustration because the need was definitely there, but some thought it was just too big of an undertaking.” At the time, the Avalon offered few practice opportunities for hockey players and figure skaters. Memorial Stadium was the main option for the general public, with three other rinks – St. Bon’s Forum, Feildian Gardens, and the Prince of Wales Arena – owned and operated by denomination-based associations. At times, children found themselves preparing for tournaments and competitions on backyard rinks. So Riche placed an ad in a newspaper and found himself in a room with nearly 50 parents. Intrigued, they wondered if private citizens could build a public rink. One of those parents was Rosemary Marshall, all-star hockey mom to three sons. 68

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“We all knew an ice rink was badly needed, as there was little ice time available,” she said. “We were very excited about getting things going.” That informal gathering in 1971 would evolve into formal meetings of the Avalon Arena Association, the non-profit organization that built Twin Rinks, the first multi-surface rink in the province. Fifty years ago, however, it was just a dream. It started with parents selling debentures to friends and family members and canvassing businesses for donations. Riche, a lawyer at the time, incorporated the group as a charitable organization and boldly sought donations from government agencies, charitable associations, and large corporations. “Money was the number one priority,” said Riche, who jump-started the fundraising with $500 from his own pocket. “I went into Woolworth’s and explained the situation, and a lady working there said, ‘Someone in the office will give you $25’. So 1-888-588-6353

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David Riche and Rosemary Marshall, founding members of the Avalon Arena Association

I went to the office and asked for $2,500.” In 1972, the estimated cost was half a million dollars per ice surface, and the initial plan was for two ice rinks – one in the east end of St. John’s and one in the west. When the price jumped to more than $2 million, Riche suggested putting two ice surfaces under one roof to save on operational costs. In addition to building the facility, the Association had to purchase the land for $8,000. A space was located in Mundy Pond, which the City Council had targeted for development. There was a sod-turning ceremony and an endorsement from Howie Meeker himself, but despite the buzz at the community level,

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challenges remained. After a few more years of stick handling around various obstacles, team spirit among the volunteers and local supporters picked up. Generous donations came in from outside the province, and local businesses joined in. According to Riche, Chester Dawe built and donated a house that was raffled off on tickets and Basil Dobbin, whose construction company was hired to blast the rock for the site, donated $50,000. “Local businessman and philanthropist Ian Reid provided a list of charitable organizations that we could contact. Kids even gave a few dollars. We were the ragged-arse artillery, and we followed up on every opportunity,” Riche said, adding that

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Twin Rinks has seen some changes throughout the years.

when a bank required the backing of a government agency, the City of St. John’s stepped in. “It was wonderful,” said Marshall, who served as assistant secretary when the Association was formed. “Despite all our differences, we worked well together. We were all there for one purpose. It was unbelievable, really, to think we did all that.” Fifty years later, the legacy of Twin Rinks – currently operating as the Capital Mitsubishi Centre – continues to stand as a model for community spirit. By the time it opened its doors in June 1975, the building was doing more than offering ice time for young athletes. It had also given a boost to a neighbourhood that badly needed one. “Mundy Pond was an area that needed an advantage too,” said Bob Kirkland, a regular at the facility for nearly 50 years. “The kids there needed a place to go, and I’d like to think that just having the rink 70

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opened the door for them to play or at least give them a chance to watch a game.” At 80, Kirkland still laces up three times a week and hits the ice with a group of hockey players aged 60 and older. Since surviving a major heart attack 30 years ago, it’s where he goes to maintain physical health and socialize with friends and family. “It’s played such a big part in my life,” he said. “I’m grateful it was there when each of my three boys started playing, and I’m grateful to be able to go there now.” The official opening for Twin Rinks was September 22, 1976. The Association continues to play a vital role in community sports. In 2023, it opened another ice surface on Hebron Way, creating even more opportunities for young athletes. “The work that we do and can do today – like re-invest in the original facility and add ice time via another facility – is a direct result of the vision and efforts of dedicated 1-888-588-6353

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Twin Rinks legacy will continue on in a new generation. Back row: Leah Brown, figure skater; Wendy Mercer, figure skating coach; Clara White, figure skater; and Harry Maher, minor hockey player. Front row: Bob Kirkland, Rick Spurrell, David Riche and Rosemary Marshall

people over the past decade,” said Board Chair Rick Spurrell. “They are creators of a multi-generational legacy, and we are proud stewards working to honour that legacy and to

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build upon it.” As the torch passes on to a new generation of athletes, the legacy of community spirit continues to burn bright.

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HOME and Cabin

stuff we love by Nicola Ryan

Downhome Christmas BREW-HAHA Hark! What’s that noise out by the porch door? In partnership with the Mummers Parade, Quidi Vidi Brewery brews a new limited-edition Mummers Brew each year. Don’t s’pose any fine mummer would turn down a drop – whether it’s Cream Ale, Amber Ale, Blueberry Stout, or this year’s special flavour. A tasty toast to mischief, music, and a cherished tradition. quidividibrewery.ca

LOAF & LIGHT Based in Blaketown, Lighthouse Fragrance Company fills homes with irresistible scents. Each hand-poured candle blends soy and beeswax, fragrance oils and a crackling wooden wick. Choose from festive favorites like Holiday Cheer, Frosted Gingerbread, Winter Berry, and our top pick, Molasses Raisin Bread. Warm and comforting, with notes of freshly baked bread, molasses and cinnamon, it’s Christmas morning in a candle. lighthousefragranceco.com

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VILLAGE VIBES Light up your holidays with downhome charm. The Newfoundland Christmas Village brings festive cheer with glowing ceramic models. Start with the fishing stage, then collect the downtown rowhouse, saltbox house, church, shed, lighthouse and more to build your own cosy, Christmassy NL scene. Shopdownhome.com

FESTIVE FOODS Loves Me Grub Christmas ornaments celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s favourite traditional foods. From salt meat and mustard pickles to pineapple Crush, there’s enough here for a whole Sunday dinner. Our favourite’s got to be pea soup with dumplings. Hang a little nostalgia this season and bring a taste of home to your holiday décor. rockonwater.ca

HOLIDAY HOOCH Any good Newfoundlander knows a slush is basically a boozy, frozen punch. Important note: the bucket comes empty – you’ll have to mix up your own. Follow the recipe on the side or just dump in whatever booze you’ve got left and call it a Christmas season. Perfect for kitchen parties, times, or any occasion you want to channel true Newfoundland spirit. Shopdownhome.com www.downhomelife.com

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HOME and Cabin Ask Marie Anything Interior designer Marie Bishop takes your questions

The Quiet of the Morning

It doesn’t seem to matter what stage or phase

of life you’re in; the energy of December permeates the air and gets into the bloodstream. Shopping, wrapping, baking, the hustle and bustle, school concerts, neighbourhood gatherings, dinner parties, family get-togethers. For the most part, it’s wonderful and exciting, but we all know it can also be exhausting.

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If you prepare a space that’s waiting just for you, it calls your name and offers the incentive to sneak down in the wee hours of the morning in the beautiful quiet.

I find the best way to restore calm to the manic energy of December madness is to give yourself the gift of time. How can I do that, you ask? Remember when you were a child and Christmas was the best day of the year? When you’d get up as early as possible without your parents sending you back to bed for another hour, because it was only 5:00 am? And you just could not sleep because you knew presents were waiting to be torn open out there under that tree? Well, the present is still there, every morning, and 5:00 am is the very best time to find it. I can see the eyes rolling and hear ‘yeah, right’ under your breath, but let me finish. Getting up at 5 am is actually the best gift you could get. You’re not losing an hour of sleep, but gaining a whole hour of intentional self-indulgence. If you prepare a space that’s waiting www.downhomelife.com

just for you, it calls your name and offers the incentive to sneak down in the wee hours of the morning in the beautiful quiet. A cosy chair, warm blanket and dim lighting are all you need. There’s a stillness you’ll find that hour of the morning that vanishes with the daylight. Every space feels sacred. Make some tea or a steaming cup of coffee, nestle yourself into your spot by the window or the woodstove and wrap up in a soft woolly blanket. I hesitate to use the word ‘meditation’ because that evokes images of sitting in a lotus position with incense burning with eyes closed, trying to focus on nothing when your noggin is chock full of to-do lists. Instead, keep a journal handy so if your brain is brimming with attention-grabbing notifications, write them down. It will free up some headspace and quiet the December 2025

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mind. Then just relax and witness the such as oatmeal, soft clay and moss daylight slowly wrap itself around the green. Accents in muted gold and darkness; that’s the gift. warm wood tones make the space rich Whether it’s early December or two and inviting. Given it’s the season of days before Christmas, taking time to our beloved evergreen trees, adding a shift gears will help you navigate the few sprigs of fir, cedar, or holly brings days and weeks ahead. an understated holiday vibe. The In reality, I know most of you would silence is part of the charm for me, choose sleep over dragging your but adding your favourite quiet body out of bed at 5:00 am... gift or playlist could bring it to another level. no gift. However, I would encourage you to create a space where quiet The space itself only needs moments will bring a to be big enough for a chair sense of calm. No matter and a small table, ideally your decorating style or positioned by a window. furniture limitations, It’s calming to look beyond there’s always a way to our space, whether there’s carve out a place to repair a wooded area or a frayed nerves. Here are cityscape out there. some ideas you might consider: The space itself only needs to be big enough for a chair and a small table, ideally positioned by a window. It’s calming to look beyond our space, whether there’s a wooded area or a cityscape out there. Low wattage from a small lamp gives a warm light during these short days when it’s still dark late into the morning and early evening. A small table or stool provides a space for a hot drink and Keep this space clutter-free, ready your journal. Adding a knitted or tex- for you any time of day or evening. A tured throw to keep the chill away, a glance in that direction and the thick carpet beneath your feet or promise of a quiet reprieve can be those comfy slippers you love will cre- enough to bring a sense of momenate layers of comfort. tary calm. If you’re starting from scratch and The important thing to remember is have options for colour and texture, to give yourself the gift of time. No I’d lean toward warm, natural tones matter how small it may be, make it 76

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A few small touches of the season can create an understated holiday vibe.

intentional and indulgent. As we review the past year, digest the changes in our world and realize the blessings we have been given. It’s more critical than ever to take that moment for ourselves. Creating an inviting area

that nurtures you lets you know that no matter how hectic our world becomes, you have a quiet place to reflect, sit back, breathe, be grateful for all the gifts, and love your space. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Ask Marie Anything! Got a design question for Marie? Email editorial@downhomelife.com.

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HOME and Cabin

the everyday gourmet

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the everyday gourmet By Andrea Maunder

Andrea Maunder is the owner and creative force behind Saucy & Sweet – Homemade Specialty Foods & Catering.

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Imagine waking up Christmas morning to the tantalizing aroma of Cranberry-Pecan Bread Pudding baking in the oven – toasty, buttery, caramelly aromas with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part – this is a make-ahead recipe! You can prep and refrigerate the dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven while you make the coffee (or mimosas). The gorgeous rum sauce is microwave-friendly and can also be made ahead. This recipe is customizable, too. You can swap the fruit and nut additions for whatever you like (or leave them out), make in one larger casserole dish (2 quart size, or so), or individual ramekins (reduce baking time accordingly), and switch out the rum with whatever liqueur or tipple you like, or leave it out of the sauce. With the busyness of the season, it’s lovely to know you’ve got Christmas morning handled in a most delicious and comforting way. While it’s perfection right from the oven, you can bake the bread pudding in advance since it rewarms nicely in a microwave or regular oven. The pudding freezes very well, but the sauce tends to separate. Customize: Use any bread/rolls you have – staler is better. (The markdown aisle at the supermarket is perfect.) Unless the crusts are really hard, leave them on. I love golden raisins in bread pudding. Almost any dried fruit will work, chocolate chips, coconut, banana slices, or other berries. You can increase, decrease or omit the spices, or switch out ones you love. And as I mentioned in the sauce, swap any spirit, or simply replace the liquid with more milk. Imagine Grand Marnier sauce with raspberrycoconut bread pudding. I used Newfoundlander’s White Rum in my sauce for the subtle vanilla-oaky flavour it adds.

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A Nut Note: When I include nuts in a recipe, I nearly always toast them. Likewise for unsweetened coconut. The flavour is much more robust and delicious. If your oven is already on, just place on a parchment-lined baking pan and spread out in a single layer at 350F. Set your timer for 5 minutes. I hardly ever burn anything, but somehow those few minutes it takes for nuts (or especially coconut) go by faster than my internal chefclock registers. I end up smelling something burning before remembering. If you’re prepping something in advance of the oven being on, there are a couple other handy ways to toast nuts. If you have an airfryer, place the nuts on the tray at 350, set for 3 minutes and toss once in between. (doesn’t work with coconut as it flies up into the fan). Or set a dry nonstick frypan on med-low heat and toss the nuts 3-5 minutes or coconut

2-3 until golden browned and fragrant. (Coconut browns faster in oven or pan.) The only time I don’t pre-toast is if they are baked on top of something, then they’d overbrown if already toasted. This recipe is great for minimal clean up. No appliances required. I use a large (8-cup) glass measuring cup to measure the cubed bread as I cut, then tip it into my non-sticksprayed casserole so I can use the measuring cup to melt the butter in the microwave. I put the bread back in the measuring cup to toss-coat with the butter and cinnamon. Then back in the casserole dish. I then use the same measuring cup to mix the custard. I use a 2-cup measure to make the sauce in the same way. I hope you love this as much as I do. The simple and humble ingredients come together in a heavenly dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Happy Holidays!

Cranberry Pecan Bread Pudding 4 cups cubed stale bread – about 1/2 inch dice 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or craisins) 1/2 cup toasted pecans (I used halves, but chopped is fine also)

2 cups milk 3 eggs 1/3 cup sugar (up to a half cup if you like things more sweet) 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast nuts as described above. In a large microwavesafe bowl, melt butter in microwave (45-60 seconds depending on your microwave). Toss bread to coat all the cubes. Sprinkle cinnamon over and toss again to distribute and coat. Place bread in a medium-sized casserole or baking dish (1 1/2 to 2 quart size), sprayed with nonstick spray, or lightly greased. (If making individual bread puddings, divide the bread amongst six to eight ramekins.) Add the cranberries and pecans and toss again to distribute. Using the same bowl, make the custard: whisk together the remaining ingredients 80

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until the sugar is dissolved and the eggs are well broken up. Pour liquid over bread (distribute evenly if doing individual servings). Let sit 5-10 minutes and then toss to be sure all bread is getting soaked with the custard. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or up to 2 days). You can bake now, if you prefer. Just allow about 30 minutes for the bread to soak up custard. Baking time: Remove cover and poke any exposed nuts down into the mixture (so they don’t burn). Place on top of oven and turn on to 350°F. Doing this will allow the cold casserole dish to warm slightly as the oven preheats (prevents cracking). Place on a parchment-lined pan (in case of spillage as it puffs and bakes). Bake 45 minutes until puffed and golden brown. You should check to be sure it’s done by inserting a paring knife in the middle. It should come out fairly clean (a little wet is okay). If not, bake another few minutes. Individual ramekins will bake in 20-25 minutes.

Rum Sauce 2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp cornstarch pinch salt 3 tbsp butter

1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 cup milk + 2 tbsp 2 tbsp rum (or any spirit you like or replace with 2 tbsp milk)

Make the sauce the night before and just warm in the microwave in the morning. I make this in 2-cup glass measuring cup in the microwave (with a plate underneath, just in case it boils up) and a tiny whisk, but you can also do it on top of the stove. In the microwave: In a microwave safe vessel with plenty of head space (to allow for boiling), whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt until blended. Add butter and corn syrup and microwave 30-45 seconds until melted. Whisk until smooth. Add milk and rum and return to microwave, for 30 second intervals, whisking in between until sauce is thickened with the consistency of gravy or custard. 2-3 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Stovetop: In a small saucepan, off heat, mix dry ingredients in the same way. Add butter and corn syrup, place on low burner, and stir to melt. Add milk and rum and cook, whisking over medium-low heat until smooth and thickened. 2-3 minutes. Serve a spoonful of warm sauce over warm pudding. www.downhomelife.com

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HOME and Cabin

downhome recipes

A Taste of Home

Bonita Hussey shares tried-and-true family favourites from Bonita’s Kitchen By Dillon Collins

There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, and few do it better than Bonita Hussey. “For me, it’s all about bringing out those recipes. I never really thought in a million years that my homemade bread recipe was going to turn into hundreds of recipes available online,” shares the Upper Island Cove native and creator of Bonita’s Kitchen. 82

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Right: Bonita with her family Steven, Raymond and Brad

Kickstarted in 2014, Bonita’s Kitchen has become an internationally regarded brand, with a YouTube page boasting nearly nine million views, three published cookbooks and legions of fans of all ages. “It’s sharing these amazing stories. People will comment and talk about their grandparents and parents, how they watched them cook, but never really wrote the recipes down. So it started out simple with my boys, wanting to know how to make bread. Now I feel that I’m almost like a Dear Abby,” she said. “That makes me feel good. That lets me know that everything we’ve done over this last 10 years has been enjoyed and used, and there’s a need for.” From the cooking, to filming, production and website design, Bonita’s Kitchen is a family affair. No surprise that, when it comes to the holiday season, family is at the core of Bonita’s life. “We spend the whole weekend cooking, eating and telling stories,” 1-888-588-6353

she says of her holiday traditions, sharing that her children Steven and Brad have taken on their mother’s love of cooking. “Our boys, they’re adults now, they love to cook. They’re in there like a dirty sock. They’re like ok, Mom, we got this. And I love it, because I know that when it comes down to it, if anything should happen, they’ll have all this to look back at. My grandkids, my extended family and then my YouTube family, everyone who enjoys the channel, I love it. As (her husband) Raymond would say, ‘it warms the cockles of my heart.’ It’s all about the memory of the recipe.” Bonita’s latest cookbook, What’s For Supper?: Home-Cooked Meals From Bonita’s Kitchen to Yours, is available now through Boulder Books and at shopdownhome.com. Visit bonitaskitchen.com for a complete list of recipes and much more. Here are six recipes from Bonita’s Kitchen, direct to yours, for a very merry Christmas. December 2025

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Baked Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Ham

Sauce

1 smoked picnic ham 1 medium onion (cubed) 1 tbsp black peppercorns 1 medium onion, sliced 1/4 tsp black pepper 8 red cherries (optional)

1 can crushed pineapple 1 cup cubed brown sugar 1/4 cup cold water 1 tbsp cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 350°F, bake time 1/2 hour uncovered, 1/2 hour covered. In a large boiler, add water until half full. Add picnic ham, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, 1 medium cubed onion, and start the water boiling on medium heat for 2 hours. After the ham has boiled, remove it carefully from the boiler into a large bowl. Remove the net from the ham and toss away any fat. Cut slices in the top of your ham. Add 1 medium onion, sliced, placed in the bottom of your roaster, then put your ham on top of the onion in a large roaster and one cup of warm water. Combine the sauce ingredients and pour over the ham. Sprinkle with the pepper and cherries, if using. After your hour is up, check your ham to see if you would like to brown the top more. Take the cover off and let it bake for another 15 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let rest for 10 minutes, then remove from the roaster and place on a board to carve into slices. The remaining sauce in the roaster is poured over top of the ham. Thicken the sauce more if it’s too thin.

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Bonita’s Tips Bo

iling the h baking re am before and soft moves fat ens the meat. Soaking p before b otato slices aking re extra sta moves rch.

Scalloped Potatoes 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 tbsp butter 1 large egg 1 cup milk

1/4 cup water 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch 1 tsp olive oil Sea salt and pepper to taste

Peel the skin off four medium potatoes, then cut them into thin slices. Keep in cold water until ready to use. Place a small boiler on the stove top on medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt, then add 2 tbsp flour and mix until combined. Add 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until combined. Mix in a small bowl 1/4 cup cold water and 1 egg, then stir it into your boiler, mixing until all the egg water has combined with your sauce. Add about 4 or 5 grates of black pepper and continue boiling until it has started to thicken. Remove from the heat. In a round glass baking dish or a dish of your choice, pour about 1 tsp olive oil into the pan, then start layering your potatoes and pour some sauce over them, topped with more shredded cheddar cheese and some grated black pepper and sea salt. Continue layering until all your potatoes and sauce are used. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese and place in a 350°F preheated oven for 40 minutes. When potatoes are baked, remove from the oven and cover with foil until ready to serve. Yield 8 servings.

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Jiggs Dinner Pastries Jiggs Dinner

Pastries

1 or 2 pieces of salt beef 1 head of cabbage, quartered 4 to 6 carrots, peeled and cut in half 1 medium onion 1 or 2 tbsp of butter or margarine 6 potatoes, peeled and cut in half 1 medium turnip/rutabaga, peeled and sliced 1 parsnip, peeled 1/2 bag yellow split peas 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp sea salt

2 cups flour, extra to roll 1/2 cup cold butter or margarine 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 cup cold water 1 egg

Method for Jiggs Dinner Soak salt beef overnight in cold water or boil in a large boiler for 1/2 hour, then drain the liquid off. Add more cold water to lower the amount of salt on the beef, then add 1 medium onion to the boiler. In a prepared pudding bag, pour ½ bag of split peas, and tie the top with a cotton string. Soak overnight in cold water or start cooking peas in your pudding bag with salt beef for about 1 hour, then check to see if the split peas are cooked. (You can remove the pudding bag from the pot or leave it in the water and add your vegetables with it.) Add cabbage and turnip to your boiler, then boil for another 15 minutes. Add potatoes, carrot and parsnip to your boiler, then boil for another 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.

Pease Pudding Soak a 1/2 bag of yellow split peas in a bowl of cold water overnight in your pudding bag. Remove the pudding bag with peas from the water, then cook with the second boil of your salt beef. When the salt beef or salt pork riblets and vegetables are cooked, remove the pea bag from the boiler, then cut the string from the bag and pour all peas into a bowl. Add butter and pepper to taste, mix. Remove all vegetables from the boiler and put them in separate bowls. Keep your pot liquid/broth for gravy or soup broth. Prep time ½ hour, cooking time 2 hours.

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Method for pastries Mix flour, butter (chopped into pieces) and salt together in a bowl. Mix with your hand or a food processor. When mixed, add water, mix until it shapes into a ball, then remove from the bowl or mixer. Put a piece of parchment paper on the counter and sprinkle it with flour. Cut the ball into two pieces, then put your pastry ball on top of it and roll until even. Double the recipe if you’d like to make more dough. Don’t add salt if you are using salted butter.

Method for Jiggs Dinner in Pastry Roll all the pastry and cut into squares, 4 x 4 or larger. Add one piece of all jiggs dinner, potato, carrot, turnip, parsnip, cabbage, salt beef, pease pudding, fold pastry over on all sides and pinch together. Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, crack one egg and mix, brush over the pastry or use melted butter. Pre-heat oven to 350ºF and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and serve hot, covered in gravy or with gravy served on the side. Take to work or school, to go meal! Yields four pastries.

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Cream of Turkey Soup 2 cups of cooked turkey 4 cups vegetable broth 1/2 tsp black or white pepper 1/2 to 1 tsp of sea salt 1/2 to 1 tsp of savoury 1 cup evaporated milk or whole milk 2 medium onions, chopped 2-3 medium potatoes, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped

1 small parsnip, chopped 1/2 small turnip/rutabaga, chopped 1/2 cup frozen or fresh green peas 1 stick of green onion, chopped 2-3 sticks of celery, chopped 1 tsp olive oil 2 tbsp butter or margarine 3 tbsp flour

nita’s Sauté chopped onions in butter and oil until tenT ips der and transparent, but not golden brown. Add Frying o n io n s before flour, cook for a minute, then add one cup of helps to hand and you add more flavo evaporated milk and one cup of veggie broth. ur, ’re sure th e cooked. onions a Peeling Stir until thickened. Keep simmering until re and soa veggies king b ready to use. In a large boiler with a lid, turn them sit efore and lettin g fo the burner on a medium heat, add three cups of starch fror a while removes m potato es and cleans v veggie broth or hot water, and let it boil. Peel and eggies. chop potatoes, carrots, parsnip, turnip/rutabaga and celery. Put in a bowl of cold water until ready to use. When broth is boiled and ready, drain water off veggies and add to boiler with sea salt, pepper and boil, 5 minutes. After adding cooked chopped turkey, cook for 5 to 10 minutes, then add your sautéed onions and mixture. Boil for 5 minutes. When the soup starts to boil again, add 1 tbsp butter, chopped green onion and green peas. Stir in and simmer until ready to serve. Keep on low heat to stay warm. At this point, you can taste to see if you need to add more seasoning. Serve with fresh bread, rolls or potato biscuits. Yields one boiler of soup. 88

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Diet Fruit Cake 2 cups of raisins 1/2 or 1 cup of pitted dates 1 large navel orange, chopped 2 cups of water 1 cup of oil of choice 1 tsp of ground nutmeg 2 tsp of ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground allspice

1 cup of mixed nuts, chopped 2 tsp vanilla 2 large eggs 2 cups of whole wheat all-purpose flour, sifted 2 cups of white all-purpose flour, sifted 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda

In a large boiler, add raisins, dates, water, orange and rind, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and oil. Boil for 5 minutes on medium heat. Remove from heat, let cool. Transfer into a large bowl and add vanilla, eggs, sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda and chopped nuts of choice. Fold all ingredients together after scooping into a pre-greased bunt pan or pan of choice. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake your cake for 1 hour or until the knife is clean, depending on your oven. Remove from heat. Let set for 5 minutes, then release to a cooling rack, serve or wait until it’s totally cool before wrapping. Yields one cake.

Bonita’s Tips Yo

u can ad d a few red or green cherries desired, if or add e mixed n xtra uts to th e top of the batt er before bak with extr a cinnam ing on.

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Gingerbread House 1/2 cup molasses 1 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup soft butter or margarine 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 2 1/2 cups white or wheat flour 1 tbsp water 1 tsp baking soda

Icing 5 cups confectionery sugar 1/2 tsp cream of tartar 7 tbsp water 1 tsp almond or mint extract 1 tsp corn syrup 1/2 tsp sea salt

In a large bowl, add butter and brown sugar, then mix in the spice mixture until creamy. Add molasses and baking soda to a small bowl, mix together, then pour in with the other ingredients. Sift flour slowly and mix together with a wooden spoon, then add 1 tbsp more water if needed. When the cookie mixture starts to form a ball, continue working the flour with your hand. When the dough forms a ball, wrap it with clear wrap and put it in the fridge for one hour.

Icing: In a large bowl, add all your ingredients, mix until blended and add extra icing sugar if needed. Cover with a clear wrap and place in the fridge until ready to use. Use a decorating bag to ice the gingerbread house and to seal the sides. Mix different bowls, add food colourings if you like to have a coloured house. Gingerbread House: Roll the dough 1/8 inch. Cut out four rectangle shapes, 3 x 5 inches. This is for the two sides and roof, and 2 square shapes, 5 x 5 inches for the back and front, cutting from the 3-inch mark on both sides to make a peak. To match the 3-inch sides, put a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350ºF of heat. Place the wall sides on a plate or homemade base, put a line of icing sugar on the outer sides and stick them together with the other wall. Do this until the four walls are iced together, then place the roof the same way with icing sugar on the outer sides to touch the top of the walls. Keep something outside the walls so they don’t fall. After you have built your house, decorating it is up to you. Make icing windows, doors and shingles for the roof. Yields one house. 90

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Christmas Shortbread Cookies 1 1/4 cups of flour 1/2 cup of cornstarch 1/2 cup of confectionery sugar 3/4 cup of unsalted butter

Icing: 1 cup milk 4 tbsp flour 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 tsp vanilla or flavour of choice 1 tsp corn syrup (optional)

In a medium bowl, add cold butter in cubes and combine with dry ingredients. Work the dough and shape it into a ball. Roll out with a rolling pin or flatten with a hand to about a quarter inch thick, then use Christmas cut-outs to shape the cookies, or roll 1-inch balls. Add cookies to an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart, using a fork, spatula or hand to flatten the shortbread balls. Add sprinkles or red and green cherries. Put in the fridge to cool for 40 to 60 minutes. Pre-heat your oven to 300º F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven. After baking, remove from the oven and let the cookies come to room temperature before removing from the pan. Decorate your cookies with powdered sugar or icing of your choice.

Icing: In a medium saucepan, add milk, sugar and flour, and start to boil on a medium heat, stirring continuously. After the liquid starts to boil slowly and thicken (this can take around 5 minutes), remove from the heat and stir in vanilla to the mixture. Put all sugar paste mixture into a bowl or jar and bring to room temperature, then put it in the fridge to cool. In a medium mixing bowl with a blender, add butter and slowly scoop the sugar paste mixture into the bowl and blend on high speed until combined, light and fluffy. Add corn syrup, continue mixing until combined and put the bowl of boiled icing in the fridge until ready to use it. Yields two dozen cookies. 1-888-588-6353

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Merry Memories

We stumbled across these holiday snapshots (submitted by Mitchell Moran, Daphne Hanlon, and Ron and Linda Fudge) tucked away in the pages of our website. Got festive photos to share? Flip to page 9 for ways to contact us!

Christmas 1964

Sisters Betty and Elaine Peddle celebrate Christmas day in Hodge’s Cove. Elaine Spurrell via Downhomelife.com

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Winter Fun Mary, Lloyd and Richard Billard play on the pond in Margaree. Karen Simon via Downhomelife.com

This Month in History The steamship Beothic was built in 1918 and registered in 1926 to Job’s Seal Fishery Co. Ltd. of St. John’s. In 1927, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police chartered the vessel as a northern supply ship, carrying that year the Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson and Dr. Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin, on a painting expedition to the eastern Arctic. The voyage proved pivotal for Jackson, inspiring works including The “Beothic” at Bache Post, Ellesmere Island. Commemorating the establishment of Canada’s northernmost post, it’s now held by the National Gallery of Canada. Beyond exploration, the Beothic also earned renown for rescuing survivors of the S.S. Viking explosion off Horse Islands in 1931. Its service came to an end on December 8, 1940, when the vessel was stranded and lost at Great Brehat, near St. Anthony. 1-888-588-6353

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For over 35 years, Downhome Magazine has been at the heart of all things Newfoundland and Labrador. A comforting, familiar and constant presence in our province’s media climate, Downhome has been a name synonymous with ‘home’ for over three decades and counting. In This Month in Downhome History, we dive through our archives to give readers snippets of days gone by, highlighting major events, unique facts and the stories that matter to our readers.

December 1990 Volume 3 • Number 7

For the first time ever, a native Newfoundlander has been appointed chief of the RCMP in Newfoundland. The new man in command is Chief Superintendent Gordon A. Butt, a native of Badger. Previously, Supt. Butt was in charge of the division in Corner Brook. There are presently 741 RCMP employees in the province as of press time.

There will be a brand new tourist attraction near Musgrave Harbour if the Gander Bay Development Association gets its way. In 1941, a Hudson Bomber crashed on a frozen pond near Musgrave Harbour. Three people were killed, one of them was the Nobel Prize-winning Canadian, Dr. Frederick Banting, who, along with Dr. Charles Best, discovered insulin. The association intends to restore the plane and put it on display in a memorial park to be named after Dr. Banting. They estimate it will take five years and thousands of dollars to finish. 94

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December 1995 Volume 8 • Number 7

Isle aux Morts – Almost a year to the day after a blaze destroyed Ron Durnford’s Otter Bay cabin, several area Good Samaritans are helping him rebuild it. People from Port aux Basques, Isle aux Morts and Burnt Islands have rallied around Durnford since the fire, which was shrouded in a silence driven by fear of the arsonists. Residents have raised $2,000 to begin the reconstructions. “Sometimes I almost cry when I think of what people have done for me,” said Durnford. “There are a lot of kind people in this part of Newfoundland.” Reprinted from the Express by permission.

The notorious Gander panty raider has struck again, this time in broad daylight. A spokesperson for the Gander detachment of the RCMP said a complaint was received on Oct. 10th from a resident of Elizabeth Drive who reported that five brassieres and five pairs of panties were removed from a clothesline that morning. Numerous similar complaints were filed a month earlier following a weekend panty-pilfering spree. The culprit continues to elude police, leaving no physical evidence or witnesses. “Unless someone comes forward with information, there’s not much more we can do,” said the spokesperson. “We have no leads at all to this point.” Reprinted from the Express by permission.

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December 2000 Volume 13 • Number 7

Norris Arm – Geoff Young, 20, of Norris Arm, was recently featured in a National Post piece on Boys and Girls clubs. Geoff first got involved in the Norris Arm chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada when he was 11. Through continued volunteer spots in club activities, Geoff found himself as the regional, then national representative for the Newfoundland clubs. Currently, he is organizing a new club for teenagers in his hometown, while volunteering as a firefighter and studying full-time at the Gander Flight Training Centre.

Grand Falls-Windsor – Construction permits issued for Grand Falls-Windsor last year totalled $14.1 million, a booming increase over the 1999 total of $9.4 million. This figure was released by the town’s economic development and tourism committee chair, Councillor Rex Barnes. The total includes $11 million for commercial construction, much better than 1999 when the commercial total was $5.3 million.

St. John’s – An even dozen of Atlantic Canada’s top companies are located in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the October issue of Atlantic Progress magazine. Total sales for the local firms amount to $2.3 billion, and they employ more than 9000 people.

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December 2005 Volume 18 • Number 7

Sherrylynn Butt of Red Bay, Labrador, is the new Miss Canada Galaxy. During the recent pageant in Ontario, she was also named Miss Congeniality. Butt was the 2003 Miss Newfoundland and Labrador and in 2004 placed fourth in the Miss World Canada pageant. She was also among the top 25 in Donald Trump’s 2004 Miss Universe Canada Pageant.

It was an unfamiliar sight for St. John’s residents living near Quidi Vidi Lake. Nearly 4000 bras of all colours, shapes and sizes were recently strung together from one end of the lake to the other by two Aliant trucks. The event was organized by 99.1 Hits FM and Steele Communications in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many bras were pinned with touching stories of survivors and victims of breast cancer. All the new bras were then donated to provincial women’s shelters.

Canadian Iceberg Enterprises is behind the new water bottling plant set to open soon in St. Anthony. The project is expected to create at least 15 fulltime jobs. The company plans on harvesting ice with its own vessel, and it even wants to produce its own bottles in St. Anthony. Construction is expected to be finished before Christmas, and the water should be in stores by February 2006.

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A Sailor’s Letter Describes Halifax Carnage by Lester Green

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“While I was handing the men I didn’t mind a bit, but when the poor women and children came it was hard, you may depend, but I didn’t mind a bit.” A very painful, descriptive sentence penned by Seaman Harvey Peddle in a letter sent to his mother describing what he witnessed during the Halifax Explosion. Today, these words would be likely interpreted as early signs of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event. Harvey Peddle was the youngest of five siblings born to Abraham and Martha (Smith) Peddle at Hodge’s Cove on June 28, 1898. His older brother, Caleb, was the first to enlist with the Royal Naval Reserve in 1907 and spent six years training aboard the HMS Calypso. Caleb was denied re-enlistment because it was determined he was coloured. Caleb’s stories, along with those of other sailors from Hodge’s Cove, like Abijah Peddle, were of intrigue and

adventure. It was a job that allowed young men to earn cash in a time when work was scarce. Harvey enlisted with the Royal Naval Reserve on March 22, 1917, listing his age at 19 years old and recording his birth date as June 23, 1898. He started training aboard the HMS Briton and completed it in four months. His first deployment was to the Royal Navy Q-ship, Albert H Whitman, a Grand Bank sailing schooner, which was disguised as a fishing schooner in the fall of 1917 in the hopes of encouraging a German Uboat to surface. It sailed the waters around the Grand Banks of Newfoundland with its crew dressed in oilskins to give them the appearance of fishermen to any German submarine that may have the schooner in its periscope cross-hairs. The Q-ships required brave, patient

Top Left: Able Seaman Harvey Peddle Bottom: The devastation in Halifax Harbour

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Peddle’s letter to his mother recounting his experience during the Halifax Explosion was reprinted in the Evening Telegram, December 20, 1917 men ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice. It was one of the most dangerous jobs in the British Navy. Seaman Peddle’s schooner never encountered an enemy ship, but their bravery was no less than any other Q-ships in the Navy. An article that appeared in The Packet, a local newspaper in the Clarenville area, entitled “Wartime Disaster on Native Soil,” offers insight into how Seaman Peddle was present for the Halifax explosion. Luke Ivany of Ivanhoe explains how he was at sea when they received a message from naval command in December 1917 to take the Albert H. Whitman into port at Halifax. When they arrived, most of the crew received furlough and trav100

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elled home. Ivany and Harvey Peddle were ordered to remain on board to conduct routine maintenance chores. The next day, disaster struck, and they witnessed one of the greatest war tragedies ever to occur on Canadian soil, the Halifax Explosion. This event was to have a lasting effect on them for the remainder of their lives. They were horrified by the destruction of buildings that were either blown up or consumed in a raging inferno. They saw human carnage everywhere. People were dead or dying in the streets from injuries sustained by the resulting shock wave. Seaman Peddle’s account of the devastation will be forever preserved in the form of a letter that he wrote home to his mother, Martha, which 1-888-588-6353

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she forwarded to the Evening Telegram on December 20, 1917. The following are excerpts from this letter: “...Well, mother, I haven’t been in the Navy long, but I expect I have seen as big a disaster as ever anybody saw on the other side. Well, mother, I thank God that I am alive today...” “... Just at the time of the explosion, I was going on deck, and I knew nothing before I pitched on the forecastle floor. Ivany (Seaman Luke Ivany, Ivanhoe) jumped out his berth and came on deck to see what happened, and I said, “For God’s sake, if you want to save your life, don’t go on deck...” Were these words meant to comfort his mother as she prayed for her son’s mental state in the dark days following the explosion?

Seaman Peddle was promoted to able seaman and was assigned to the Royal Canadian Navy at Halifax for the remainder of his naval career abroad. He was assigned to the HMS Niobe, a shore-based facility where he spent the next 15 months. After he arrived at the HMS Briton, Seaman Peddle waited for his demobilization, which was granted on April 2, 1919. He returned to his home at Hodge’s Cove and left shortly afterwards for work in the Boston region. When he returned, he married Minnie, a teacher at the Anglican School, Hodge’s Cove. They operated a small general shop in the community until the late 1950s. Harvey passed away on April 7, 1966. Minnie lived for another eight years. They both rest at St. Mary’s Anglican Cemetery, Hodge’s Cove.

Maybe Time Maybe M Tim me Travel Tra avel v l iss P ossible. ossible Possible. Overnight Ov errnight a accommodations ccomm om odat od dations io ons in th tthe he wonder Site. w onder of o a National ationa Historic His Hisstorric ic Sit e. battleharbour.com b attlehar tleh bour bou .com | Call: Call:: (709) (7 709) 09) 691-8074 69 91-80 8074

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I’ll Be Home For Christmas

By Burton K. Janes

We were determined to spend Christmas of 1983

with my father in Bay Roberts and my in-laws in Deer Lake. However, we couldn’t leave for the West Coast until Christmas Day.

The night before, my wife Sherry and I, along with our three-monthold daughter Krista, had attended a Christmas pageant at our home church in St. John’s. Unknown to Krista, she played the part of baby Jesus! A colicky baby, she was surprisingly quiet during the presentation and performed brilliantly, sleeping through the entire event. Following the pageant, the three of us, along with a personal friend who had stood at my wedding, drove to Bay Roberts, where we spent the night with my father. Early on Christmas Day, the four of us piled into our little car and began driving to Deer Lake. The weather was poor, although the Department of Transportation had assured me the roads were clear. A little west of Clarenville, we met a pickup truck travelling toward us in our lane. I swerved to avoid a headon collision, but hit an icy spot on the snow-covered highway. The car spun out of control. The car skidded back and forth for 300 or more feet, while I struggled to regain control. I thought I had succeeded when suddenly we went sailing through the air, ending up in a bog to the right. Even had we tried, we could not have chosen a better landing spot. The car settled, hemmed in by bush1-888-588-6353

es and shrubs. Overcome with emotion, Sherry broke into a flood of tears, thankful to be alive and realizing it could have been worse. When we turned our heads and looked back at baby Jesus… I mean Krista, she was still snuggled in her manger… I mean car seat, sound asleep. My friend and I jumped out and scrambled up the roadside to hail the first passerby. Traffic was sparse that day. Eventually, a four-wheel jeep came upon us. The driver, a twentieth-century Good Samaritan, jumped out and anxiously asked, “What happened?” Within minutes, he had hooked up a rope to our car and gently toward us back onto the highway. Thanking him, we continued our trip, arriving in Deer Lake eight hours later, much longer than if travelling conditions had been better. By the 28th of December, I had a cold, which confined me to bed for most of our time in Deer Lake. Early in the new year, our family retraced our steps back home to St. John’s, after having celebrated a memorable Christmas with family and friends. In retrospect, our Christmas drive from St. John’s to Deer Lake was bittersweet. It was one of the last times I spent with my friend. He died some years later. December 2025

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Christmas Growing Up

By Heber McGurk

As a boy growing up in Carbonear, Christmas was a very

exciting time for me and my family. I remember my mother making Christmas cakes and cookies, and a couple of bottles of Purity Syrup were always on hand.

The snow used to be as high as ten feet in some places. On Bennett’s Hill, we used to have to lie down on the slide to pass under the wires. We would get on the slide at the top and slide down over Bond Street and go up Water Street as far as the Post Office. There were no cars on the road like today. And there’s no snow today like it was then, although we have lots now. We would always get a ride back up over the hill with horses and slides going up, heading for Victoria, Salmon Cove and Perry’s Cove. Most of the old fellows were kind and would say, “Hop on, boy.” Others would give you a crack of the whip and drive you off. We would start to skate on the ponds in November. I remember one

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winter, they used to play hockey on the harbour. The winters were more severe then. I remember my mother making blueberry wine. When you opened a bottle, the stopper would go up in the air. One time, a friend of ours came to the house, and the wine was all gone, so he took a dipper and a spoon and ate the berries. They found him lying in the drain on Bennett’s Hill, singing “I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes.” The remainder of the berries, my mother threw out, and the hens got drunk. They used to stagger and fall. Two weeks before Christmas, the toys would be put in the shop windows. We would spend hours just window shopping. We wouldn’t see a Christmas tree – we’d go to bed on

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Christmas Eve and hang up our stockings. Christmas morning, there would be a tree, and our stockings would be filled with apples, oranges, grapes, nuts and candies. On Christmas Eve, we would cut the head off a couple of hens and hang them on the fence for a couple of hours, then they were plucked and got ready for Christmas dinner, and my mother always made a Christmas pudding. My father would work hard all year round, getting $80 to $100 a month. Out of this, clothes, boots, food, gas and other things were purchased. After Boxing Night, we would go Jannying (mummering now). We’d dress up and go from door to door. Everyone would let you in then, not like now. Every house you went into, they would try and guess who you

were, then you’d dance or sing, and cake and syrup were passed around to all. Every house we went to, we got something to eat. Not like today. People won’t let anyone in because it’s too risky. You don’t know who’s who. In our family, there were my parents and eight children, but we were always happy and got along with each other. We would make our own candy by boiling molasses mixed with baking soda, and when it would boil, we would drop it off a spoon into the snow. Many things we’d do for ourselves for fun and games. Well, I hope I have enlightened you on some of the memories I share of growing up back in the late 30s, 40s and 50s. We were a happy family, and I hope this will bring a smile to someone.

Snapshot and Story My husband is a Newfoundlander and I’m from MB, but love your beautiful province! For the past 10 years, we’ve been collecting ornaments and decorating one of our trees 100% Newfoundland. Brings a bit of the Rock to the mainland!

Billi Young Ottawa, ON

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Santa Proof

Elizabeth James

My brother George believed in Santa Claus. When he was

around 10 years old, he told the boys in school that Santa was bringing him a pair of skates. The boys laughed at him and said that there was no Santa - his father was Santa Claus. George didn’t believe the boys, so on Christmas Eve, he tied his father to the bed to prove them wrong. His father had agreed to go along with it. In the morning, George rushed downstairs and, lo and behold, his skates were under the tree. He was so excited! He dressed, put on the skates and skated down to his grandmother’s house (streets were icy in 1937). He was shouting at the top of his lungs, “There is a Santa Claus! There is a Santa Claus!” He hadn’t tied his mother to the bed.

Snapshot and Story Twelve ‘Daisys’ of Christmas We put up a Christmas tree, and Daisy couldn’t believe her eyes. She kept staring at it when we turned on the lights.

Sheila Mullins Goulds, NL

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A Time to Give More than We Receive Dwayne Swift • Corner Brook, NL Please Mr. Santa won’t you bring us some peace Pull on your beard and make the wars cease Your army of elves spread joy around The Ho Ho I hear is such a sweet sound Bring us a gift of freedom and grace Wipe all the tears away from our face Some have been naughty, most have been nice On Christmas Day morning some kids will rejoice From the North Pole you fly through the night Your caring and kindness makes it alright You land on the rooftops without any sound Down chimneys you go, to pass love around Little kids faces all smiling and bright Awake in their beds for half the night

Cookies and milk have all been laid out Awaiting the morning to jump and shout The old Christmas tree comes back every year Waits in the corner for something to wear Out from the closet comes ribbons and bows Decorations and lights and God only knows Up in the morning with presents galore Shredded gift wrappings all over the floor Faces are glowing with smiles all around Angels are singing a sweet joyful sound There’s only one thing you need to remember All lives aren’t the same on this day in December Some don’t have anything; let your charity fly Dear Mr. Santa, I know that you’ll try

Snapshot and Story Shiny & Bright This is the 9th year for fisherman Bruce Oram and his family building a tree of lobster pots.

Kayla Oram Hare Bay, NL

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reminiscing

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This is a story told to me by my wife, Shirley:

One particular Christmas,

I asked Santa for a white shoulder bag. I waited with great anticipation for Christmas Day to come, and when it did, like all kids at the time, I scurried downstairs to claim my long-awaited prize. Under the tree lay the biggest disappointment so far in my young life. There was no white shoulder bag. I sulked for most of the day, trying to hide my deep disappointment. With a heavy heart, I ran up to my friend’s house to see what Santa had brought her. She escorted me into the room where the Christmas tree was, and there, under her Christmas tree, was the beautiful white shoulder bag! My heart was shattered! My head was spinning! Did Santa forget where I lived and go to my friend’s house? Was I a bad girl this year? I asked my friend if she had asked Santa for the shoulder bag, and she said, “No, but I’m really glad that’s what he left under the tree for me.” I didn’t get the bag I wanted. She got the bag she didn’t ask for, and at the moment, I couldn’t forgive her for having my shoulder bag. I was so hurt I ran home and told my mom what had happened. Needless to say, there was some tall explaining to do. It was at that moment that I was lovingly told who Santa really was. How much can a young mind stand?! I was mad at my best friend; I was extremely mad at that other Santa. I found the courage to go back to my friend’s to try and save our loyal friendship. I told her the whole story about my conversation with mom concerning ‘Santa’ and the white shoulder bag. Then she told me how she and her mom had had the same conversation! We hugged and never mentioned it again. Sometime after that, my mom came home from shopping and, as usual, nosy me had to open the bags to see what she bought. You guessed it, there it was, my white shoulder bag. There is a Santa after all!

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Now more than ever a Downhome subscription is a great value. Not only do you save over $20 off the cover price, you receive: 1 Year (12 issues) OF DOWNHOME

Free WALL CALENDAR Free EXPLORE TRAVEL GUIDE 2 Issues INSIDE LABRADOR †

††

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}

All for just

$42.99 + applicable taxes

12 issues for $42.99* or 36 issues for $107.99*

Save up to $120 when you sign up for 3 years! Delivered with December’s issue. ††Delivered with June’s issue. Canadian mailing only. ††† Delivered with a spring and fall issue. *Plus applicable taxes

†

Tony McGrath photo

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Sign me up for a Downhome subscription Name:____________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________ Prov/State: ____ Country: _______________ Postal Code: ____________________

Phone: (

) _________________________________

E-mail: __________________________________________________________________________ ❏ Cheque Enclosed*

❏ Credit Card

❏ Invoice Me

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❏ Moving? Update address below.

Please send Downhome magazine to who I have listed below.

Card#:_______________________________________________________ Expires: ______ /______ Name:____________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________ Prov/State:_________ Country: _______________ Postal Code: ____________________

Phone: (

) _________________________________

SIGN GIFT CARD FROM: _______________________________________ * Valid in Canada on a 1-year term. Total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NB, PE $49.44; NS $49.01; ON $48.58; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $45.14; US $54.99; International $59.99. ** Valid in Canada on a 3-year term. Total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL, NB, PE $124.19; NS $123.11; ON $122.03; QC, SK, MB, AB, BC, NU, NT, YT $113.39; US $159.99.

Send to Downhome, 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 or call 1-888-588-6353

ORDER ONLINE TODAY! www.downhomelife.com

2512_Puzzles_1701-puzzles 10/23/25 12:06 PM Page 112

puzzles The Beaten Path

Robert Carter photo

By Ron Young

Block out all the letters that are like other letters in every way, including shape and size. The letters that are left over, when unscrambled, will spell out the name of the above community.

J L R

J R P

P M H V

S S

H m

R S

OM L

K Q

S L P M J H B A S Q

MA x P R S M C M H

Last Month’s Community: Lawn 112

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Sudoku

from websudoku.com

Last month’s answers

Need Help

Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles

www.downhomelife.com

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Stephen Colbourne original photo

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Downhomer Detective Needs You After more than two decades on the Urban City Police Force, Downhomer Detective has come home to rid Newfoundland and Labrador of a new threat – cunning thief Ragged Rick. A real braggart, the slimy criminal sends DD a blurry photo of his surroundings plus clues to his whereabouts just to prove he’s always a step ahead. DD needs your help to identify where in Newfoundland and Labrador Ragged Rick is hiding out this month.

Use these 5 clues to identify where Ragged Rick is now: • Its Inuktitut name, Agvituk, means “the place of whales” • Its oldest wooden building dates back to 1782 • Located in the Nunatsiavut territory of Labrador • It’s only accessible by water and air • Closely tied to the Moravian Church

Last Month’s Answer: Gander

Picturesque Place NameS of Newfoundland and Labrador

by Mel D’Souza Last Month’s Answer: Corner Brook 114

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In Other Words Guess the well-known expression written here in other words.

Last Month’s Clue: Excessive chefs ruin the soup In Other Words: Too many cooks spoil the broth

This Month’s Clue: Never gaze into the jaws of a donation equine In Other Words: ____ ____ _ ____ _____ __ ___ _____

A Way With Words PANCAKES PANCAKES PANCAKES PANCAKES PANCAKES

Last Month’s Answer: Stack of pancakes

Rhyme Time A rhyming word game by Ron Young

1. A green Christmas means __ ____ 2. Jolly old St. Nick has a _____ full of _____

This Month’s Clue

walking eggshells Answer: _______ __ ________

3. A gift mailed is a ______ ____ Last Month’s Answers 1. rude dude, 2. kisses his missus, 3. mad dad

Scrambled Sayings by Ron Young Place each of the letters in the rectangular box below into one of the white square boxes above them to discover a quotation. Incomplete words that begin on the right side of the diagram continue one line down on the left. The letters may or may not go in the box in the same order that they are in the column. Once a letter is used, cross it off and do not use it again.

’ A I D B A A A A C A B B A N D E E A L A L H A O F N L I F E I E N D S F E N D I F A M I O R K P P Y T S F L L L N D O I T W Q N G I T Y R N E U T U N W Y

Last month’s answer: Conventional wisdom tells us we’ll only be happier after a divorce if the marriage itself was a war zone. www.downhomelife.com

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Rhymes 5 Times Each answer rhymes with the other four

1. goatee

____________

2. raised

____________

3. dreaded

____________

4. readied

____________

5. grilled

____________

STUCK? Don’t get your knickers in a knot! Puzzle answers can be found online at DownhomeLife.com/puzzles

Last Month’s Answers: 1. mean, 2. scene, 3. teen, 4. lean, 5. latrine

Tangled Towns by Lolene Young Condon and Ron Young

Unscramble each of the five groups of letters below to get 5 Newfoundland and Labrador place names.

Sound out the groups of words below to get a familiar expression.

1. STEEPIT

For best results sound the clue words out loud!

2. DRANG RUBIT

Owe Verb Airing ___________

3. EYRG VIRER

Bit Hurt Hears ______ _____

5. GROUBE

Last Month’s 1st Clue: Up Whole Cud Hots Curt. Answer: A polka dot skirt. Last Month’s 2nd Clue: Up Ape Herbal Eight. Answer: A paper plate.

4. SCARINFO

Last Month’s Answers: 1. Cooks Harbour, 2. Flower’s Cove, 3. Plum Point, 4. Big Brook, 5. Castor’s River

A nalogical A nagrams Unscramble the capitalized words to get one word that matches the subtle clue. 1. OVEN PEEL ~ Clue: it can take a licking 2. SERVES OF GIN ~ Clue: it’s hard to give and impossible to take 3. COCOA SIN ~ Clue: there’s a time and a place for it 4. SPIES MIST ~ Clue: his cloud came without a silver lining 5. QUART LED UP ~ Clue: it’s four times the fun of being single Last Month’s Answers: 1. greyhounds, 2. trailer, 3. hamburgers, 4. ancestors, 5. contraband 116

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Four-Way Crossword F o re Wo rd s • B a c k Wo rd s • U p Wo rd s • D o w n Wo rd s By Ron Young

Unlike regular crosswords, in Four-Way Crossword each letter is not necessarily related to the letter in the adjacent row or column, but is part of one or more words in some direction. 1 2 3 4 5 1-91: behead 4-6: lynx 11 12 13 14 15 4-34: cleft location 7-9: summer bronze 21 22 23 24 25 8-28: picnic pest 10-1: single 31 32 33 34 35 10-100: eventually 12-82: lowest price 17-14: ribbon 41 42 43 44 45 21-25: committee leader 22-25: wig 51 52 53 54 55 22-52: mound 25-28: vanquish 61 62 63 64 65 25-29: path 26-6: cereal grain 71 72 73 74 75 26-28: not in 28-58: labour 81 82 83 84 85 33-37: door sign 34-32: born 91 92 93 94 95 37-39: decay 39-36: shredded 56-76: sunbeam 41-11: tempo 56-96: synthetic fabric 41-43: dab of butter 63-33: location 41-50: nationalism 63-61: stage design 41-61: deep hole 64-94: bodhran 43-3: instruct 65-67: even 43-23: Tetley 65-70: father 43-93: Kleenex 65-95: stance 44-47: melee 67-47: pothole 45-95: thrust (upon) 67-70: lease 47-97: flat fish 69-39: burrow 47-7: believe 71-73: fool 49-9: serious 73-93: litigate 49-47: rest 77-80: chew 49-79: mailed 85-88: promptly 50-80: reproduce 88-90: nothing 52-54: wedge dessert

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91-97: stove burner 91-100: basic 94-44: killing 99-97: stool pigeon Last Month’s Answer

F A THE R L E S S LOANV I ON E R A B B R E V I A T E MA Y A N E T RO E B E F I T R E B U T OT I NARRA T E YA L C L E ARAK A MM O E M N R U C N OMA D A T E P A T E E TOT A L E R December 2025

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The Bayman’s

Crossword Puzzle 1

by Ron Young 3

December 2025

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ACROSS 1. “Shut yer ___” – be quiet 3. __ Maria – coffee liqueur 5. uncontrollable movement 6. ___ up – improvise 8. debtor’s note (abbrev) 9. worrying 14. festering (colloq) 18. restricted meal allowances 20. “I wouldn’t throw him __ anchor” 21. far away 22. road (abbrev) 23. __ Anthony, NL 25. _____ Nova National Park 26. “What’re ya gettin’ __ wit’?” 27. us 29. belonging to 31. “____ may your big jib draw” 33. “Me nerves is rubbed right ___” 34. _____ Hynes – CODCO and WGB gran 36. flowery woman’s name 37. sheet of sea ice (2 words) 39. __ FM – “Rock of the Rock” 40. overtime (abbrev) 41. Denmark (abbrev) 42. Johnny ____ – country star who got his moose in NL 45. opposite of SW 46. strange characters (colloq, 2 words) 50. regarding (abbrev) 51. senior (abbrev) 52. hairstyle 53. Mr.’s wife DOWN 1. get dressed (colloq, 3 words) 2. fowl language (colloq) 4. Bluenose __ – Lunenburg schooner 7. charged particle 10. pause 11. “___ not every day that Morris kills the cow.” www.downhomelife.com

12. young louse 13. Old as Buckey’s ____ 14. off course 15. extremely drunk 16. completion 17. children 19. compass pt. 24. browse the shops (colloq) 26. Cape _____ on the Northern Peninsula 28. mama sheep 29. “Lonesome as a gull __ _ rock” 30. female dog (colloq) 32. “He don’t know if he’s punched __ bored” 33. horse jockey 35. soft and tender, as in hands (colloq) 38. in addition 43. ___ Scammel, songwriter of “Squid Jiggin’ Ground” 44. possessed 47. emergency room (abbrev) 48. “__ odds to me” – don’t care either way 49. social media (abbrev)

L O W I I K E G E W A T A B U M I E R A R S E F O R E M O S T M O U M O H C A N A R Y N B E H E A R W I G V A M N U N B E N D S D P I L E A N T R A Y E O U T A D I K E Y M S E V H O O L A A I U P M L W E M A R R Y F M A I N M M O I I E A R G E T Y E A R S N O M Y

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD

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Pick the right letters from the old style phone to match the numbers grouped below and uncover a quote which will bring a smile to your face.

____ 5878

____ 9436

___ 843

_ 4

__________ 3472683733

_______ 6326464

____ 8439

__ 63

___ _ 543 3

______ _ 242643 3

’

__ 48

CRACK THE CODE Q

Each symbol represents a letter of the alphabet, for instance =S Try to guess the smaller, more obvious words to come up with the letters for the longer ones. The code changes each month.

_ _ _ _

b33L

_ _ _ _ 1ZQ l

_ _ _

D k3

_ _ _ _

; 3 3Q

_ S

S _ _ _ _ _ _ S S

Q3\; l\l QQ

_ _ S _ _ _ S _ S ZQBl Y l Q

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ S S

km BBZYl QQ Last Month’s Answer: When what we are is what we want to be, that's happiness. 120

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Food For Thought

Each food symbol represents a letter of the alphabet. Find the meanings to the words then match the letters with the food symbols below to get a little “food for thought.”

refrigerator = _

_ _ _ _

safe = _ _

filthy = _ _

_ _

earth = _

e d hysp

firestarter = _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

}I o z v

I d i b xh i v

defective = _

_ _ _

Y bo

_ _ _ _

_ _

e d h px y

e IozvY

y hd v Y I

_ _ _ _ _

sd b o x y

_ _

she v _

_ _

sh}p

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Y b o d i pz e Last Month’s Answer: One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives. – Euripides

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Different Strokes

Our artist’s pen made the two seemingly identical pictures below different in 12 places. See if you can find all 12.

ERN AND COAL BIN WELCOME SANTA TO NEWFOUNDLAND

Last Month’s Answers: 1. Window, 2. Cap, 3. Car door, 4. Door to store, 5. Parcel, 6. Coal Bin, 7. Overcoat, 8. Curb, 9. Man’s legs, 10. Downhome sign, 11. Downhome logo, 12. Head lamp “Differences by the Dozen”- A compilation of Different Strokes from 2002 to 2014 (autographed by Mel) can be ordered by sending $9.95 (postage incl.; $13.98 for U.S. mailing) to Mel D’Souza, 212 Pine St., Collingwood, ON, L9Y 2P2

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HIDE & SEEK NL CHRISTMAS

The words can be across, up, down, backward or at an angle, but always in a line.

CONCERT DOWNHOME FRUITCAKE JIGGS KITCHEN

MUMMERS SKATING SLEIGH SLUSH SNOW

STOCKING TIBBS TINSEL TREE VISITORS

D O C E R M F W D B L U N C M M K S H C R V C A H F X N J M U M M E R S W A E U K B S K A T I N G D I F N S C N I G L T D V P N Y F L S O V Q G K Q N X T S E O R U N G A I W E M O H N W O D N F V H E B D B C P Y G V A S M H T P L P J P T J E P A S R H I B E J Z Q T I A N R I Z J Z Z P S P I B H U Z T U I W I D T T U H E O Y C J F A R L W A L U L C J R T T G W O G P C E S W M J C D P K T S Y E S M Z F L A G R I P N W E J C Q V I L V H T I N S E L I E L T S T K O M B U S N E X K D O E C N K L O K S V Y C C G C B N E H C T I K K L Y B U U W H N U M N P V M Z Y N B J O T Q G Q N Q I Z A C E C R O N B B V X C L Q C G X T R E E P I B S G B H C Q V H F B T E V E X W V F E B Z A V H S T O C K I N G Y V U A H E A T U S R E E D T I J H J U W K U H G R Y P K J B C K H U Y R P L J S L E Y H G I E L S K R K N K Z Q B V I M F Q C V E D A O R P X J A H U N G W N F P H M M B J U W E K A C T I U R F X K

Last Month’s Answers

O J G S V J G H P D O P R C F B L P N H A N S R M R H O M G T V T X Q G Z E T A L O C O H C M M B C A J R L M R N D C B G V U N L B O D J N V J D S O N E U A I J S I E U M T A U B B L J V E P G V X F G Y Z Z S Y M U M R M N W L L Z U U A M W F O B F E K P F L P J U H M A F J L T P Y F E Z G A M A E G U U Y Y W B G Q M D L E M O N N O F B A F N V E N F V W I U P E G E X F E U Y S U L F B E V E Y G C H O D Z Y S H R T L S X N M N T I K T O R M W K O R O H P D A T U R T P T K Y R R E H C Q L R G V Q B E Y P A M N X R Y S P F J D Q G D Q O G X Y H S Z M B V U O X A H Y Q Y A W P P Y X A A I O L I C R I U R C S W C J J P A I E F A U H M O Z N P Q T C L D O K B U I J H H V V M N M V A L L I N A V B H E C H E N F C A R A M E L U I O I F Z V M K S A T L F R T B B X S W E Z C M S X P D U W G Q L Z J J W R L V D D S G T U P P P P K J M C D Y C O B H Y Y B B R G T O T E K N L B P X O O C P Y A J T

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Colourful Culture

The drawing on the opposite page

is the work of Newfoundland Mi’kmaq artist Marcus Gosse, a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band. His grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (nee Benoit) is a Mi’kmaq Elder from Red Brook (Welbooktoojech) on the Port au Port Peninsula. Marcus’ work has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax; The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery in St. John’s, NL; and the Canada 150 Art Show at the Macaya Gallery in Miami, FL; and his work is in private collections around the world. He has generously offered a series of colouring pages that run monthly in Downhome. Each image depicts a NL nature scene and teaches us a little about Mi’kmaq culture and language. Each colouring page includes the Mi’kmaq word for the subject, the phonetic pronunciation of the word, and the English translation. And you’ll notice a design that Marcus incorporates into most of his pieces – the eight-point Mi’kmaq Star. This symbol dates back hundreds of years and is very important in Mi’kmaq culture. Marcus’ Mi’kmaq Stars are often seen painted with four colours: red, black, white and yellow, which together represent unity and harmony between all peoples. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star, and various Mi’kmaq double curve designs, to decorate their blankets, baskets, drums, clothing and paintings. To download and print this colouring page at home, visit DownhomeLife.com. To learn more about Marcus and find more of his colouring pages, look him up on Facebook at “Mi’kmaq Art by Marcus Gosse.” 124

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December 2025

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the back porch

Wayne Dean photo

the Labrador current

The First Green Christmas By Nathan Freake

As a boy, Bing Crosby crooning the lines “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” perplexed me. Firstly, Crosby’s voice was a gateway into days long gone and transcends almost magically. Secondly, I didn’t know what he meant by “White Christmas.” Like, duh, Bing, Christmas is white, get with it. You can imagine my confusion when I met my wife and learned that when rain began to hit the windshield of her car on a cold fall evening, it made her “feel all Christmassy inside.” Immediately, Michael Bublé would be added to the music rotation, remaining well after Christmas Day. 132

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When you think of a Christmas fanatic, she’s the one you picture. “Abigail,” I said, “it’s pouring down rain.” “Yes, and?” To this day, I have no answer to reply with. We lived in the same province our entire lives, but the cli1-888-588-6353

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mates we grew up in could not be more different. The concept of a green Christmas was foreign to me. Right up until my first year of university, when December rounded the corner, I was confused. Where was the snow? An oversight on my part, no doubt, but that’s the way life was when you’re a kid from the middle of nowhere. When the semester was over, I’d board a flight in the heavy, damp winds and disembark into the bitter air that cut my lungs, with the dusting of dry snow dancing in the wind to meet me. I was 25 when I experienced a green Christmas. For our first Christmas together, Abigail and I decided to spend the holiday on the island. We had moved back to Labrador after getting married and, having spent so much time away from family, we thought, why not? It was my first experience with a snowless Christmas season. In the days and weeks leading up to it, I teased her, “It just ain’t Christmas without snow,” or “Can’t wait to bundle up by the tree after coming in from the rain!” you know, that sort of thing. We landed in the fog. Newfoundland and Labrador has a funny way of playing jokes with the forecast. You just have to weather the storm. (Sorry). We drove home, ate an unhealthy amount of homemade soup (at Abigail’s request), chatted and played cards long into the night. The next day, there was shopping, coffee, and

when evening came, we drove around to see the Christmas lights. We went to church on Christmas Eve and came home to sing carols around the piano. Our Christmas morning was quiet and calm. We sipped our drinks and took our time opening gifts. When all was said and done and the scent of turkey filled the house, we lounged about. I started at my new book – my favourite Christmas pastime – while my brothers-in-law played their new video games. It only occurred to me when night fell and the Christmas lights began to glow that I never once bothered to look outside. For weeks, I had been in Abigail’s ear about what Christmas was to me. Christmas was white. It was snow. It was never green. It was bitterly cold. It was a warm cabin. It was Bing Crosby crackling over the radio. It was snowstorms and cosying up in the warmth of home. But that year I began to feel differently about green Christmases. In the end, the weather doesn’t decide what Christmas is. Who we surround ourselves with does. That whole Christmas, I hadn’t bothered to think about what it was like outside, because all that mattered was who we shared the room with. And that’s what makes Christmas, Christmas. And, what do you know? On Boxing Day that year, it snowed. Our weather certainly has a sense of humour. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Nathan Freake is a writer and educator from Labrador City. For any inquiries, you can reach Nathan at thelabcurrent@gmail.com

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homogenous for the holidays By Paul Warford

I walk past the Well, dear readers, I must say my job is easthis year than it has been in recent memory. quiet swish of ier See, every October I’ve gotta tuck myself into the their automatic most inviting coffee shop whilst the auburn leaves down and the skeletons grin like basdoors and come cascade tards, and write my annual Christmas offering. face-to-face with The diehards already know that it gets tougher year to cover a topic that I haven’t already a gaudy display every covered in these past eleven or twelve Christof Halloween mases that we’ve had the privilege of sharing. But this year! This year is a different story altoknick-knacks and gether because the “big box” stores, like Michaels ostentatious and Dollarama, have been reading along, and the of these behemoths have proffered one sugChristmas cram, CEOs arplum of a spooky solution: let’s just celebrate side-by-side. Who both holidays at the same time. It seems so obvilet this happen? ous now! Why didn’t I think of this sooner?

Y’know, being a 43-year-old with the mind of a 25-year-old, something I really dislike is when the things around me make me sound old – not things that make me feel old (like skateboarding and the Billboard Top 40), but the stuff that makes me sound old to mine own ears. For example, there’s this restaurant downtown. I’m not sure I can mention them specifically because Downhome didn’t hire me for my food reviews, and we don’t want bad blood with the local businesses. Please know that my opinions expressed do not reflect those of Downhome Publishing, blah blah blah. Anyway, this place makes me sound old because the management has an inexplicable urge to crank their music to the highest volume on the knob, no matter the day or the hour. I don’t know about you, but if I’m out with friends for dinner, I like to be able to converse with them. If I wanted to shout in their ear and have them shake their head at me and shrug their shoulders with a

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smile, I’d invite them to Konfusion instead. So, when the suggestion comes up to eat there, I have to say, “No way, I hate that place. They play their music too loud.” See what I mean? The restaurant makes me sound old. To wit, these big box stores are doing the same thing to me when I walk past the quiet swish of their automatic doors and come face-to-face with a gaudy display of Halloween knick-knacks and ostentatious Christmas cram, side-by-side. Who let this happen? Do the suits running these stores truly believe that we’re not going to be returning between Halloween and Christmas? We’ll be back to get hot glue gun replacement sticks, and plain t-shirts for the bridal party’s bachelorette, and also for – you guessed it – Christmas decorations. Never before have I encountered such a stink of desperation on the crisp, fall air. And so, I end up sounding old as a result, finding myself starting sentences with things like, “When I was a kid…” and “I never thought I’d see the day…” and other abhorrent phrases I always thought would be left to the old codgers. But now? Either things are moving too quickly, or I’m an old codger myself. Personally, I’d sooner believe the first option. To use another expression of wouldbe wisdom: this has been a long time coming. I remember when you would walk into these same stores and comment on the ever-shrinking gap between when the Halloween stuff and Christmas stuff would be “put out” on the shelves. If you’re anywhere around my age, you’ve probably wandered into these stores in early November and seen the display shelves and said to yourself, “One day they’ll just put www.downhomelife.com

the Christmas stuff out with the Halloween stuff.” Well, you were right, and that day is here. And with this new trend comes new questions to ask. “Why?” certainly comes to mind, but I guess I know that answer; the greedy grubby mitts of the penny-pinching pukes-in-suits are always reaching for another dollar. What I don’t understand is, say you go out tomorrow and buy your Halloween decorations, and then you say to yourself, “Eh, may as well,” and also load up with Christmas stuff, isn’t the result the same? The stuff you would’ve bought in mid-November or early December, you will now have at home, stuffed in the spare room closet until it’s needed, so isn’t that the end of it? From the CEO’s perspective, what’s the difference? Do they assume that when mid-November comes around, you’ll just buy more stuff? They must, cause otherwise they wouldn’t be making these decisions, and I wouldn’t have to sound like the old retired skippers sitting at Tim’s with their caps pushed way back off their foreheads. Yet, here we are: two generations apart but speaking the same sentiments. Things have gone modern, I ‘spose that’s the cause. Anyway, what’s important is that we’re celebrating these holidays together and complaining about the same stuff as a group. So from me and mine to you and yours, enjoy your Christmas, happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2026! Paul Warford began writing for Downhome to impress his mom and her friends. He writes and performs comedy in Eastern Canada. Follow him on X @paulwarford December 2025

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salvage art and birch brooms by dianna brown

Like anyone I’ve met

from Newfoundland, I love meeting new people! This rings true to two talented artists in the picturesque community of Salvage. This small fishing community on the Eastport peninsula has about 90 full-time residents, with the population increasing in the summer months. As I sat in the passenger seat, taking in the scenery of the harbour, my husband saw a sign on a shed that said “knife sharpening.” Coincidentally, he brought his fillet knife on vacation just in case we caught a few codfish. Inside, both walls of the shed were lined with beautifully detailed and vibrant Newfoundland scenic art. There was a table with a variety of hand-crafted items, and something unique caught my eye – intricately crafted birch brooms. We were greeted by a small group of peo136

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ple, and were delighted to meet Gord and Patricia Janes. Gord handcrafts birch brooms, which he started in the spring of 2025. “Years ago, I saw my father-in-law making them, so I decided to try my hand at making a broom,” he explained. “My father-inlaw was Heber Heffern, the original broom maker of Salvage. Although we do not know when he made his first broom, he made quite a few over his

Gord and Patricia Janes lifetime. Heber attended the International and Universal Expo in Montreal in 1967 and in Vancouver in 1986. He went there to demonstrate making his birch brooms and to show his art. He would have many visitors over the years at his house to buy his brooms and to have lengthy chats. Both Heber and his wife loved to meet people.” He explained that his first birch broom took him about eight hours to make, sharing that he’s since gotten faster, cutting the process down to about four hours. “I spent time watching Heber make the brooms, but I didn’t pay close attention, so I had to figure some things www.downhomelife.com

out for myself. I was surprised to discover that people like to buy the birch brooms with the handle left unfinished, with the birch bark still on it,” he says. “I also decided to make two large killicks, which I have on display by my shed and another at The Fishermen’s Museum in Salvage. I make miniature killicks to sell as well as miniature brooms. They make unique Christmas tree ornaments. We see many people over the summer months. A lot of them like to sit for a while to have a chat about fishing and life in a small community.” I purchased a birch broom with the unfinished birch bark handle— an excellent conversation piece here in Calgary. Birch brooms were a common household tool in Newfoundland before manufactured brooms were produced. They were also used by farmers and fishermen to clean sheds, dories and fishing stages. Gord loves to demonstrate the making of the birch broom and graciously shared the intricacies of how these brooms are made: How to make a birch broom: 1) Look for young birch without too many knots, or none. 2) Remove the bark from the portion used to make the bristles and start peeling back fibres until they remain on the piece of birch. 3) Keep peeling around, taking small strands until you decide you have enough to make the broom. Use a very sharp, slender knife for the peeling. 4) When you have enough bristles to make the broom, saw or cut the centre out of the wood, then push all the bristles back and saw it. If you want the handle finished, you have to chop it out to shape and sand it. When you December 2025

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finish, you’ll have a very nice birch broom, but it will require many hours of work! Although I wish I could have bought all of the art, I chose two gorgeous pieces, as well as a unique Christmas card with a lobster pot Christmas tree on the front. I was delighted when Patricia entered the shed and we discussed her artwork. “I started painting when my daughter asked me what I wanted for my birthday in 2010, so I told her to give me some paintbrushes and canvases, and I would try to paint something,” she shared. “The first small painting was of two birds on a tree stump, next came an imaginary lighthouse and another of flowers in a vase.” Patricia offered up her inspiration and the stories that influenced her paintings, adding that people often asked why she didn’t paint something from her hometown of Salvage. “I started doing that and got much encouragement,” she said. “My favourite things to paint are buildings, such as saltbox houses and fishing stages with the ocean, sky, rocks and trees in the background.” Patricia explained that she paints in the winter months and tries to sell prints and cards in the summer, opening up their shed and displaying both her art and Gord’s brooms. “A couple of years ago, a friend gave me some scallop shells, so I paint on them, as well as on rocks,” she says. “This year, I painted some original

paintings of icebergs, which I’m agreeing to sell because when I finish a painting, I find it hard to part with them. Most years, I paint two to three new paintings.” I left the shed with my arms filled with treasures—and my heart full. The birch broom and paintings keep the traditions of the ‘good ol’ days’ alive, with attached stories to share with future generations. I am excited to return to Salvage to visit with Gord and Patricia. I wholeheartedly agree with Patricia when she said, “Salvage is a beautiful place to live and grow up in. I am trying to capture the little scenes of Salvage before they change or disappear altogether.” If you would like to order or get in contact with Gord or Patricia, please email patandgord1@hotmail.com

Dianna Brown is a hockey mom, an elementary school teacher and author of two novels: Saltwater Joys and Saltwater Stranger. She was born in Gander, currently resides in Calgary, and loves to visit her hometown, Kelligrews, C.B.S. You can reach her at diannabrown.tiestohome@gmail.com 138

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the back porch

The Rose

By Kim Ploughman

At Christmastime,

the season of hope, we all like to believe in magic, and that perhaps even the simplest acts happens for a reason. David Boyd might be inclined to agree after a touching incident involving his beloved Prime Berth Heritage Centre in Twillingate. For David, it was the kind of moment that still glows, like a single candle in a window on a quiet Christmas night. The story involves a gift – a message of love and comfort – to one of his guests during a difficult period. David recalls that fine day in August 2017, when he was waiting for a motor coach to arrive with a group of visitors. The host noticed his rose bushes still blooming, defiantly bright in the late summer light. “Being in a jovial mood, I picked a 140

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rose to present to one of the ladies,” he says, explaining the gesture. “The night before, I was watching The Bachelor on TV, where one man held out a rose and said, ‘Will you accept this rose?’ That line just stuck in my head,” he chuckles. As the senior guests arrived, David found himself in a dilemma as to which one he would pass on his scented wild rose. “For some unknown reason, I handed it to a lady whose quiet sadness, a tenderness, called to me. I asked, ‘Would you accept this rose on this beautiful morning?’” The woman, whom we’ll call Jenny, 1-888-588-6353

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looked at him, surprised. She accepted the rose, held it gently to her lips and closed her eyes. A single tear slid down her cheek. She then opened her eyes, smiled and whispered, “Thank you so much… I will.” It was a whimsical gesture, inspired, seemingly, by a television show. But as the months went by, David was gifted a precious insight into how significant his gift was to Jenny. Just before Christmas of that year, David received a letter from Jenny. In her correspondence, she provided a deeper meaning to their interaction that summer: “David, I want to share that you will never know how much it meant to me when you asked if I would accept the rose,” she said, explaining that her husband was scheduled to come on the trip, but passed away shortly before their Newfoundland tour started. “I knew he would want me to carry on, so my daughter and I did so.” Then came the line that took David’s breath away. “You know, he always brought me roses… for no special occasion… that’s the way he was,” she shared. “When you passed me the rose… out of all the people on the coach, I held it to my lips, as I knew it was his way of letting me know he was with us in spirit. Thank you so much.” David, a poet at heart, was deeply moved. That small gesture of kindness had evidently been divinely timed, as was Jenny’s letter. In fact, David was so moved he wrote a poem called “The Rose,” including it in his 2023 book of republished poems entitled Outport Home Poems from the Heart. www.downhomelife.com

The Rose He gave me a single rose Not just on holidays, But any day to cheer me up. Such was his special ways. So when the rose you passed to me, the tears were hard to hide. For I knew then, I’m not alone He’s right here by my side. So thank you for your kindness, Sir, Cause no one really knows. How grateful for the words you said … “Will you accept this rose?” At Christmas, we often harken to tales of miracles and divine messages, of angels and the unseen threads that bind us. For David, this heartfelt story was more than a flower. It was a reminder that love doesn’t end – it only changes form, as those who’ve departed often find the gentlest of ways to reach across the veil. Indeed, the rose also became a symbol of how one can be guided by intuition to deliver a message. With a playful offer and a rose in hand, David became a quiet messenger of peace. Jenny received something more precious and lasting than anything wrapped beneath a Christmas tree. It would be a gift that has undoubtedly lasted from season to season, proving that presents often do not always come in boxes, but sometimes in divine blooms. “You never know,” David reflects, “how your actions, no matter how small, will touch someone’s life.” December 2025

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the back porch from our readers

The Silver Christmas Tree By Cyril Griffin • New Perlican, NL

It’s the memory of past struggle that keeps me grounded – not that I have reached any degree of wealth or fame or ever will. No regrets, life has been good to me. Not in terms of financial gain, but personal relationships. Thank God for every one. The year was 1967, and it was my second year away from home. My brother and his new wife had moved to Toronto shortly after being married at home in Newfoundland. I was still working my first job, which paid a salary of $65.00 a week minus the usual deductions. I know that’s probably worth more then than it is now, but it still wasn’t very much. But I was a seventeen-year-old kid, 3,000 miles from home, making my own way in life. Some would say that sounds crazy. Perhaps it was. But it seemed good at the time. We had recently moved into our second home away from home. It was much better than the first one. No swarms of mice or roaches, and the landlord always paid the light bill on time, so we were never left in the dark. My brother was a little more familiar with the city and the transit system and could get to work on his own using the bus and subway system. He was bringing home a paycheck every week that was much better than 142

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mine cause he worked construction. Our flat was on the third floor of this big house on the corner of Keele Street and Humberside Avenue. At first, we shared the bathroom on the second floor with a couple of ‘flower children’. Until one weekend, they decided to paint the bathroom – tub and all – in several different colours which suited their carefree lifestyle. My sister-inlaw was pregnant at the time, so you can see this was very inconvenient for

my second. So while my brother and his wife were gone, I decided to do something to brighten up the place for Christmas. I didn’t really have any money, but I managed to buy the last artificial tree the Woolworths store on Dundas Street had left. It wasn’t green; unfortunately, it was silver in colour. All the green ones were sold out, likewise all the coloured Christmas lights. So I had to settle for the silver tree, whose

I didn’t really have any money, but I managed to buy the last artificial tree the Woolworths store on Dundas Street had left. It wasn’t green; unfortunately, it was silver in colour. us. The landlord had no idea they were doing this until we complained to him. The flower children weren’t happy when they were told to stop. They were especially not happy with us, but my sister-in-law was babysitting the landlord’s little boy during the week. So he decided to build a bathroom on the third floor for us and jack up the rent as well, of course. But it was much better for us not having to climb up and down a flight of stairs only to find the bathroom occupied. My sister-in-law had a cousin who lived in Kitchener who would visit now and then, and this cousin and her husband invited my brother and his wife to join them for Christmas. We still didn’t have much money, but we were able to forego our steady diet of pancakes twice a day (three times a day on weekends) for a more regular and diverse menu. But, not a lot of money to spend on Christmas gifts or decorations or even a tree. It was their first Christmas away from home, www.downhomelife.com

branches weren’t very full, and a string of white Christmas lights. I brought home the tree. It came in pieces in a box. There were no decorations, no presents under it, but it was a Christmas tree, and we were far from home and the people we loved. I tried to make the best of it. After all, Christmas is a hard time to be away from home, especially when it’s your first time, like it was for my brother and his wife. Looking back, I know it was only one of many for me, even after I myself was married and had children. Before they returned, I plugged in the lights, closed the door, and said nothing when they walked into the flat. Eventually, my sister-in-law went into the living room and came out with tears in her eyes. In my 70-plus years, there are many Christmases in my memories and many Christmas trees. Some I cut myself, some I bought, and some I gathered with my family. Many I have forgotten, but not that silver Christmas tree so long ago. December 2025

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photo finish

White Christmas

A snowy winter night in Bonavista. Mark Gray Bonavista, NL

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