Capital Christmas 2016

Capital

Christmas 2016

HOW VICTORIA CELEBRATES

Celebrating the Season!

READERS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE YULETIDE STORIES

HOLIDAY EVENT CALENDAR

DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHRISTMAS FEASTING

Capital Christmas | 1

E Millstream Village E E Langford Centre E Westshore Town Centre E E All of the National Chains E Unique Boutiques & Shops E E FREE PARKING IN LANGFORD E Free Trolley Service E E Great Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes E

Dec. 3 – Christmas Light Up, Craft Fair and

Dec. 31 – Annual New Year’s

I.E.O.A. Big Truck Parade at Veterans Park 5:00 to 7:45 p.m. Free Hot Dogs and Hot Chocolate.

Big Truck Parade passes by at about 8 p.m.

Dec. 4 – Skate With Santa at City Centre Park.

Free event from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Event at Playzone.

Check out www.citycentrepark.ca for costs and schedule of other events.

2 | Capital Christmas

More info on both events at www.citycentrepark.ca

Thank you to the Goldstream Lodge Freemasons for the use of their tree.

Experience Christmas through the romance of the Victorian era. We’ve decked our halls just for you.

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Capital Christmas | 3

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s t n e t Con Catch the holiday spirit with festive events for all ages Readers share their personal stories of Christmas past

16

Giving isn't only for Christmas Holiday Decorating Christmas Cookies Christmas Appys

36

Christmas Feast

44

Gift Guide Jack Knox: Is at it again

63

56 60 67 74

Capital

2016

Christmas DAVE OBEE | Editor-in-Chief DAVID WHITMAN | Advertising Director DARRON KLOSTER | Editor GORDON FALLER | Designer JASON SCRIVEN | Sales Manager WENDY KALO | Operations Manager

Capital Christmas is published by the Times Colonist, a division of TC Publication Limited Partnership, at 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, British Columbia V8T 4M2. Canadian Publications Registration No. 0530646. GST No. 84505 1507 RT0001 Please send comments about Capital to: Editorin-Chief Dave Obee, dobee@timescolonist. com. To advertise in the next edition, phone 250-995-4464, or email Sales Manager Jason Scriven at jscriven@timescolonist.com.

Editor’s Note

Dave Obee

Editor-in-chief, Times Colonist

A season worth celebrating ere we go! Welcome to another Capital Christmas from your friends at the Times Colonist.

In this, our third annual celebration of all things festive, we have once again asked our readers to share their best memories of Christmas and what it means to them.

These stories represent what Christmas means to all of us, in fact. Christmas is based on a solid foundation of faith, of course, and most of us express our faith and our beliefs through giving and sharing with others.

That sort of thinking comes through in the stories you will find in these pages -- the stories of our readers, and the stories of your neighbours.

Most tell of tougher times, a reminder of how our lives have changed for the better. The idea that people would not have a Christmas dinner comes through, back in the days before those who gave became committed to helping those who have not.

It was not that long ago when parents would give their children blocks of wood and tell them to imagine the toys they would like to have. Times really gave changed.

The stories in this issue of Capital Christmas will inspire you and, we hope, give you a greater appreciation for the people around you. Beyond that, this edition will help inform future historians, because the first-person stories contained here represent a valuable contribution to our understanding and appreciation of Christmas traditions that might otherwise be forgotten. These are stories not found in history books, but they certainly should be.

Along with the memories of Christmases past, Capital Christmas has plenty of ideas for making this year one if your best Christmas seasons ever.

Enjoy! And don’t forget – happy holidays!

H

6 | Capital Christmas

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Capital Christmas | 7

Nov. 19 to Jan. 2

CANADA’S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE 2016 Inn at Laurel Point Victoria’s Inn at Laurel Point is once again hosting Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase, benefiting Habitat for Humanity Victoria. The event brings together professional and amateur bakers from across Canada and highlights their creativity, while supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity Victoria. This year’s theme is … Around the World.

The Bay Centre and The Fairmont Empress The Festival of Trees creates a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise much-needed funds for BC Children’s Hospital. For the first time, there will be two festival locations to enjoy: The Bay Centre and The Fairmont Empress!

bcchf.ca

Government St. between Superior and Chatham

28TH ANNUAL OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR CrystalGardens

gvfs.ca

Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

25TH ANNUAL VICTORIA FESTIVAL OF TREES

35TH ANNUAL ISLAND FARMS SANTA’S LIGHT PARADE Begin your Christmas Season in Victoria with the magical Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade. Floats and bands, entertainment and lots of fun for the entire family. After the parade, head to Centennial Square for refreshments from Island Farms and to witness Santa officially declare Christmas in Victoria open! Bring a donation for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

laurelpoint.com

Nov. 16 to Jan. 5

Nov. 26, 5:45 p.m.

Victoria’s most prestigious artisan fair, the Out of Hand Fair is a celebration of fine crafts, artisan food and the decorative arts.

outofhand.ca

Capital

Dec. 1 to Dec. 12, noon to 1:30 p.m.

CHOIRS IN THE COURTYARD Greater Victoria Public Library Central Branch/ Central Courtyard Treat yourself to an early afternoon seasonal sampling of Victoria’s choirs in the Central Branch courtyard – one of the city’s sweetest acoustic spots.

gvpl.ca Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 3, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT BEER SHOW Save On Foods Memorial Centre The best part about beer is that it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. While most beer festivals are held throughout the summer months to take advantage of the beautiful relationship between warm weather and a cold glass of suds, the first ever Christmas Craft Beer Show at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will give everyone the chance to raise a mug of holiday cheer. The multitude of fantastic local micro-breweries will gather together to display their seasonal products as well as their brewery

favourites. A great way to start off the holiday season! 19+ event.

sofmc.com Dec. 2&3, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4, 2 p.m.

2016 CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT SERIES: A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney Prepare to be enchanted by the Peninsula Singers’ 2016 A Magical Christmas, a show conjured up by Artistic Director Glenda Korella, featuring traditional carols in new arrangements along with many new songs. Nine-year-old violinist, Jasmine Yu from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, will be featured in the “Spotlight on a Young Artist.”

marywinspear.ca Dec. 2&3, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3&4, 2 p.m.

DANCE VICTORIA PRESENTS ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Royal Theatre A Canadian Classic! Danced to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, this production begins with a hockey

Dec. 1 to Jan. 6

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT THE BUTCHART GARDENS Come experience the thrill of thousands of lights, wreaths and special festive displays. Enjoy skating, carollers, festive dining and much more – it’s an exciting time at The Gardens. Look for the Twelve Days of Christmas displays placed throughout the gardens.

butchartgardens.com

game on a frozen pond and features RCMP officers in a battle with the Rat King. Technically stunning dancers and gorgeous costumes and sets make this Canadian production memorable.

rmts.bc.ca Dec. 3

18TH IEOA TRUCK LIGHT CONVOY AND FOOD DRIVE Festively decorated commercial trucks parade through the streets of the capital region. Starting at Ogden Point, the convoy weaves its way

through Oak Bay and downtown Victoria before continuing on to View Royal and Langford. people are encouraged to drop off their food donations at designated sites along the route.

ieoa.ca Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 4, 11, 18, 10:30 a.m. to noon

CHRISTMAS IN OLD VICTORIA GUIDED WALKS Burnes House, 26 Bastion Square Experience the charm of Old Town in the month around Christmas with heart-warming stories about the holiday season a century ago on a 90-minute Discovery Walks tour.

discoverthepast.com/ discovery-walks

More Shopping than Ever Late Night Shopping Begins November 26!

Monday – Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10am – 9pm Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11am – 6pm Christmas Eve, December 24 . . . . . . . . . 10am – 5pm Christmas Day, December 25. . . . . . . . . CLOSED Boxing Day, December 26 . . . . . . . . . . . 10am – 6pm New Year’s Eve, December 31 . . . . . . . . 10am – 5pm New Year’s Day, January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED Visit westshoretowncentre.com for a complete list of Holiday events!

2945 JACKLIN ROAD

LANGFORD

10 | Capital Christmas

75 STORES & SERVICES

WINNERS

HOMESENSE

FAIRWAY MARKET

CINEPLEX

DOLLARAMA

THE BRICK

SHOPPERS

MARK’S

Seasonal Events Dec. 4, 5 p.m.

SIDNEY SPARKLES CHRISTMAS PARADE AND LIGHTED SAILPAST BOAT PARADE Experience the holiday magic as Sidney sparkles with Christmas excitement. The annual Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade runs through the centre of town along Beacon Ave., followed by a parade of beautifully decorated, lighted boats gliding along the waterfront.

peninsulacelebrations.ca Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

WILL STROET University Centre Farquhar Auditorium Will Stroet, an award-winning children’s musician, inspires kids to be active, healthy, creative and engaged in the world through educational music in English and French. Will stars in the preschool television series Will’s Jams.

with the Victoria Symphony’s annual Sentimental Christmas Pops. Beloved Maestro Brian Jackson and the Victoria Symphony will be joined by talented young performers from the Canadian College of Performing Arts for a concert full of favourites both merry and bright. Don’t forget your singing voices: the performance includes the ever-popular sing-a-long holiday carols!

rmts.bc.ca Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

TALES OF A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, Oak Bay High School, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd. The Victoria Jazz Society presents The Jerry Granelli Trio with The Victoria Children’s Choir performing Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas. jerrygranelli.com

victoriachildrenschoir.ca Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.

NADEN BAND 2016 ANNUAL NAVY CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES Royal Theatre Join in the fun and excitement as 35 professional musicians take to the stage to entertain and get you into the holiday spirit. The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy presents the 38th annual Christmas concert in support of The Salvation Army Toy Drive. The festive musical program will include original works and holiday favourites for the entire family. Audience members are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy on the night of the performance.

nadenband.ca Dec. 9&10, 8 p.m.; Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

A SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS Royal Theatre Enjoy a dose of holiday cheer

rmts.bc.ca Dec. 10, 20, 21, 22, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11&18, 2 p.m.

Dec. 14&16, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15&23, 1 p.m.

Dec. 17, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

DIEMAHLER CHRISTMAS POPS St Mary’s Church, 1701 Elgin Rd., Oak Bay rmts.bc.ca

Tour. Seen by over 60 million people worldwide, this smash-hit musical has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Featuring ABBA’s greatest hits including Dancing Queen, S.O.S., Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me and The Winner Takes It All, with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

THIS LITTLE LIGHT

rmts.bc.ca

The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave.

Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Written By Brad L’écuyer and Erin Macklem. Directed By Jane Johansen. This holiday season The Belfry brings you this melodious musical as a staged presentation featuring Company C. A beautiful way to celebrate the season and a special way to experience this brand new musical play, written specifically for Victoria and Fernwood. Starring members of the Canadian College of the Performing Arts’ Company C, local school choirs and other special guests.

ccpacanada.com

uvic.ca Dec. 5 to 7, 7:30 p.m.

old classic White Christmas as well as a stunning arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Halleluiah.

Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

DAVID MYLES “IT’S CHRISTMAS” Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

DANIEL LAPP’S HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Alix Goolden Performance Hall Featuring Swingin’ Shepherds, Shiny Horn/aments, The Joy of Life Choir, Folkestra, BC Fiddle Orchestra and more!

vcm.bc.ca Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

COOKEILIDH – MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT! Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney A festive evening of celtic and yuletide music featuring Cookeilidh.

Cookeilidh has been delighting audiences for years with their high energy traditional and modernized tunes.

This special holiday performance will also feature guests the O’Brien Irish Dancers. Sure to leave you with a grin on your face, a spring in your step, and the holiday spirit in your heart!

YELLOWPOINT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Enjoy a wintery afternoon listening to It’s Christmas! – a diligently original mélange of folk, jazz and bluegrass-inflected interpretations of standards such as I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Let It Snow and White Christmas, as well as some charming Myles originals.

McPherson Playhouse

marywinspear.ca

Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

ROCK N ROLL CHRISTMAS

MAMMA MIA! FAREWELL TOUR

The Legends of Rock n’ Roll presents two great attractions on >

Dec.10, 3 p.m.& 7 p.m.; Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Presented by Razzle Dazzle Productions. A celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music and dance, lights and decorations, laughter and tears!

New broadway hits, classical songs and Christmas favourites, as well as musical tributes to Johnny Cash, June Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and the Village People. Elvis will once again grace the stage and the sights and sounds of Abba will be back by popular demand. There will be songs from the

marywinspear.ca

McPherson Playhouse

Royal Theatre MAMMA MIA! returns one last time to The Royal Theatre as part of its North American Farewell

Dec.8, 6 p.m.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA Join special guests and children’s choirs to celebrate the annual cross-country lightup. The giant sequoia on the front lawn of The Legislature buildings will be illuminated with thousands of lights.

canada.pch.gc.ca

Capital Christmas | 11

Seasonal Events November 8— December 4

“One of the greatest songwriters ever.”

ROLLING STONE

2016

one spectacular show! Zachary Stevenson returns to the stage as Buddy Holly, joined by the knockout Beatles tribute band … The Fab Fourever. More Info at legendsofrocknroll.com.

rmts.bc.ca Dec. 19& 20, 7:30 p.m.

WORLD PREMIERE

O CHRISTMAS TEA – A BRITISH COMEDY McPherson Playhouse Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss … grab your teacups! London’s three-time IMPRESARIO award-winning comedians James & Jamesy present their outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive Christmas comedy.

rmts.bc.ca Dec. 27 to 29, 2 p.m.

BALLET VICTORIA PRESENTS THE GIFT Royal Theatre A uniquely wonderful Christmas ballet to Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker score. The Victoria Symphony whisks you away with the dancers and a flurry of wonderful characters who celebrate Christmas together. The little mischief of a young girl sparks an exciting adventure and a world of unexpected wonder when she opens a present brought by her uncle despite his warning.

rmts.bc.ca

I Think I'm Fallin' The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Dec. 18, 2:30 p.m.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH University Centre Farquhar Auditorium Maestra Tania Miller leads brilliant soloists, the Victoria Symphony and the Victoria Choral Society in Handel’s glorious Messiah. With the Hallelujah Chorus as its centerpiece, Handel’s oratorio Messiah is probably the most famous piece of classical music in the world.

Come feel the music and hear the voices ring out!

victoriasymphony.ca Dec. 21 to 23, performances at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PAGEANT Topaz Park

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

250 385 6815 belfr y.bc.ca

Presented by local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and friends. A live outdoor Nativity Pageant . Performers and live animals transform the park for a few unforgettable moments that will keep the real meaning of Christmas in your heart forever.

christmasnativity.ca

1291 Gladstone at Fernwood, Victoria

Jan. 1, 2:30 p.m.

SEASON SPONSORS

PUBLIC FUNDERS

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

VIENNESE NEW YEARS Royal Theatre Start the New Year off right with lively and nostalgic music from the family of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. Benjamin Butterfield and Sharleen Joynt join dancers from Ballet Victoria for this afternoon of music, dance, and song.

rmts.bc.ca

CC

Nov. 25 - 27

Crystal Garden 713 Douglas Street

Fri. 10 - 9; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-4:30 fine cra crafts fts ar tisan tis an food d esigner es ig ner fashions fas hions ive enter tainment llive llocal o c a l wines w i n e s and a n d s pirits pirits Out of Hand — art, fashion, food and fabulous home décor TGIF@OOH — Find your festive holiday vibe Join our Selfie Scavenger Hunt with a chance to win a $200 shopping spree Great Door Prizes Crafted & Donated By Our Talented Artisans Drawn Every Hour ALL DAY LONG! New this year! OOH is excited to partner with Victoria Grandmothers for Africa with a Gift Wrapping Extravaganza! Shop our fine selection of handmade, local gifts then stop by their booth to have it wrapped or bagged and ready for the holidays!. This drop and shop service will be offered all day Friday to help make your Holiday Season a breeze!

Planning to visit on Sunday? $5 off Strathcona Hotel Brunch with your Sunday Hand Stamp (11:30am - 2:30pm) - Bring the Family and Make a Day of It!

Live entertainment all three days.

Shop handmade, buy local, buy green — give unique gifts this holiday season.

The Holiday Season Starts Here!

Bring this ad in for $2 OFF regular admission w w w. o u t o f h a n d . c a

Capital Christmas | 13

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14 | Capital Christmas

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Capital Christmas | 15

Readers share th e stories f ir seasons rom past

Capital

Letters

Letters

s y a s r e ll e v a tr e m Ti ks for all theries thanristmas memo Ch

ure up cherished times. ften, in the middle of the night, I conj of warm thoughts.

Christmas provides a kaleidoscope s hand as we cross Yates At age six, I am clasping my mother’ ns store to Christmas shop. In Street, heading for the “old” Eato and a tunnel under Broad the basement was a grocery store artment with new red dep Street leading to the hardware at the old restaurant in stop we r, Late wagons and fun tools. ring beans and toast.

Trounce Alley, sitting in a booth orde Seemed like such a treat then. new house. We three At age 10, we are moved into our ics and puzzles, chocolate com find to . a.m brothers awaken by 4 stockings. Usually one gift is left coins and a Mandarin orange in our mom and dad tried to sleep in a unwrapped to keep us occupied as little longer. ins, aunts and uncles have arrived.

By supper time, a vast array of cous large planks run up the stairs to Grandpa and grandma arrive. Two been tical experience for my future. I have accommodate her wheelchair – prac the ur devo I still , meats and candies, yet eating treats all day; cheese, crackers ut! spro sel Except the lone brus mound of a dinner in front of me. his biggest Mother is sad. I am overjoyed. I am ics. polit into back is At age 13, dad nter the political fray. Now each re-e to at the beach, me urging him day s stma Chri er t spen had We r. supporte rs. I swoop up devilled eggs and fing hbours and friends drop in for hou Boxing Day is an open house. Neig scattered about the room. h of Barcelona. We have food. Sneaking half-finished drinks ge on the Mediterranean, Sitges, sout villa little a in 21, age at e hom I’m away from on a $10 hotel room and a special Renault van and Cherri and I splurge our in ths mon four for road the been on night out. sh ex-pat’s pub. He even looks like Duncan. Off they whisk us to a Briti Over a beer, we meet a couple from ut 30 travellers. All the trimmings, abo iding a Christmas dinner for prov is and t nigh the for ed clos Santa. He has weekend it turned into. ps. Free. What a night, hmmmm, songs, drinks and instant friendshi We flew to the arch for my thesis in Washington D.C. At 40, I had finished a month’s rese ran a who her, mot d’s beachfront mansion. His Cayman Islands and stayed at a frien and ns praw k, stea , Crab . with a “casket” of food restaurant in Victoria, had arrived the by rs hou for ate and e tabl g ed up the dinin on and on. It was so warm we pick ng at erous bottles of the Dom and gazi num ling swil s, palm er und ocean, a sky filled with shooting stars. e. My mother’s last At 50, we gather at my brother’s plac a whole new crop of Christmas with us. Now there are ren. Familiar sounds of children, and soon they have child young voices bring the r thei excitement and anticipation in

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house to life. memories of this Today, I look forward to creating new also enjoy many joyful season. I truly hope that all of you Christmas ever yone, take Christmas memories. Have a great very good care.

Gordon Argyle

Letters

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tish ing in Bri , was liv re him o g o in M it was vis d, Kelly I n . ie y fr v y a o N : yb ian kids rio and m al Canad with the g in Onta ed with the Roy ses as a family in v li s a w ho u tion n 2014 I erbread he is sta t in the , where rate ging 12). ia o c b e m d lu r and ge t Annual o to e C n d th e e e h g id (t c to s’ 1s time we d e arlotte ber and e family us. We he Moore ) and Ch in Decem en 16 years old ers to spend som Facebook for “T we knew to join e and h y n th (t d o o r n o t o it a am spire even veryb Conn ted to in ated an use, give te to pick invited e o re h d c n d e a a w re We wan t” o vo s tes erb have one ting Con as spirit,” te a ging “Christm d House Decora uild and decora everyone would b re rea e). ath Gingerb one one week to Facebook, whe rs were welcom Lush (a b t our n ry o rd from e ote a v e v ta c g h t a le g if p tt u g li o ts gave e , 5 b voters e even y (we n a $2 h o n th p o w n o s it o tr te m it e li o p os t os t v emad o ag e ith the m que on our hom hts. ourite (n r la their fav erbread house w rig p h o us e o g a in n do gerbread l icing as e, bragg in g rs u n The ging ir name engrave o w c o f a y o ir ed) and, build the s much ro y), the y compan illage and modifi could bake and uld use a corations (cand o c y e h T V y e . e e d e ly th n th b lu o a n m V d o e — as s p en pu t as e local with a b de just ready for limit of $25 to s s automatically d e rt ta s a a e it w ym ha d a Everyon eas re alread er the lim veryone ), neat id ment sto to keep it fair e caught going ov rt a p e st recipe helming d e r b t o e u e n b lk th o , u y s s n ce ha ab verw ished. A asterpie ne from (my mom ll. We had an o s, in re they w rbread m ld buy o e yal icing w ro ited State s n r a U fo y e they cou d for their ginge ld buy at any sto s it e n th u ip s c m a re ll m e o — ou de ec sw ost in th nts page they nee e), which they c itories, a people n the eve raged others to p Northwest Terr is o rw g e in th o o nts from g e e u ts or th m o s c er and o d m n p n o e c a t list. e kep e togeth ad , B.C. nd we ositive m p ti y n ty a li a naughty up to the day, w s to Pinterest) a milies in Ontario m rd so ntest h ing qu (thank and fa w our co . We hea re spend d s Leading e e o e s d h s w a n u d o re ie n e h c fr a v ,” sw tes m in ople ha er peeps nthusias first time, familie d houses get vo other pe of “ging ar. rs and e a e ry re b e v m rb u e e number n g e th r y ou eir gin e for our first r, we saw ad hous ited to watch th t eirs.

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18 | Capi Cap Capital tal al Ch Christmas C r sttma s ri

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on ther. nn e r big di om each o y r u o d fr t a. M b rat e g if t s s c e l e e o p e n e d t f r o m S a n u n n in g y a w l n il y a e nt r en w rese ur fam as Eve. Th got one p old and w e had t wo e h m rs Christ orning, w as five yea eyes out. S rs. m r w he s e ) t a , h s e r ristm y 16 yea y in g n’t g xtra good h r d c i C d n ,” l r y b O e i ( d g n r d e e e e a l m e d st it t had b d. That sa e s t si y an d t her l young e “momm d some o cause she lve al r o e s v e e n m k rs aa ble t, b wa in to from Sant lained tha esent. Pro radition fo t r p s e p t x h n e a t e r ex t fully t up pre s ng y kep it h an y c ar e te n di Da d d d e d h e r w e n a n d t h e er-ex v o r r s a d e l ili r ew c hi e fa m Santa raised five n I se e h l r i w g ll y lit tle p e cia en d ren. en, es r their chil . t s f Di n e r o a n s e i e y o h e f t r f s u t o n k Ma I t h in w i t h p r e s e s e v l e s t hem

T he e

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Capital Christmas | 19

Letters

s Surprise a tm is r h C s y’ ll o P y) (A true stor

S no w G lo be W

When I was a young girl , I would stare at the sno w globes displayed in the stores around the holida y time. The scenes in eac h globe usually represent old-fashioned Christmas ed an with the tiny figures (seem ingly friendly folk) enjoyi season. ng the I was enrapt, wondering what it would be like to actually live in that par ticu place. It was an ideal wo lar rld to me, a sheltered wo rld where nothing bad cou happen. ld Many years back, I bought a snow globe, one depicti ng a family from the Vic era, decorating a tree out torian side their home. The glo be would light up, play, You a Merry Christmas”, “We Wish and the “snow” would floa t all around the little figu It was so beautiful! It doe res. sn’t work as well as it use d to but it’s still beautiful me and my family and we to continue to display our sno w globe each Christmas. become par t of our decora It has ting tradition.

I’m not a young girl any more, but I still have tha t longing to live in a wo marred by hatred and vio rld not lence, where the spirit of Ch ristmas lives forever. Tha longing was the inspiratio t n for this poem.

ng r eyes. Ever ythi t and opened he ar st en a Th ith t! w gh e ni ok olly w dle of the , it was the mid se d ur rle co cu of y t la e Bu ! sh was dark tmas Eve! As d this was Chris ran through she remembere r of excitement ive sh a d, be in m ar sock, which she up and cosy w Had her father’s t? ye ed led? en pp ha her bed, been fil her. Had it over the foot of lly r fu he re in ca ar so cle had hung was quite ristmas morning ” gs Ch r in fo ck le to ru “s e n Th their ow ren might open until all the house. The child ey had to wait th en th t bu , up e Polly could ok w when they anyone got up. re fo be ed en en op her bed, and stockings had be eathing in the ot br r la gu re t ie qu woke up. hear her sister’s time before she ng lo a be rt at ld ou into the cold pa knew that it w one foot down it! ed sh on y pu e av sh he Gingerly mething s! There was so Ye tle lit d. a be d r he he ac of re the end open it? She uld she wait to her foot Oooh! How co t quickly pulled bu e, to r he ith w it ain, and just as further to feel eird! She tried ag w as w ng hi et back. Som back. felt alive! She quickly pulled it e touched it! It sh n he w d re ly alive! Now The sock quive s, it was definite Ye . es tim to do? e or was she going tried a few m What on earth e. ak aw e id w Polly was d shake it? the open end an to the toe, Should she hold tever” down in ha “w e th e , ak sh ways there! No But that might ange that was al or e rin th da by an up m e the sock on top of th w about picking Ho d ! ul at co th ng do hi ’t yt she couldn be worse! Ever it? That would ver” could toe and shaking and the “whate k, ea br ht ig m ng fall out, somethi t d! to do? Her hear end up in her be hatever was she w , It was ar ! de w he oh , W ar ?

Oh de t was that ha W . le st ru a d hear still racing, Polly jumped as she bed! Her hear t in er ov g in g would ng rn niin d if morrn just her sister tu e, and wondere id w en op es ey lay with her d come. It ad ever come. eyes, morning ha r he ed en op e The next time sh from morning! wrapping gifts as w Christmas r sister busy un he as on the w d le ce st un ru Now the vers, Polly po co e th ck ba g rowin n pulling out her stocking. Th r bed, and begaan he of d en e th on bulky sock lying hee end of her . ts en nt ate? In th co its ting her chocol ea en be ! It had d ha on Hey, who size of a lo ie round hole the at ne chocolate, a e as th w r, r Mars Ba wrapping pape e th h ug ro th ht att was her been eaten, rig e middle, and th th in rt pa d te al and into the m e floor with a he favourite bit! ate bar on th ol oc ch r he ot d an Then, she foun here? hat was going on W d! en e th in knew why her hole lly Po d an d dawne Gradually a light lt alive! ‘stocking’ had fe what it was?

Can you guess stocking! d been in Polly’s ha A little mouse

P

Hubick Pauline Panter-

Snow Globe

I want to live in the tiny house that I see in the gla ss ball In the town where only good folk live, where no fear exists at all And each room is decora ted in a warm, old-fashi oned way A home for all my dear, loved ones to gather ’rou nd and stay A table set for family fea sts, all lit by candle glow A mantle trimmed with velvet bows, fresh sprigs of mistletoe With chestnuts roasting on the fire and hot, mulled wine to pour The smells of baking fill the air as do our songs of yore The Yule log crackles in the hearth by which we warm our hands Together we will reminis ce then make new winter plans And our tree holds crafte d treasures beneath a glo wing star That once shone in a mid night sky, a beacon from afar Fine horses decked in jing ling bells, they pull a crim son sleigh To take us to the skating ghh pond where families com e to play A picture-perfect time of joy that all who dream adm ire A happily ever after scene that never will expire I’d live in a town of which stories tell, in a place a time away With a mood forever fes tive, with glad tidings eve ry day Where I can feel good wil l t’wards all, for the people there are friends Where hearts are bright, the snow falls, light, and Christmas never ends

Albina Cha tton

T he Story of the Candy Cane During the Second World War, Canadians were sub ject to food rationing. Coupon books were issued for each person .

One Christmas, Aunt Dea na saved her sugar coupon s and created homemade candy canes for each of her Randall nephew s and niece. As no candy was available in the stores, this was a trea sured treat.

I don’t know what else I rec eived as a gift that year, but the memory of the treasured candy can e is still with me more tha n 70 years later.

Today, I carry a small wra pped candy cane in my car near the gear box and have a constant remind er of her thoughtfulness and generosity.

Joan Eales

T he Chri stmas Doll

6:The Christmas doll Christmas, 1953. A small town 50 . kilometres east of Toronto — Oshawa they how my, Oh ere. ywh Snow ever tried to keep smiles on their faces that year, and put one on mine! How they tried. A little girl three and a half, had just lost her mama six months earlier.

Sitting by the beautiful tree on .

Christmas Eve, we heard sleigh bells e Uncl (My hed.

Santa’s here, they laug y snow the on up bed Allen had clim roof stomping around ringing bells).

Time for bed, girl as they ushered my cousin and I upstairs.

Aw yes, a lovely crisp Christmas the morn. We arrived at the bottom of had a Sant stairs to a wonderland where been.

I unwrapped three dolls! Three! In girl those days one doll was all any little hoped to get.

I could not believe it.

Later that day, my very wise N Nana took me aside. She said “how w wonderful, three dolls.�

She laid them on her bed and , suggested I pick one to play with now t close her in up put be to was her anot girl for later. She then told me of a little then She ital. hosp who was sick in the said, “wouldn’t it be nice to give one to her!�

Thanks Nana for teaching me the Joy of Giving!

Joan Murray

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e and Beyond I was born in an d grew up in Be lfast. My niece was about ďŹ ve at the time when asked what she wante d from Santa. Sh e replied â&#x20AC;&#x153;a bucket of Kentuc ky Fried.â&#x20AC;? She di d not want any toys or anyt hing else, but th e bucket of chicken.

On Christmas Ev e af ter she went to bed and they were su re she was asleep , her Dad went down to th e store only to di scover that they were closed.

There was a notic e posted on the door whi ch said that they would be closing early Ch ristmas Eve, Chris tmas Day and Boxing Day. There was also a posted notice which ga ve a telephone co ntac t number in case of emergenc y.

My brother-in-la w was shocked, but he called the emerge nc y number and explained his predicament and that his lit tle daughter was going to be very disappointed . The owner agreed to meet him at the store and made up a buck et of chicken.

Three cheers for Kentucky Fried!

and Beyond

Glady s W hit ta

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l Capital Christmas | 21

22 | Capital Christmas

Celebrate the V olunteer W ay level of unique when Christmas rreaches a whole new world’s board the Africa Mercy, the celebrated as a vvolunteer on n aria anit hum bal glo by d p l ship operate largest charity hospita s.

Ship Sh rcy Me n atio organiz del of Jesus,” llowing the 2,000-year-old mo “fo “ of call the cing bra Em the Africa Mercy, rd boa on re than 35 nations live m mo from ers nte volu 450 ut abo nical and service roles ees, to fulfill the medical, tech paying all of their own expens its heart, running. ge, with a 74-bed hospital at needed to keep this small villa ple in Africa with free ual y provides over 2,500 peo uall The Africa Mercy hospital ann t lip and palate, benign clef a ting ailments such as asta dev rse reve to s erie surg specialized ed legs and club feet, birth er injurry disfigurements, bow oth and ns bur rs ors, mo t tum l al i ffaci cataracts. injuries, goiters, hernias and a variety of Christmas s, Mercy Ships style, involves Jesu of h birt the Celebrating h a Dutch tradition. wit of Christmas festivities begins traditions. The official launch board the Africa Mercy on n dre chil aring Bishop, visits the -be gift ly kind the , laas erk Sint Dec. 13 enthralls with a celebration of Saint Lucia on on Dec. 6. Next, the Swedish bearing, hymn-singing angels. all public areas of beautiful procession of candlet a ship-wide bee to decorate duc con ers nte volu , fter rea the Soon course, a beautiful Nativity trees, garland, tinsel and, of ted ligh h wit rcy Me ca Afri the to decorate their cabin doors stic flare go to great lengths scene. Individuals with an arti on by the chance to win one nting their traditions, spurred in Christmas themes represe ted” awards. of the coveted “best decora ing the European tradition, baked goods market, follow and A huge Christmas craft es to raise funds to support Crafty volunteers sell their war is always a roaring success. are grateful to have access to Ships, while gift purchasers their time serving with Mercy s, that are not readily ents or hand-decorated card am orn tree as istm Chr as h items, suc available in Africa. world, and especially istmas carols from around the As Christmas draws near, Chr hospital wards filled with be heard continually, in the those familiar to Africa, can board the Africa Mercy, h the local folks working on wit s ing her gat t ial soc in s, patient s also operates an out-patien held each week. Mercy Ship ices serv ship wor . the ngs in -alo and t of carol sing patients delight in being par residence where recovering nteers are snug in their cabin volu d goo all en ship, wh Following Christmas Eve wor Outside each cabin door tradition takes centre stage. as istm Chr ch Dut r the ano bunks, volunteers quietly scurry to the occupants. Late at night sits an empty shoe put out by ll gift and treat. nds and family to drop in a sma the shoes put out by their frie ada go around and fill long-term volunteers from Can In a true Canadian tradition, sure every shoe has ke ma to they have purchased ts trea and s gift h wit es sho empty something in it. nteers are treated to lively birthday worship, volu On Christmas Day, following dining room volunteers, the Africa Mercy galley and an amazing brunch put on by d favorites from other Foo nd in the United States. fou fets buf st fine the ting replica which nation galley onto the menu, depending on countries often make their way e come in on the container! r, and what food supplies hav cabin open-house. volunteers hail from that yea r Christmas with a ship-wide afte day the off ped cap are Festivities see the different cabin ins to visitors so everyone can cab ir the up n ope ts hos 20 About ples and families. lay-outs housing singles, cou the frequently asked in is always popular, including cab th ber 10The tour of the e to get along in such all parts of the world manag from rs nge stra 10 do how question – a small space? of Jesus! Each host puts nk goodness for that model The most frequent reply – tha y the many conversations ir home country to accompan out snacks and treats from the various cabins. aving techniques found in the about the intriguing space-s away from family and far so e enjoying Christmas gin ima to d har be can it ile Wh and sharing in so many love ca Mercy family of volunteers friends, being part of the Afri . erience wondrous and memorable exp filled traditions, makes for a es to celebrate Christmas niti ortu opp ut abo re mo n lear to g s.or ship ercy w.m Visit ww . the Mercy Ships volunteer way

Joanne T hibault

Letters t f A g i io n and tradit

my family’s ome part of ec b s ha sometimes at A gift th ching of and at w e of th n s bee s been part Chhristmas ha ition that ha ad tr a in n io years. the participat the past 30 hurch Victoria for in ted by the C as en tm es is pr Chr nt ea g pa . e live z Park My This gift is th Saints in Topa d are ay -d er tt La ist of ch an of Jesus Chr children wat w my grand no d an n re child on. sband and is presentati hter, her hu ug inspired by th da t es g y youn rticipants Last year, m e and I as pa if w y e m ed n join ctment of th their childre is live re-ena Th s, e. er en b sc d” st mem in the “crow ndreds of ca s requires hu d new babe. su an Je br of a h s, rt ye bi , d an p ee the Victoria ys, sh lamas, donke hs and backgrounds from ily l fait a fam Friends of al ve made this d beyond ha an y it un m com sed. can’t be mis ues and tradition that nds, colleag ie fr se o th s ar ye vited guests e in th Over tended as at lly ia it a it in who have made neighbours pageant and e th t ai . aw milies now eagerly and their fa er and themselves groups gath d an es tradition for ili m fa s, ecially p al es du vi it y felt As these indi e of commun ns se l clear. ta ue ys tr cr a is becomes on watch there as se e th the eaning of ic, this gift to when the m l those inspiring mus al by of ed ts ni ar pa he Accom t and the ar he y m s warm communit y ce it. en ri pe ex itchmough who

F rank H

C modernoopkaieraexchange, or a ble of the fi she s a n d loa ve s Twenty-fi ve

years ago Christmas , I coordin cookies b ated an e etween si xchange o produce si x of us. E f x dozen o ach of ag f our favo to t gether reed to ri and excha te holiday nge our tr cookies; m with six d eats and eet oze each com After sam n varieties of good e away ies with m pling, of c ourse. uch less e Everyone ffort. b After tally rought their offeri ngs to ou ing up th r meeting e goods, allotted a , YUM ! each part mounts. icipant re But some ceived th eir how, we had many which we many left sent to m o y v ers; some daughter participate wh of ; and the rest, a few o had been to ill to the local women’s dozen, w e transition and re-co house she delivered to unted, bu lter. We c t the phy Miracle o oun sical evide r miscalcu nce was th ted lation? Yo come tog ere. u decide. ether to g When pe ive and to ople share, mir acles hap pen.

Judit h L e vi

Gr e y

53 9 1 , s a m t C hr i s

k da from Denmar I came to Cana ld r-o ea -y 53 as a 30 in November 19 e in g for a better lif in ok lo carpenter were k ar nm De in ily Canada. My fam ve me t my mother ga bu s, er rm fa or po rk, fo a : ssessions three precious po She . ick st le nd ver ca a knife and a sil gh ou en ve ha t no worried I would hat I worried about w e sh d an , ey on m ristmas. would do for Ch o Canada only tw in g in be Af ter d. oa ilr ra e th ith w days, I got a job came around, as tm ris Ch n he W alone. home, so I was ever yone went pt sle I re he w xcar I went to the bo igrant m im sh ni Da r he along with anot of rt pa as from the I had met. He w I was d an , en penhag Denmark near Co rder. bo an rm Ge e ar th from the part ne our in et would have m It is unlikely we o tw e, er here we w native land, but the Christmas Eve, on er th of us toge n for io at br le ce of day most important Danes. ere would have Back at home, th e. the Christmas tre been candles on ld he at th ick st ndle Here, I had a ca oked lit them, and I lo I s. le nd ca e re th for home. ve a in Canada. I ha I made a home ell as my three good wife. As w ndlestick at candles in my ca n. It my three childre ve ha I Christmas, life. has been a good

Karl Monk

ri stma s gisft h C st e t a e wife wa Our gr awa, my

on ing in Ott While liv rean secti , r a Caesa ve fo E s d a le u tm d s sche n Chri O .

0 6 9 r 1 e , h on Jan. 5 sulting in r broke, re her wate ation. taff and hospitaliz trician gathered s e “C The obste s and advanced th e r e rc d u n g. Wo other reso t mornin a y th b a to b ” ly section ad a love ers, we h What a y. a D s of wond a tm s ri h C n o girl born as gift! ul Christm ars, we always rf e d n o w e out the y ake, a Through ir thday c b a d a h e nition of sh g d o c re ensu ecial re sp d n a t if unique g kind, her day. ed into a p lo e v e fied R N, d She ell- quali w , te a n o ria area. compassi the Victo in g in atest v li s the gre currently e remain sh eived. c y a re d r To this ave eve h e w t if sg t Christma t W regg it

nd Ru sse ll a

24 | Capital Christmas

Margare

18 : A mleorable C A memm oreab

Letters

hri stma s dinner

Christmas dinn er For various fam ily reasons, in 1937 at age fiv placed in the Winnipeg Chi e, I was ldren’s Home. pleasant, it was While staff wer a Spar tan exist e ence. We slept 20 to 25 boys in dorms with , ate commun ally segregated siblings, were from female fed repetitive bland meals al that alternated ong with dess between tapioc er ts a and bread pu white bread w dding (stale ith milk). It was no t a pleasant ex The following perience. year I was take n to my uncle’ dinner. He was s for Christmas a Scot and his wife Ukrainian My six-year- ol . What a feast! d eyes saw an ! enormous turk lots of cabbag ey, a huge ham e rolls, steamin , g veggies, appl and Christmas es, oranges, cake along with ice cream! I at stuffed I was e until I was so barely able to move. It was th ever eaten. e best meal I ha d The next day I was back at “The Home” but that Christ and its routine, mas dinner w as the absolute four years ther highlight of m e. y

12: “I’ll Be Hom “I ’ll bee FohroChmrisetmfo as…” rC

hristma s…”

It was Christmas Eve, 1943. The Second World W and, at this tim ar was well unde e, Canadian ship yards were chur rway ever y week to he ning out two ne lp in the Battle w ships of the Atlantic.

The Canadian Na vy was strugglin g to find qualifi and men. Our ei ed crews, both ght weeks of Ne of ficers w Entr y Training we were now “t had come to an rained” Ordinary end and Seamen in the w Navy Volunteer ar time Royal Ca Reserve. Those nadian of us who had hi better were mus gh school gradua tered, given an tion or Of ficer Candidat those who were e board intervie successful (I thin w and k ever yone ) prom week Of ficer Ca ptly underwent ndidate Training a threeCourse during w ships as Of ficer hich we were po Candidates. st ed to Along with a bu nch of my other 18-year-old class HMCS Renard, based out of Ha mates, I joined lifax. Renard w purpor tedly the as a conver ted fastest ship in th yacht, and e Canadian Navy been used befo . She had suppos re the war by he edly r Ne w working out of York owners as the Caribbean.

Russell W regg a rum runner it t Her duties with the Royal Cana dian Navy had “torpedo trainin been as a g ship,” but by the end of 1943 “emergenc y on “e , she was primar -call vessel” in ily the Halifax area Candidate train Ca and an Of ficer ing vessel.

There are few Our first Christm words in our la as Eve away fro nguage that ar as that of “Chr m home was in just ju s back from a pa ouse as many istmas.” For m HMCS Renard, feelings trol in the North e, Christmas w friends and fa Atlantic and alon as a happy tim Halifax Dock yard Ha mily gathered e when gside in . Needless to sa together. Dad our tree. Wha y, we were all fe would take us and homesick. an t fun it was to el ou in Th g t en very down to st in omp about in cut the af ternoon on flushing a deer pr prou the snow, som o dly returned ! e of our of f-dut et on im y messmates bo es ar d from shopping Victoria winte do downtown Halif rs were much on Barrington St ax with a new 78 colder then. W reet in sleighing on th rpm record whi ppllaying on our e loved skatin e Cedar Hill G ch he star ted mess deck reco g and olf Course and bonfire while rd player. warming ours sipping hot co Before many m elves by a oments had pass coa. Christmas to make. Each ed, a couple of cakes took a w meessssmates grab family membe our other hole day bed the record r stirred and m we tip-toed ar of f the turn-tabl ade a wish an tthhe ta ound the hous t bl e, op e, smashed it on en d ed a scut tle and then e as they slow thump or bang tossed it out ov ly baked, darin ooccean. causing the ca n er the side into g not to kes to flatten.

The Santa Cla the The record was us Show at th th e e Royal Theatre ne I longed to be w ly re le as ed bbyy Binng Crosby.

“I’ll be Home fo was fairyland! in it gliding ab r Christmas” How out in a tutu an plump and wou d wings. Alas, ld have been gi I was ven the part of Hudson’s Bay Mig s Turner a chubby elf. Bo and Eaton’s bo asted “Santa th the No- one could Claus”. convince me th at he didn’t sh those two delig uffle between htful places. To yland sparkled unbelievable to and offered sig a small child. hts Santa presided window attend My mother w there or in the ed by elfin he as left in Lond store lpers. on, Ont., with Just before th while our dad e long-awaite three young ch was stationed d da ildren, Concer t, whe in y, Halifax and “N th co er nv e oy w as duties across re the true mea the Sunday Sc ew fie John” on th e hool ning of Christ A tla gazed in won nt ic escorting su Unite t d Kingdom mas was reveal der as our cost pply ships to th during the war ed. We umed peers re e At home, the .

The gift that I told that ageles tree glowed w re ce s iv st ed or th ith snowball lig y. at while garland to w th as is day remains m th t e year we (m hts and ornam s and tinsel w y favourite y twin sister an ere strung from ents then it arrived I remember th d I) received ou wooden beam ... that long-a e po rbed lamps. w er s. And an waited day! Th d re of turkey drift sp onsibility this Instead of com e tantalizing ar ed about. Ther gift gave to m ing up stairs to oma e were Christm e. ribbon candie tuck us in and mothe h r now would as lillies, lychee s, ginger and turn out our lig al lo nu ta w ts bl us , es laden with ht our plum pudding to go up to th be e stairs “lights d and read un mince pies, sh and sauces. A out in five min til she called or tbread, fter the feast, with the soun ut Ye es ar a th ”. s e later, when I w ds of the pian old rooms echo o, carol singing as a parent m ed winner cr ying among family yself, a casual and, later, a ha , “BINGO!”. brought up th conversation pp y e subject of C Those days ar re la yed my bed-la hristmas mem e as alive in m m p m ories and I em y or y. mind as they w treasure the m My mother w ere then. How emories and gi as there and bu I ve thanks for made them po rst into tears an that waas the C those of my fa ssible. d said that to hristmas from mily who her hell. The gove navy income ta rnment had ad x payable for ju st ed da ys po th rt eir ships were s and amount Barbara Mon in Canadian s owing were tgomery deducted from allowances with spouse /family out notice just before Christm To Mom o our slim C as . hristmas was was able to as a nightmare. I sure her that fr was so glad th om my young at I precious gift an child’s view th d memor y. at was a

Chri stma s memori

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On Dec. 9, 1996 , my husband ďŹ nally left and never came ba ck. I always told my kids that Santa was all the people that give to th e poor at Christmas.

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In 2012, or home. We Glenshiel seni e a year after w d fell in love an n ow r ou d had got married an course I got to f O t. en apar tm ily. meet her fam 14. kes place in 20 ta y This stor d an sie El ning Christmas mor to Christmas ng ni te lis e I wer e sie: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would lik El songs. I say to is Th So e, hing I lik to sing, somet of John Lennon by as m Is Christ the Beatlesâ&#x20AC;?. ow the lyrics, But I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kn in call my friend I am going to s, ow kn e Sh . helle Montreal, Mic of ow kn e w t so we sing wha e the phone. W the words over r te af ht rig almost hang up, and ll ca I , ng so e g th they are playin her. ll te to lle he Mic better put the I : So she says ht away she radio on and rig e say that they ar calls again, to n. other statio playing it on an e the song tis ac Elsie and I pr are afternoon we because in the we d an ily m fa s nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; going to her so want to sing it. e portant for m This song is im as w I t ou e it cam because when said to myself, I d an s 40 in my the teenagers "that will put Christmas," in the mood of y I was a teen, m because when t ou ab re ca t no d friends and I di ve ha we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Christmas since . ily m fa much of a

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Letters

s a m t s i r h T he Ce tt le K

25¢ Chri stmas

I was fiv fi e years old that Christmas of six. In sspite of 1931, the yo of the shor tage ungest of money in ou family, Ch hristmas was r pr ai rie a m agical time fo cotton stoc r us children. o kings bulged Our with mysterio parcels, most us tissue-wrapp of the gifts m ped ad e by our parent sisters, but alw s and ays a “bought” hter and sonug da y m ite to ca m ed talogue. or two from Ea 08, I was invit ton’s ns. I was excited For Christmas 20 The gift exchan their celebratio in in jo rly ge to s ea er ge as ith w w Sm ho as in w an ’s on w im portant part of in-la celebration. ld grands n Determined our ith a two-year-o to be a part of to be present w ye ar I ha ed it, the previous re d it. ca ag vis re ily s fu pp a’ lly nt ha I Sa cu , g t small blotters anticipatin my shopping and sizes, from of various shap basically finished the clean, outs es store in a nearby t en Although I was rtm ide edges of a pa bl de ot l te ca ng r lo ki fr a o om oc to st it discarded e m vis ut y a in fa in -m th st er la em ’s th w de fe in a jo sk . I wrapped an to them, one for pick up d labelled mpany each member re I planned to er, we parted co of the family. community whe th ge to g D e. ad sin tim dy d ow te m br e us na t sig tim ha a de r ve a te at w itnessed this sa stuffers. Af e of the store memorable ye lvage, for that e t at the entranc ar he presente for them near th d te ai w agreeing to mee I d me with a cr ly, pl ick , as qu ds te s ki m r,” ed ite pa y isp “shincit m pe ex g – r currency roug atching After procurin hly one and a by four iinches bit of people-w a a g ed rv yin se jo half inches ob en n so , io al w I or th 25 cents!

Close by, wrapping stat How to spend so as to buy a e local g adolescents. th tin r at fo ch ns s, it wisely gi tio nt ft re na fo r ever yone? liciting do frazzled pa After long ho aged woman, so edl id m ur a r, s of ge poring over th bell rin I made my sele e catalogue, two kettle. ctions. Ten ce nearby and the Salvation Army ng di nts for an ar tifi an st ga as rd w en er er fic i ia rth of fo fu cial y r g rit m in cu y id mother – a te A store se icably. Prov rrifying extrav which le be l time chatting am lly ft e na th agance m sio e ed ca w ss oc ith pa only 15 cents of them arm would the list, but m for the rest of bags security door al k e ec th ch t, y en to ill t us nm en ai tr ation was so el entert security ag couldn’t resist. egant that I annoyed, turn caused the With the help the sometimes g set off which in in w lo of an older sis al re gr fo ea be s te el s. r rc m ise pa at ter with em hm id pr atical skills than leave the and verify pa mine, I chose for eveer yone. would ed customers to he ss if d rra ar ba gu a gift em y rit es sometim d the secu For Jean, a fiv dn’t had e bell ringer aske ha th e t, sh in po as e ees on ce ut nt crotchet bo At a few min erasers for five ok, three ringing the er the kettle for cents for Nita ed and star ted mind taking ov re ag ily , Merle and Pa ad nd re ki r an He ei d e. th w e tim ith ad e m m th t so e ey remaining nick folks as th a break for el, two pencils Daddy g and thanking d ilin sm an , d for lly Ke rfu lly ee . A separate or bells ch der sheet mad out in my very er hurried om st cu g . e in ns ok ow lo tio n name was in dona anxious cluded in my mother’s or wever, a rather doors into the e th h ug de ro r, th Before long, ho g w ith a request th dashin purcha at my h ses be put in ade a run for it t, the new Sally past us, then m a separate enve ithout a though W s. m e ar th al l ng al la ui f rs be of lo pu l lle pe and ng n, d tti w tio se , ith ac et to m re y name. What dark st sprang in mail-order cler in this compu d the bells and pe op dr er k lp te he r age would trou Ann or. ble to comply with such a re about the through the do ry or w to n qu ga es be suspected thief t? dI r some time, an T e money or Th tions. I decided He was gone fo der was purcha generous dona e th of ll fu t, sed and the realized I or po en d r was on its de ey th on e, m ey l d fu de ch at w way. The seve unguar a ep ke to e ttl nke e day waiting pe th r rio to d was almost to move closer more than a sm -be thief myself. ld ou em w th a co ve all girl be u ul ga d to ly bear but the bi tentative might appear g parcel finally up the bells and ve ed ga ck d I pi w an arrived. ly as ge us no io an t allowed to w So I caut d by with ch atch while it w sitive po a donor stoppe is be on th in So as g by e. op ed ak en ag sh ed for fear I w a little ing encour ould glimpse iastically some of the su tmas smile. Feel us ris th en Ch e m or ar m w a tle rprises. But af me bells a lit ter an agonizing wai anking folks ted ringing the t outside my pa response, I star e spirit of it all th th in up ht rig rent’s door, ht ug m ca y ow as w n order was brou tmas. and soon ght to me inta eckout very Merry Chris ch a in ng em lo its th e g ct th en in h ve ish ug lope, labelled and w ay thro with my name. ds made their w oaching me pr N o Ap C e. hr ac ist pl By and by, my ki g m as since has ev meetin , er been ded toward our queried, “Mom q ite so specia qu line and procee d, my daughter l! xe le rp r pe ge t rin ha ll ew be m al so in d ig an or e wide- eyed to explain, th ing? ” As I tried as relieved to Carmen Moore what are you do tion. Ever yone w es qu e m sa e th to the security ng ki it d as te ed la ch re n oa ai pr ap n and ag e rescue missio hear of my kettl well. as ief, ed rn tu ally re the assumed th person who fin en able to catch be t . ar no d ye ha at th he spirit As it turns out, of the Christmas n ught a bit more a few bills whe ca I or s ve in lie co be e I t m so bu in op dr to to plan ver refuse is year I actually To this day, I ne my kettle and th Ar yself. n m tio es lva ttl Sa Ke a as I pass by of the Christm e on at lls be volunteer ringing Sheila Miller

28 | Capi Capital C tal C Christmas Ch hri riststma mass ma

I Rememberr from when s a m st ri h C e h T as I remembe

is a Christm d now and this of f the coast of I am 94 years ol up on an Island ew gr I d. ol s ar big house, but ye n We had a lovely d.

I was about seve an Isl k oo nc d Little Ta ood stoves and Nova Scotia calle had oil lamps, w e W g. in at he l centra no electricit y or n a beautiful ht and heat. lig r fo s out and cut dow ce go ld ou firepla w ys bo d most of the d and the room. Mother di At Christmas, Da g in liv r ou in d ould stan ments were very big tree and it w any of the orna m as tle ments lit e er n we w y different orna decorating whe rated with man co s and de le be nd ld ca ou al w e s that held re er ld delicate. The tre ho tle lit ly e for fear of it birds to love ave the tree alon le from lit tle glass r ve ne d an l ry carefu we had to be ve ter and e. gone into Ches fir catching my mother had as e was a tm er ris Th Ch r e. la hang on the tre On this particu to s rie er ch y the string over box of cand d we would loop bought a large an g ry rin st ire w end of a ! Mother was ve cherry on each and so beautiful d re ht ig br e er ey w the branches. Th d I ran down to find. r he ith w d y lit tle sister an se m d plea an our ng ni or ristmas m stoves and keep We woke on Ch rly to stoke the ea d up n an tte m ar go w d as very other ha e living room w see the tree. M e ut the night. Th ho to melt and wer ug d ro te th ar m st ar d w ha s ie home nd as a ca w ry it hen and l of the red cher r in from the kitc he ot to our horror al m e. d tre lle ul ca tif e her beau the tree. W dripping down had happened to t the ha of w f d of s ize ie al re n she all of the cand ke ta to sight to see whe ed rc fo light we were Much to our de ious. . They were delic tree and eat them we were. as ed ht t t as delig Mother was no Helen Lockhar

Letters

F amily tie s at C

hri stma s

A most wonde rful Christmas happened to ago. I was rece me man ntly divorced an nyy years d lived alone. gro own up and go The children ha ne away; they d were making own as I was. lives of their It was a time of co nfusion and sa of u us. dness for all Christmas day came. No tree , none of the joyful season, trappings of th and just enou e gh food in the life – no turkey house to maint , not even a sy ai n m bolic one. I sa sad, thinking t alone, deeply of Christmas pa st, not caring present, or fu about Christm ture. as The doorbell ra ng. I wondere d who could th slowly got up is be, and to answer. Th ere on the do eldest s , Paul and hi orstep was m s sister, Ann, be y carr yi aming with w y ng a large sh arm smiles, opping bag. A fter hugs and showed me th tears, they e contents of the bag – a la all tthe trimmin rge whitefish, gs for a feast. and They explaine open e on Christm d the only plac as Day was th e e Je wish market.

Ba B ked Whitefis h from the Gre at delic La l ac y, and we kes is a prized did it justice. A fter wining an Pau ul told me that d dining, on impulse he had driven ou town to get A t of nn. I wondere d at the ties th Our u family remai at bind us. ns very strong , and now, in remember the old age, I warmth of that Christmas long time when all ago at a seemed lost, an d rejoice.

Jo Manning

Capital Christmas | 29

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Born by the Chri stma s tree

. 19, 1929 at I was born Dec southwestern in home on a farm ring told it was du Ontario, I am d an 29 m of 19 the winter stor t no as w or doct 1930 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so the e W h. rt bi y m to able to come use large farm ho lived in a very a in ild 10th ch and I was the !

12 of family e extreme cold Because of th in put a bed up my father had it so e ďŹ r e by th the living room her. ot m y m r fo m would be war cut tree had been as m ist hr C e Th the in as w sh and down in the bu up t pu be to aiting wood shed w as w ch hi w â&#x20AC;&#x201C; e Ev on Christmas en. th on iti ad tr e th th my older 18 e th But on to put up the siblings begged with M y om, â&#x20AC;&#x153;great tree and so m xt ne e . So then th child," gave in e sid be ht rig born, day there I was ! ee tr as m ist e Chr the ďŹ re and th ion years were ss re ep D e Th st er yone. The ďŹ r difďŹ cult for ev ll do a as w ber gift I can remem and n, oo sp n de oo made with a w e ad d, a home-m its face painte . d a cape hat, a dress an and I had a d an sb My hu n our children: O tradition with ke ca te a small whi Christmas Eve ed ac pl ould be and a candle w table, and on n he tc on the ki ning we would Christmas mor hday to Jesus rt sing Happy Bi and t into the tree before we wen opened gifts. say that our I am pleased to yed have also enjo grandchildren t. en ial mom this same spec

Hilda C. Shi

Two truck s er and a baby si st

lliday

most ristmasses, the Of all my 86 Ch ubt, do to be, without a memorable has iddle m e th 1934. It was the Christmas of er, a th fa y m d pession an of the Great De a get job , was unable to Master Mariner as a deckhand. received y brother and I Despite that, m ived a ce re r he My brot gifts from Santa. ďŹ re truck. and I received a blue tow truck

30 | Capital Christmas

A lit tle tree shed s it s needle s

When I think of our familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmases, I enjoy remembe ring the numerous memories they stir up. Although we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the ďŹ nances for an elaborate Chr istmas for our three da ughters, we tr ied to make it a sp ecial time for them in our home.

It star ted with their dad brin ging home a Christ mas tree â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no ta mighty pine, bu t a sturdy (we thought) little tree ready to be decorated with the help of th e children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the little one includ ed, happily stringi ng the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branches with streamers.

When it was be dtime and the girls were safely tucked into their beds, we carefully put th eir presents unde r the tree, hopi ng they would en joy what each received.

During the nigh t, I occasionally awoke and he ard a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pingâ&#x20AC;? fr om below, but it di dnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother m e, our old home had many stra nge noises!

The next soun d was our child ren jumping on ou r bed to awak en us so they coul d go downsta irs to see if Santa ha d really come to our place.

So up we got, and down we went, downsta irs to ďŹ nd that our tree had sh o ed all of its pi ne needles. It was n completely ba re!

There was abso lute silence fo r a few momen ts, and then ou r little one pipe d up â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Sant a was here!â&#x20AC;? And th at solved ever yt hing!

We ended up with another very happy Christm as.

June Sproule rth of our of all was the bi But the best gift her has since as Eve. Our brot sister on Christm are still very I t my sister and passed away, bu ys af ter da day is just 15 close as my birth of my sixth t or sh two weeks hers. I was just ree years old. y brother was th birthday and m ses before r the Christmas I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remembe out in my ds an st t that year bu , 34 19 r te af or just last year. mind like it was

ne Robert E . Kin

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Capital Christmas | 31

Letters

y fl y ll a e r d l u o c y T hi s turke

ing one years, but the follow mories during my 87 me as tm ris Ch ny ma I have accumulated B Trenton. We were t. ou s nd sta ding a cause at CF ten really at s wa twod an sb minted hu ained a small table, In 1954, my newly t-sized kitchen cont se clo e th ere . wh cabin r goodies, and the window living in a one-room a turkey, or any othe e on a ledge outside dg ing fri ok ox co -b be t ple no ap an d would burner hot plate an I mentioned that I sh s home to my mom, stickers, mailed “ru On one of my letter It was covered with or. do r ou to d ere at. liv that was th box was de ristmas, a very large tbread and maybe Two days before Ch ts, mince tar ts, shor en es Pr I. id sa ah Ye perishable goods.” ’s care packages. te, one of your Mom as-like material Oh, oh, said my ma t wrapped in a canv jec . ob lls al ba ov ge ow lar sn a o tat l Christmas wrap the box lay even her mashed po pt in the bottom of ing the most unusua ce ov ex rem re, ter the Af ng. We all a. s se wa at for burial sausage meat stuffi Sure enough, it key complete with e a cadaver prepared lik tur d lb ea 20 thr ed ck ok bla co th lyst. and sewn wi fore us was a ful over to share our fea potato bbergasted. There be invited two couples , I made up a large we y als da nti were completely fla se xt es ne er the oth so d d an foo ys) t da ere was tha Th se all t er. tho d drinking be (24 bottles in couldn’t possibly ea und eating turkey an d for a case of beer pe aro t ase. op sa itc sh d su we an as my sb in ht hu While my balls stashed was a fun nig cept for those rum enamel dish pan. It r ex w y ou Ne da in d xt d an ne rve as se the tm t be ris lef salad to d both Ch very little m that we attende men and I never told my mo and served by the d are ep pr all s, es M r ou at alt rs Years dinne feed us like roy y. part of their day to up ve ga o wh n wome w from Winnipeg to of the turkey that fle iven to our door So that’s the story es and then was dr rlin Ai a ad an -C ns thankful that I didn’t Toronto via Tra In later years I was e. fic Of st Po A AK by carrier ffing. at sausage meat stu poison us all with th

Muriel W erton

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34 | Capital Christmas

Capital Christmas | 35

Consider ...All Year Long MARK AND JILL ENJOY A FRESH BOWL OF SOUP.

V

olunteering is a wonderful way for people of all ages to give back to their communities. While volunteers generally offer their time and skills in an attempt to help others, volunteering also helps the volunteers in various ways.

According to Child Trends, a nonprofit research organization focused on improving the lives and prospects of children and their families, studies have shown that adolescents who volunteer are less likely to become pregnant or use drugs than teens who do not volunteer. In addition, Child Trends notes that kids who are involved in community service or volunteer in political activities are more likely than non-volunteers to have a strong work ethic as adults.

And the benefits of volunteering are not exclusive to youngsters.

A 2013 study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered on a regular basis were less likely than non-volunteers to develop high blood pressure.

That’s a significant finding, as high blood pressure has been linked to both heart disease and stroke.

Finding the right volunteering opportunity can make the experience of volunteering even more enjoyable. When examining potential volunteering opportunities, prospective volunteers can consider a host of factors to find the right fit for them.

KEEPING EVERYTHING SPICK AND SPAN

Personal interests Would-be volunteers who can find a way to align their personal interests or hobbies with a volunteering opportunity may enjoy their efforts more than if no such connection exists.

For example, current or former athletes may enjoy coaching a local youth sports league, while amateur or professional cooks and chefs may enjoy the chance to prepare meals at local food banks or convalescent homes.

GREG CHOPS UP SOME VEGGIES FOR TONIGHTS DINNER. MAKING FRIENDS THAT LAST A LIFETIME.

Professional experience Prospective volunteers may find volunteering more rewarding if they can combine their professional experience with their philanthropic efforts. Many charitable organizations are in need of operational help that helps them manage their day-to-day efforts smoothly. Experienced professionals may be able to fill these valuable roles. Accountants can offer to help organizations balance their books, while professional fundraisers may be able to help organize events for charities looking to raise money to meet their missions.

Goals Prospective volunteers should consider their reasons for

36 | Capital Christmas

volunteering and what they hope to gain from their experience before choosing an opportunity. Men and women who recently overcame an illness may find it most rewarding to work with an organization that raises awareness about that condition or disease. Parents who want to get their kids involved in volunteering should seek opportunities that allow youngsters to gain hands-on experience.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to a community. The experience of volunteering can be that much more fulfilling when volunteers find an engaging activity. – MC

OUR PLACE ...How You Can Help There are so many moments when we look at our lives and feel blessed: family, friends, good health, and a comfortable home. And in those moments, we often think about charity, ways to give back, to say thanks for the lives we live.

What a lot of us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize is how easy it actually is to make a difference in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

At Our Place, we look after hundreds of vulnerable people every day, and often it starts with a simple smile and nod of hello from a volunteer as he/she serves up a warm bowl of oatmeal or steaming cup of coffee. For someone who has spent the night huddled in a doorway or in a tent, you would be amazed at what that genuine moment of welcome means to them.

Our Place has volunteers who have been with us for years, decades even, and who have come to know our family members (a term of affection we use for everyone who walks through our doors) as their family, too. At Christmas time, we often get people wanting to volunteer for a day, which is great, but we really need people who are willing to commit to staying with us for a while, and who can help out in those cold, winter months when the family has so little to look forward to.

It only takes a few hours a week to make a lasting impact. And as we are open from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., seven days per week, there are lots of opportunities to ďŹ nd a shift that works best for you.

Another easy way to give back is through something most of us take for granted, and that is clean underwear and socks. As you can imagine, if you are living outdoors, especially when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raining, clean, dry socks and underwear become a precious commodity. These are the two items we hand out the most on a daily basis, and are easy to pick up the next time you go shopping at Wal-Mart or Costco. Simply drop them off at the reception area of Our Place, 919 Pandora Avenue, any time day or night. Our security staff works 24-7.

At Our Place, we like to say that everything that comes in goes straight back out to the family. We never charge for anything, so every donated piece of clothing or hygiene product goes directly to someone in need.

We are especially looking for menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing: jeans, shoes, shirts, T-shirts, warm coats, etc. Plus rain gear, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, all the types of things one needs to survive outdoors.

We also need ďŹ nancial donations. Our Place exists because of our donors, and we simply couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep our doors open without your generosity. Last year, we served close to 700,000 meals to hungry people, and that was in large part due to ďŹ nancial donations from our supporters. Every donation helps, no matter the size. Donations can be dropped off at Our Place or easily made online by visiting: ourplacesociety.com. And, if possible, we would love to see you become a monthly donor as that helps us budget year-round.

Thank you for thinking of Our Place.

For more info go to: ourplacesociety.com

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THE MUSTARD SEED STREET CHURCH ...Your Support Will Help We have been essential in fighting hunger and restoring faith to a large portion of people living in poverty, as well as the working poor, in greater Victoria since 1975. The Church ministries are nearly 100 percent community funded and include Vancouver Island’s largest food bank, a family center, hospitality programs, and addictions recovery at Hope Farm Healing Centre as well as more traditional church services.

The Mustard Seed positively impacts, on average, 5,000 individuals per month with more than 50 volunteers keeping things running on a daily basis!

Your financial donation to The Mustard Seed will assist us to reach our fundraising goals for 2016 and empower us to build capacity with our warehouse in Esquimalt. Research completed by the Victoria Foundation and Food Share Network estimates that approximately 20,000 people currently access charitable food assistance in the CRD. This work identified an additional 30,000 people experiencing food insecurity who do not currently access emergency food services through a non-profit agency. The Mustard Seed Food Security Ministry expansion is expecting to receive large amounts of quality food that The Mustard Seed Street Church and Food Share Network partners will be able to connect to all food insecure people living in the CRD.

VICTORIA COOL AID SOCIETY ...Helping Build Homes, Lives and Community

BY ALAN RYCROFT

A recent study found that on the night of February 10, 2016, there were at least 1,387 people experiencing homelessness in Greater Victoria.

More homes and support services are needed to successfully house these neighbours if Victoria is to become the community we all want – where everyone has access to safe housing, nutritious food and the health care they need.

Victoria Cool Aid Society provides more services for people who are homeless and vulnerable than any other local organization, helping over 9,000 people annually with housing, emergency shelter, nutritious meals, primary health and dental care, employment and volunteer work, healthy recreation, and learning opportunities for life and job skills.

Giving Back Wishing all our customers and friends a fun, flirty and fabulous Christmas!

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE BAY STREET ARMORY.

Your support will enable the development of a regional food hub, in which food will be collected from participating stores, gleaned and cleaned at our new warehouse facility operated by The Mustard Seed Street Church and then sent out to Food Share Network partners for distribution to food insecure neighbours in our community as well as directly to the 5,000 individuals we impact monthly from our current location on 625 Queens Ave. We are excited to continue working closely with other nonproďŹ t agencies in the city to increase the amount, quality and diversity of food currently being offered from us to them.

The Mustard Seed Street Church, through partnership with other members of the Food Share Network, will continue to strive to build a stronger, brighter and food-secure future for all of our neighbours living in our community. Please support us this Christmas as we launch this major community initiative improving the lives of thousands struggling with low to no income.

For more info go to: mustardseed.ca

WENDY FROM COOL AIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LABOUR POOL WITH WORKER BLAINE SPARVEY.

Did you know, for example, that Cool Aid operates a casual labour pool?

For the past ten years, Blaine has been ďŹ nding work using Cool Aidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labour Pool; earning income, learning new skills and building conďŹ dence. He has been able to secure near full-time work through the Labour Pool, jokingly stated that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so busy nowâ&#x20AC;Ś maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a vacation!â&#x20AC;?

But joking aside, Blaine has worked hand-inhand with Cool Aid to get off the streets and into safe housing, build a steady stream of employment, and ďŹ nd a community that cares and supports him.

See Blaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s short video at YouTube.com/ VicCoolAid >

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Capital Christmas | 39

Giving Back

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How can you help people like Blaine? Hire them!

Unlike other similiar businesses, Cool Aidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Casual Labour Pool takes no cut from the workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wages and charges no fees to employers, which include businesses and home owners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anyone needing a worker. So next time your business is short staffed, or you need a skilled worker to help around your home or garden, contact Wendy at 250-595-8619 or labour@CoolAid.org. Christmas lights anyone?

(As well, the Labour Pool is in need of warm and dry winter clothing to give away.)

There are a lot of services we can only provide thanks to our amazing volunteers. Opportunities exist primarily with Cool Aid emergency shelters and support services. Check volunteer postings at CoolAid.org/volunteer or contact Erin Gallagher at egallagher@CoolAid.org or 250-383-1951 to explore options.

Cool Aid helps the young and old, and everyone in between.

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Christmas Lights Across Canada dĹ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ,ŽŜŽƾĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ä?ĹŻÄ&#x17E; >Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x161;Ä&#x201A; ZÄ&#x17E;Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Í&#x2022; ^Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; >Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ĺ?Ć?ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; Ć?Ć?Ä&#x17E;ĹľÄ?ĹŻÇ&#x2021;Í&#x2022; Ĺ?ĹśÇ&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ç&#x2021;Žƾ Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ä?Ä&#x17E;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; ĹŻĹ?Ĺ?Ĺ&#x161;Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ŽĨ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?ĹśÄ?Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ Christmas tree and Parliament Buildings.

Enjoy festive choral and band performances, seasonal treats and a special discount in the gift shop!

Thursday, December 8, 2016 6:00 pm, Parliament Buildings

40 | Capital Christmas

LOADING UP DINNER FOR DELIVERY TO SENIORS. COOL AID HOUSES, FEEDS AND SUPPORTS 113 SENIORS IN THREE OF OUR 11 APARTMENT BUILDINGS (COOLAID.ORG/HOUSING).

If you are considering a gift now, or in your will, to help people suffering from homelessness, mental health challenges, addictions, head injuries and trauma, there are many places to put your dollars to work, for example: s 4HE LABOUR POOL VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND OTHER support services need your help now. s #OOL !ID S %VERY 3TEP #OUNTS RUNNING AND walking program relies almost entirely on private donations. s $ONATIONS TO OUR SHELTERS HELP PEOPLE THROUGH drop-in programming, hot meals, advocacy and community participation. s 2ECREATION AND LIFE SKILL PROGRAMS AT THE Downtown Community Centre need donations to help us develop more opportunities for our participants. Can your business sponsor a program? s #ONTRIBUTIONS TO #OOL !ID %NDOWMENT &UNDS provide investment returns in perpetuity to ďŹ&#x201A;exibly support community needs.

For more info go to: coolaid.org

CC

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Sidney All Care Residenceâ&#x20AC;?

Call today for your private tour and complimentary lunch!

778-351-2505 | www.allcarecanada.ca

Capital Christmas | 41

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he holiday season is rife with traditions that focus on fun and family. One such testament to the festive spirit of the holiday season is the many homes and businesses decorated with the lights and colors that have become synonymous with the season.

For some, decorating for the holiday season can be time-consuming but it doesn't have to be. While decking the halls may not consume as much time as holiday

shopping and wrapping presents. Interior and exterior decorating for the holidays can take more time than you have planned but it can be so much fun to see the results.

Holiday decorating includes things as simple as setting up a menorah or as complex as covering the exterior of a home with stringings and strings of lights. Though elaborate displays can take hours to erect, time-crunched holiday celebrants can still create festive, welcoming displays.

s HANG HOLIDAY WREATHS: Holiday enthusiasts without much time to decorate can invest in a couple of holiday wreaths, which can be dressed up as much or as little as you prefer. If you do not have the time to string lights on the house, wrap them around wreaths hung in windows or hang the wreaths on a home’s main entrance.

When you want to go with a less traditional route, hang wreaths made of holly, citrus fruits, ribbons, or any other greenery instead of the more customary evergreen wreaths.

location, such as a busy hallway or the foyer of your home. Hang ornaments on clear filament or ribbons from the mantle or within the main window of the house, where they can reflect tree lights and add sparkle.

s DECORATE WITH ORNAMENTS: Ornaments are not exclusive to Christmas trees. Fill a vase or bowl with metallic ornaments and place it in a prominent

44 | Capital Christmas

s BRING IN MORE GREENERY: Drape evergreen boughs on staircase handrailings or on the mantle, use greenery to frame doorways. The scent will be inviting and things instantly will look more festive. s USE THROWS AND DECORATIVE PILLOWS: Change the look of a room with holiday-colored decor if you do not want to clutter the space with knickknacks. A red and green blanket draped over the sofa can

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SIMPLE WAYS TO DRESS UP YOUR HOME HANG ORNAMENTS ON CLEAR FILAMENT OR RIBBON FROM THE MANTLE OR WITHIN THE MAIN WINDOW OF THE HOUSE, WHERE THEY CAN REFLECT TREE LIGHTS AND ADD SPARKLE.

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The history of holiday lights

he tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open ďŹ&#x201A;ame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the ďŹ rst successful practical light bulb, also created the ďŹ rst strand of electric lights that would be used in holiday decorating. By 1880, Edison had standard

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incandescent light bulbs well sorted out and desired a way to better advertise his invention, so he decided to make the most of the holiday season and put his light bulbs on display. According to a 2003 article in American Heritage magazine titled "The Wizard of Your Christmas Tree," Edison strung incandescent bulbs all around the compound of his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory. Edison constructed an eight-mile underground wiring system in order to power this grand light display. Because the laboratory was situated along the railroad that passed between Manhattan and Philadelphia, thousands of people were able to see the display.

The concept of electric holiday lights took a bit of time to catch on. Edison's friend and associate Edward Johnson was tasked with stringing together colored lights in 1882 and placing them on an evergreen tree. Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs.

In 1903, when General Electric began to offer preassembled kits of holiday lights, stringed lights were reserved for the wealthy and electrically savvy. For example, in 1903 a single string of electric lights cost $12, or around $300 today.

It would take several more years before holiday lights became a national tradition.

Today, illuminated strands of lights have become a large part of holiday celebrations and have even been adopted for use during various year-round events.

Such lights can be a beautiful and festive addition to many celebrations.

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Capital Christmas | 47

48 | Capital Christmas

Capital Christmas | 49

50 | Capital Christmas

Capital Christmas | 51

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52 | Capital Christmas

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Capital Christmas | 53

Tips to Prolong the Life of your Christmas tree

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hristmas trees are symbols of the holiday season and the spirit of giving that the season champions. Choosing and decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition for many families, and depending on the trees they choose, families may have some work to do to keep their trees glowing all season long.

Artificial Christmas trees require little, if any, maintenance. But live Christmas trees, which some people feel are more authentic and welcoming than their artificial counterparts, require daily maintenance. In addition to supplying the tree with water at least once per day, live Christmas tree owners can take these steps to prolong the life of their trees.

A delightful Christmas tradition for the entire family.

With the Victoria Symphony Royal Theatre Dec 27, 28, 29 | 2:00 pm Tickets: balletvictoria.ca 250-386-6121 PAUL DESTROOPER - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - BALLET VICTORIA

54 | Capital Christmas

CHOOSING THE PERFECT TREE IS A FAVOURITE FAMILY TRADITION.

s 02/4%#4 4(% 42%% /. 4(% 7!9 (/-% Your tree might be vulnerable to damage as you transport it from the farm to your living room. Unwrapped trees placed atop vehicles can be dried out by the wind.

Prevent wind damage by wrapping the tree if you plan to place it atop your vehicle. If possible, lay the tree in the bed of a pickup truck and close the cover over the bed. If you don’t have access to a pickup truck but can use a minivan or SUV to transport your tree, see if the tree fits inside your vehicle. If it doesn’t, wrap it tightly in a blanket or another form of cover, making sure the cover won’t blow off in the wind when you hit the open road. s (!6% 4(% 42%% #54 "%&/2% 9/5 4!+% )4 /&& 4(% ,/4 If you typically purchase your tree from a florist or tree lot instead of a tree farm, then remember to ask the seller to recut the stem of the tree before you take it home. Tree farm trees are freshly cut, but trees sold away from the farm might have been chopped down weeks before they are ultimately sold. During the interval between being cut down and sold, trees’ vascular systems can clog and prevent the tree from getting the water it

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Christmas tree facts

CHRISTMAS TREES HAVE A DIVERSE HISTORY. THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS TREES THAT HOLIDAY CELEBRANTS MAY OR MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH.

s 'ERMANS ARE CREDITED WITH BRINGING the ďŹ rst Christmas trees into the home and decorating them in the spirit of Christmas. The ďŹ rst recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century. s -ANY HARVESTED #HRISTMAS TREES DO NOT GROW IN the wild, but are raised on farms. Christmas trees are an agricultural product. s 2OUGHLY ONE MILLION ACRES ARE DEDICATED TO TREE farming. s #HRISTMAS TREE PRODUCTION IN #ANADA TOTALS FROM 3 to 6 million trees annually.[1][2] Trees are produced in many of the provinces of Canada but the nation's leading producers are found in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario, which account for 80 percent of Canadian tree production. Of the 900,000 trees produced annually in British Columbia, most are cut from native pine stands. s )T CAN TAKE AS MANY AS YEARS FOR A TREE TO GROW to the typical height required of a Christmas tree. s 4REE FARMS ARE BENElCIAL TO THE ENVIRONMENT because they reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and help counter global warming. s 4HE MOST COMMON #HRISTMAS TREE SPECIES ARE balsam ďŹ r, Douglas-ďŹ r, Fraser ďŹ r, noble ďŹ r, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine. s #HRISTMAS TREES CAN BE RECYCLED INTO MULCH

needs to survive the season. A fresh cut of the stem unclogs the system and ensures the tree will be able to consume water. s !6/)$ 0,!#).' 4(% 42%% .%!2 (%!4%23 /2 $2!&49 7).$/73 Many people know that placing a live tree near a potentially hot heating vent poses a ďŹ re hazard. But doing so also can dry out the tree, decreasing the chances it will make it through the season. Placing the tree near drafty windows also can dry out the tree, so try to ďŹ nd a spot in your home with a consistent temperature. s 7!4%2 4(% 42%% /&4%. Christmas trees need lots of water to make it through the season. You may notice the water in the tree stand disappears quickly when you ďŹ rst bring the tree home. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because freshly cut trees will consume more water than trees that were cut several weeks ago. As the season goes on and the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vascular system begins to clog, you might not need to water the tree as much as you did when you ďŹ rst brought it home. But check the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water stand twice per day when you ďŹ rst bring it home, reďŹ lling the stand with water whenever necessary. CC

Capital Christmas | 55

Traditions

Cookies for Santa L

eaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a Christmas Eve tradition.

Children regularly place a dish of cookies and a glass of milk by the tree on Christmas Eve so that Santa has enough energy to complete all of his gift-giving before kids wake up on Christmas morning. The tradition of leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve may trace its origins to Saint Nicholas. On the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, children would leave food and drink for the saint and any attendants. The treats would be exchanged for gifts. While thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one theory behind the tradition, others think it is linked to the history of the Christmas tree and the edible decorations that adorn it. Santa would snack on the ornaments.

Even after edible decorations gave way to inedible ornaments, the tradition of leaving a snack for Santa remained.

Whatever the origins behind the tradition, millions of children dutifully leave milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

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Capital Christmas | 57

Traditions

Cookies for Santa's "Helpers" Santa Sticks 1 loaf (16 ounces) thinly sliced white bread, crusts removed 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened ¾ C confectioners sugar 1 C sugar 1-½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¾ C butter, melted Flatten bread with a rolling-pin.

In a bowl, combine cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar.

In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture on each slice of bread. Roll up, jelly roll style. Dip in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar. Place on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Good warm or cold.

Chewy Sugar Cookies 2 3/4 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups margarine 2 C white sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 C white sugar for decoration Preheat oven to 350 F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

58 | Capital Christmas

Linzertorte Cookies 1/2 C hazelnuts (about 2 1/2 ounces) 1 C blanched almonds (about 5 ounces) 1 1/3 C all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 3/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (3/4 cup) 1 C granulated sugar 1 large egg yolk 1 1/4 C raspberry jam Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional) Preheat oven to 350 F. (175 degrees C). Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast, stirring occasionally, until skins begin to split, about 15 minutes. Immediately rub hazelnuts vigorously in a clean kitchen towel to remove skins (as much as will come off easily). Let cool.

In a food processor, pulse hazelnuts and almonds until finely ground. (Be careful not to overprocess; you don't want the mixture to become a paste.) In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nut mixture; set aside.

In bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolk and beat 1 minute to combine. With mixer on low speed, add ground nuts and flour mixture all at once.

Divide dough in half, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter. Place cookies onto a cookie sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Count your rounds and use a smaller cookie cutter to cut the center out of half of the cookies.

This can be done while the other half of the cookies bakes.

Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm and lightly browned at the edges. Allow cookies to cool completely. Spread jam on the tops of the solid cookies and top with the cookies that have shapes cut out. Sprinkel with powdered sugar (optional).

Capital Christmas | 59

Entertaining

Prosciutto Wrapped Apricots

EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH PROSCIUTTO.

Stuffed with Mascarpone Cheese 3/4 C Mascarpone cheese 2 Tbs. confectioners' sugar 1/8 tsp. white pepper 1 package (7 ounces) dried pitted Mediterranean apricots 12 thin slices prosciutto In a small bowl, combine the cheese, confectioners' sugar and pepper. Cut a slit in each apricot; fill with cheese mixture. Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise; wrap a piece around each apricot and secure with a toothpick.

Place in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 15 15-20 minutes 20 mi m nutes or until heatedd through. thrrouggh. h.

Refr Re efr frig iggerat errat a e leftovers. leeft f overs. Yield: 2 dozen. doozen.

Refrigerate

W

hat would the holidays be without entertaining? Playing host or hostess and inviting crowds of people to visit is part of what makes the season so special and memorable.

Entertaining can take on many forms - from elaborate sit-down dinners featuring multiple courses to cocktail parties with passed hors d'oeuvres. Small-bite foods are perfect for holiday parties because they're portable and allow guests to take their food with them and mingle. Several appetizers enjoyed together can even be a meal.

Appetizers need a solid base onto which the culinary creation can be built. "Cornbread Blinis" offer just that. These small cornmeal "pancakes" are beautiful, sturdy foundation for many canape creations.

BLINIS CAN BE USED USED AS A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR ALMOST ANY CANAPE.

Cornbread Blinis

2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or Italian flat-leaf parsley, optional

Makes 24 1/2 cup good quality, stone-ground yellow cornmeal 1/2 C all-purpose flour 3 Tbs sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 C milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 4 Tbs butter; 2 Tbs melted

In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Whisk in the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and chives (if using). Stir until just combined.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a hot skillet or griddle. When bubbling, add the batter in tablespoonfuls about 1 inch apart. cook the blinis until

bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook another minute or so, until lightly browned and golden. Remove them to a cooling rack and, if desired, keep warm in an oven heated to its lowest temperature. Use paper towels to wipe away crust giblets or darkened grease from the pan.

Repeat the proces with more butter and batter.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

AN ASSORTMENT OF CROSTINIS

Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs

Cranberry Dipping Sauce 1 14-ounce can Jellied Cranberry Sauce 1 12-ounce bottle Chili Sauce Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.

2 pounds 100% Ground Turkey Breast 1/2 C Unseasoned Breadcrumbs 1/2 C Carrot 1/4 C Onion 2 Eggs 1 Tb.s Italian Seasoning 1 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Garlic Powder Dash of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

MOUTH WATERING TURKEY MEATBALLS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Finely mince carrot and onion by hand or in a food processor and then combine all ingredients. Use your hands to gently mix.

Shape meatballs into 2-tablespoon-sized-balls and place on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, checking at 30 minutes to ensure there is no pink in the middle of the meatballs. Cook for 5 more minutes if needed.

Serve with dipping sauce.

Pumpernickel Bites Smoked salmon is always a hit at Christmas time, but if you're cooking for vegetarians, cubed beetroot works just as well for this recipe.

1 tbsp freshly chopped dill 60 g (21â &#x201E; 2oz) cream cheese 2 slices pumpernickel bread OR 1 packet of smoked salmon Mix 1tbsp freshly chopped chives and some seasoning into 60g (21â &#x201E;2oz) cream cheese. Spread cheese mixture over 2 slices pumpernickel bread and cut each slice into 9 equal pieces.

Top each piece with a few cubes of cooked beetroot (we used vac-packed) or a twist of smoked salmon.

Garnish with more chives and serve.

Per serving with beetroot: 23 cals, 2g fat (1g saturates), 2g carbs (0g sugars)

You can freeze the meatballs in a plastic bag in the freezer for up to 3 months, letting them defrost in the fridge or microwave before eating.

A Season of Entertainment Nov 19

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Ticket Centre:

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62 | Capital Christmas

s p i T

A TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY DINNER USING LOCAL INGREDIENTS.

from the

CHEF GERRY DUFFY @ THE BISTRO AND CHEF MARCELO NAJARRO @ THE KITCHEN

KITCHENS

TURKEY BRINE

TURKEY GRAVY

2 L Hot water 2 L Cold water 50 g brown sugar 50 g salt 10 oz cayenne pepper 1 lemon (halved) 1 lime (halved) 10 juniper berries 25 g thyme 25 g rosemary 10 crushed black peppercorns

2 carrots 2 onions 5 cloves of garlic 6 bay leaves 1L chicken stock bunch thyme and rosemary

Place all ingredients in hot water, stir, pour in cold water, place turkey in brine for 24 hours. Remove from brine and place in fridge for 2 hours before cooking.

Place all ingredients in roasting tray, place turkey on top and roast. After turkey is cooked place on wire rack to rest. Put roasting tray on flame and add .5lt of red wine , 1 tbsp of tomato puree . Reduce the stock until it has sauce consistency , take off and strain into saucepan. Put back on heat and whisk in 100g of cubed hard butter one piece at a time, add 10g of thyme .

PERFECT ROAST TURKEY (from the Martha Stewart archives.... it's still our go to recipe for a super deluxe turkey with crisp, golden brown skin and an incredible aroma) 1.5 cups unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp.

1 bottle dry white wine 2 tsp salt 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Directions: Combine melted butter and white wine in a bowl. Fold a large piece of cheesecloth into quarters and cut into 17", 4 layer square. Immerse cheesecloth in the butter and wine; let soak.

After preparing your turkey for cooking (see more tips below), lift cheesecloth out of liquid and squeeze lightly, leaving it very damp. Spread it evenly over the turkey and about 1/2 way down the sides.

Place in oven and after 30 mins, baste the cheesecloth and exposed parts of turkey with butter and wine. Continue to cook for 2.5 hrs, basting every 30 mins.

Remove cheesecloth after the 3rd hour of cooking and continue final cooking.

STUFFING RECIPE 1 loaf of your favourite bread 1 carrot (finely diced) 1 onion (finely diced) 3 sticks of celery (peeled and finely diced) 2 crushed gloves of garlic 50 g butter 50 g cranberries 50 g thyme 50 g sage .25 L chicken stock Saute all vegetables and cranberries in butter add herbs. Cut bread into 1 inch pieces , add to veg and herbs , add chicken stock, place in baking tray cover with parchment paper and tin foil. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 mins , let to rest for 15 mins , ready to serve. >

Capital Christmas | 63

Tips BRUSSEL SPROUTS, PORK BELLY AND MUSTARD GLAZE Cure mix per 1lb pork belly 100 gr kosher salt 250 gr white granulated sugar 20 gr coriander seeds 20 gr fennel seeds 5 bay leaves 15 gr black peppercorn 10 gr juniper berries Toast all the spices (coriander + fennel + bay leaves + black peppercorn), let them cool down and mix with the sugar and salt. Dust very well the belly with the mix, place it on a plastic container for 48hrs in the fridge, after that rinse under cool water to take off the excess of mix.

COOK THE BELLY: Boil 2lt of pork stock, place the pork belly in a dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid. Set the oven to 200 F / 93 C for 5-6hrs until soft. Let it cool down, take it out the liquid and let set in the fridge for 12 hr, cut it into lardons.

LARDONS; also called lardoon, larding needle or larding, is a small strip or cube of pork fat (usually subcutaneous fat) used in a wide variety of cuisines to flavor savory foods and salads.

MUSTARD GLAZE: 1/4 C honey 1/4 C dijon mustard 1/4 C brown sugar 10gr butter soft Mix all until a smooth sauce is reached.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS: 6oz brussel sprouts 3oz pork belly lardons 2 tbsp mustard glaze 2-3gr Grana padano grated neutral oil, for frying, as needed Clean the brussel sprouts and cut in half. Set up a 14qt pot half-way with oil at 375 oF/ 191 oC. Deep-fry the lardons until crispy. After deep fry the brussel sprouts until golden brown. Put everything into a mixing bowl straight out the deep fryer when is nice and hot, place in the mixing bowl the brussel sprout + lardons + mustard glaze, salt to seasoning. add the grated parmesan and that is all!!!

TURKEY QUIZ:

Fresh turkeys are always better than frozen

Buy thve smallest or largest turkey possible to fulfill your family needs.

FALSE: A fresh turkey bought directly from the farmer himself who farms organically is of course the best. However many of us do not have the luxury of an excellent local farmer. A typical grocery store fresh turkey is one that is killed within two weeks of the holiday and partially frozen to a depth of one or two inches before being shipped to retailers. They usually sell for a lot more than the frozen turkey, which is frozen solid within hours of being killed. You control the freshness and tenderness of the frozen turkey yourself by defrosting and then aging it four to five days before Thanksgiving.

FALSE: Turkeys, like other animals, build their bony structure first adding meat and fat later. It is best to buy turkeys by size, a 12-14 pound Hen, or a 24-26 pound Tom. These two sizes provide the optimum meat to bone and fat ratio. If you buy a 12 -14 pound bird make sure it is a hen (look for a broad and plump breast). The best bird, quality and economy-wise is a frozen, non-basted, non-stuffed, young hen weighing 12-14 pounds, or a young Tom weighing 24-26 pounds which you can defrost and age properly.

64 | Capital Christmas

(Otherwise it will be dry, tough, take much longer to cook, and squeak when you slice it.

In fact, if you can't buy the frozen bird five to seven days in advance, it is probably better to buy a fresh bird.) Defrost and age your frozen bird in your refrigerator. Remove the plastic bag and keep the turkey covered with a moist towel.

When defrosted, remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavities. You can then simmer them until done on top of the stove. This can be done a couple days ahead of Thanksgiving. Use the giblets for soup, or in the stuffing, and/or added to the gravy.

WINTER PEAR AND SHALLOT JAM 75 gr shallots small diced 750 ml apple cider vinegar 25 gr brown sugar 100 gr pear diced and seedless 15 gr honey 15 gr butter Place the vinegar and honey in pot and reduce by half. Add shallots and butter and turn down to low heat and cook for 20 mins. covered.

Add the sugar and cook for 15 mins on low heat covered. Add the pears and cook for around 20 mins over medium low heat, stirring constantly until pears are a little bit soft, do not over cook.

MORE TIPS: To stuff or not to stuff?

Do not stuff. If you like certain ďŹ&#x201A;avours, you can obtain that using your brine or basting or a small amount of onion, celery etc. in the turkey cavity, but only a small amount. Dry dressing will tend to pull moisture from the meat, and a wet mixture will tend to steam the bird. The dressing will also adversely change cooking times making real 'guess work' regarding ďŹ nish times. It is best to bake your stufďŹ ng in a casserole during the last 45 mins of cooking time. Baste the stufďŹ ng with the turkey juices to ensure the same taste as 'in-turkey baked'.

LOCAL PAIRINGS SUGGESTED BY 10 ACRES SOMMELIER ADRIANO CARTULIARES

December 4 at 11:00 am WILL STROET OF WILLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JAMS

Haywire Gamay Noir 2014 Okanagan The team found a tiny amount of Gamay Noir that cried out to be bottled on its own. Open top fermenters, manual punch downs and a little time in old French oak barrels created a wine with bright red fruit that leads to raspberry, strawberry and cherry with gentle tannins. A refreshing red wine!

Cedar Creek Pinot Noir 2014 Okanagan This Pinot Noir is made from ďŹ ve different blocks and then blended to complete his special treatment. Cropped differently. Harvested as much as three weeks apart,Fermented with 100% wild yeas and aged in separate French barrels for 14 months.

This wine has strawberries and plums on the nose, in the mouth a little blueberry with elegant acidity and good mouth feel.

Unsworth Vineyard Sauvignette 2015 Cowichan Valley â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bright lemon yellow with golden highlights.

On the nose, white pear and pineapple are interlaced with honeycomb, followed by mouth-watering citrus, delicate spice, and notes of toast on the palate. A dry, rich white with racy acidity, this barrel-fermented wine is delicious now but will beneďŹ t with added ageingâ&#x20AC;?

January 15 at 11:00 am HAMELIN, A NEW FABLE

January 21 at 7:30 pm REMI BOLDUC JAZZ ENSEMBLE A TRIBUTE TO DAVE BRUBECK

January 29 at 7:30 pm INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT

February 8 at 8:00 pm STARMAN:

AN ACOUSTIC CELEBRATION OF THE SONGS OF DAVID BOWIE

February 26 at 7:30 pm KIRAN AHLUWALIA

Sea Cider Wild English Saanichton

Breast Up or Breast Down?

Roast your turkey Breast Down on the rack in a shallow roasting pan or broiler pan for best results. This is very important as roasting breast down will allow the dark meat to be in the hottest part of the oven (the top) where it will cook faster. It will also allow the natural juices to be gathered in the white meat, rather than collecting in the bottom of the cavity. Turn the turkey Breast Up for the last hour to brown and crisp the skin.

Wild English is derived from the spontaneous wild yeast fermentation of English bittersweet cider apples grown at Sea Cider, including Dabinetts and Chisel Jerseys.

This sparkling amber cider is ultra-dry, robust and earthy, with distinctive tannins in the traditional Herefordshire style.

April 28 at 7:30 pm ARLO GUTHRIE

RUNNING DOWN THE ROAD TOUR

Capital Christmas | 65

CWha[j IgkWh[ 66 | Capital Christmas

Holiday Gifts

...for him ...for her ...for you!

My Friend Pikachu $53.99 Amazon.ca

SOME GREAT GIFTT IDEAS FOR THE SEASON ASON

BY NOLA SARKISIAN-MILLER

oliday gifts these days are a little more involved than a pair of socks or pajamas, what with drones and all, so it’s not too early to draw up your shopping list. And while you’re shopping for everyone else, why not treat yourself too? Here’s a round-up of must-have gifts for 2016:

H

more >

Capital Christmas | 67

... for her s 0LUSH VELVET IS HAVING A MOMENT THIS season, especially in shoes. Deck her out in Anne Kleinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Henrika peep-toed pump with block heels in burgundy.

s &ROM TAPESTRY PRINTS TO DESIGNER COLOURS A PAIR OF LOAFERS ARE the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shoe of the season, whether paired with pencil skirts or boyfriend jeans. Buy your honey Tory Burchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gemini Link loafers, a patent leather style with a stacked mid-heel. ToryBurch.com ships to Canada. s (ELP HER REACH HER DAILY

step goal with the newest ďŹ tness tracker, the super-slim Fitbit Flex 2. This swim-proof model tracks how you move and sleep and alerts you to calls and texts.

Accessorize the removable tracker with sleek bangles and pendants.

Starts at $99.95. Fitbit.com

s (ELP THE ENVIRONMENT SCORE A COOL GIFT (AND CRAFTED BY artisans, handbags by Ono Creations use natural, vegan materials like the Stelo Shoulder bag made of cork and tencel accented with sturdy gold-brass hardware. $320. Onocreations.com

s )N THE ECO MINDED SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

buy her an exquisite robe stitched together from a pastiche of colorful, reclaimed saris and produced by a trade co-op in India. No two robes are alike. UncommonGoods.com ships to Canada

68 | Capital Christmas

Holiday Gifts

... for him s 4IMBERLAND BOOTS AREN T JUST FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES anymore. OutďŹ t him with a pair of limited edition red walkers, to add an edge to his date night ensemble.

Available across Canada.

s &OR THE BEER LOVER GIFT HIM WITH A SIX PACK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of beer soap that is. Rinse, lather, repeat with these six bars of soap handmade with six varieties of beer, including pumpkin ale and chocolate stout, along with feel-good oils for the skin. UncommonGoods.com ships to Canada.

s 'IVE HIM HIS ATHLEISURE lX WITH 4OMMY Bahamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pro-Formance half-zip hoodie and jogger pants. The herringbone print and details like a nylon hood and front pockets will make this his weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. No duty charges for shipment to Canada. TommyBahama.com

s *APANESE DESIGNER 4AKA (AYASHI HAS GIVEN US another collaboration with Vans, featuring a lowtop sneaker made of taupe leather and suede for an uber-cool monochrome style with a pop of contrast rust in the midsole.

... for you!

s 4HE ( - (OME #OLLECTION WILL BRING a smile to your face with shaped, ďŹ&#x201A;atbottomed porcelain mugs for a favourite morning beverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Merry and Brightâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knowâ&#x20AC;? cheekily adorn the set in red print. $7.99. H&M stores.

s )T S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE !PPLE 7ATCH PARTY Prices are dropping for the timepiece, and when paired with an iPhone lets you listen to music, check email and make phone calls. Apple.ca and in stores.

70 | Capital Christmas

Capital Christmas | 71

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE NEW FAIRMONT EMPRESS Fairmont Empress embodies the spirit of the season with a variety of festive winter activities!

DECEMBER 1-25: FESTIVE DESK | 10am – 7pm ‘Tis the season to give and receive, so treat yourself to sweet and savoury delights, as well as hampers and gift cards for your special loved ones.

DECEMBER 17-18 & 24-25: CHRISTMAS CAROLS | 3pm – 5pm Fill your heart with joy and fill your belly with timeless tradition of afternoon tea, treats, and uplifting carols of the season.

DECEMBER 18-22: CANDY WONDERLAND | 2pm – 6pm Explore our incredible life sized gingerbread house and rediscover the magic of Christmas, starting with decorating your own gingerbread man! $25 per family of four DECEMBER 24: MEET MRS. CLAUS | &# / &# / &# Bring the family to meet Santa Claus’ lovely wife for a special reading of Christmas stories while everybody snuggles up to enjoy milk and cookies. Free event

72 | Capital Christmas

CONTINUE THE FESTIVITIES AT FAIRMONT EMPRESS Celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year in style at Fairmont Empress. Bid adieu to 2016 and begin 2017 the right way with impeccable service, inventive cuisine, live music, dancing and, of course, plenty of champagne to celebrate the most important night of the year.

DECEMBER 24: THREE-COURSE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER + WINE PAIRING &-&#3"5& 5)& /*()5 #&'03& )3*45."4 8*5) " 4&"40/"- 45"35 8)*$) */$-6%&4 " 5)3&& $0634& %*//&3 5)"5 #3*/(4 50(&5)&3 5)& #&45 ="70634 0' 8*/5&3 '03 " 8*/& 1"*3&% )3*45."4 7& '&"45 1&3 1&340/ 0'' '03 $)*-%3&/ "(&4

'03 8*/& 1"*3*/(4 DECEMBER 25: FIVE-COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER + WINE PAIRING &-&#3"5& 5)& #*( %": */ 401)*45*$"5&% 45:-& 8*5) " <7& $0634& +063/&: 5)306() $6-*/"3: %&-*()54 )3*45."4 '&"45 <5 '03 30:"-5: 1&3 1&340/ 0'' '03 $)*-%3&/ "(&4

'03 8*/& 1"*3*/(4 "9*.6. 5"#-& 4*;& 0' DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER BUFFET | 3pm /+0: " 3&-"9&% )3*45."4 ": 8*5) "/ &"3-: %*//&3 #6''&5 '03 5)& 8)0-& '".*-: *55-& (6&454 $"/ &/+0: " $)*-%3&/4 #6''&5 8*5) )0-*%": 53&"54 "/% 6%0-1) $61$",&4 1&3 1&340/

0'' '03 $)*-%3&/ "(&4

DECEMBER 31: NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE GALA AT Q | 7:30pm &"45 :063 8": */50 8*5) 063 &926*4*5& <7& $0634& .&/6 5)&/ 3*/( */ 5)& &8 !&"3 8*5) -*7& .64*$ "/% " $0.1-*.&/5"3: (-"44 0' 41"3,-*/( 8*/& "5 .*%/*()5

1&3 1&340/ 0'' '03 $)*-%3&/ "(&4 '03 8*/& 1"*3*/(4 DECEMBER 31: NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVE DINNER BUFFET | 7:30pm ",& " 53*1 "306/% 5)& 803-% 5)*4 &8 !&"3 4 7& 8*5) " '&45*7& #6''&5 '&"563*/( $)&' "55&/%&% 45"5*0/4 5)"5 #3*/( 5)& #&45 0' (-0#"- $6*4*/& 50 *$503*" )&/ $0/5*/6& 5)& &7&/*/( 8*5) " 41&$*"- */7*5"5*0/ 50 3*/( */ 5)& &8 !&"3 8*5) -*7& .64*$ "/% " $0.1-*.&/5"3: (-"44 0' 41"3,-*/( 8*/& "5 .*%/*()5 1&3 1&340/ JANUARY 1: NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESOLUTION BRUNCH 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm 5"35 5)& &8 !&"3 */ 45:-& "/% &/+0: " 46.156064 #36/$) .&/6 #6''&5 5)"5 */$-6%&4 $)&' "55&/%&% 45"5*0/4 " $0$,5"*- #"3 "/% .*.04" 45"5*0/ )05 &/53 &4 46$) "4 30"45&% -#&35" 13*.& 3*# 0' #&&' "/% 0' $0634& 5)& 5&.15*/( %&44&35 #6''&5 1&3 1&340/

For reservations or information please call 250-389-2727 or email emp.diningres@Fairmont.com fairmont.com/empress

qattheempress.com

Capital Christmas | 73

Humour

Jack Knox Columnist, Times Colonist

Santa's slow ride through Greater Victoria

T

was the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; Victorians were nestled all snug in their beds, While dreams from their pot shops danc’d in their heads, And Mama in her Lulus, and I in my jammies, Had dozed off while watching Housewives of Miami When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I lurched off the couch to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I stumbled and fell, Tripped over the dog, and let out a yell.

The moon hit the puddles of new fallen rain, (“Awesome, it’s wet”; I cursed Ed Bain.)

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, drawn by eight urban deer, With a little old driver, so dapper and grey, I knew in a moment he must be from Oak Bay. At a sedate 30 klicks his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name: “Now! Rudolph, now! Bambi, now! Buck the Creep, You ate all my roses, now earn your keep.”

“To the top of Mt. Tolmie! To the top of the wall!

We must soar over the Colwood Crawl!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, These eight urban deer, they rose to the sky; The sleigh, it sounded like Rumbles arriving, But the man at the reins — who was this driving?

It wasn’t St. Nick, that much was sure, This guy wore Gore-Tex, not Santa’s white fur;

74 | Capital Christmas

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The Birkenstocked feet of that little goof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney this gentleman came with a bound: “I had to take over, Santa got stuck in the McTavish crop circles, such was his luck.

For so bad is our Island traffic these days; that even St. Nick gets caught in the maze.

Santa’s eyes might have twinkled! His dimples stayed merry, But his face, it turned as red as Don Cherry’s.

He tried for Esquimalt, for Hurricane Ridge, but found himself trapped on the Johnson Street Bridge.

He turned toward Duncan, said ‘let’s get there stat’ But found his path blocked by a crash on the ’Hat. The commute through View Royal was a similar case, the road thick with sailors going to work at the base.

When stopped at McKenzie, he slumped in his seat, threw up his hands, admitted defeat.

‘Too bad for the kids, I’m going to be late, The Swartz Bay ferries have a three-sailing wait.’”

This story my Oak Bay fellow relayed, Tho really he did not look all that dismayed.

“I’m happy to do Santa’s duties this year, (he shouldn’t be flying; that wasn’t root beer).

The speed doesn’t bug me, I’m used to this pace, Life lasts a bit longer when it’s not a race.”

And I heard him exclaim, ere he eased out of sight — Happy Christmas to all, and to all a slow night.

(With apologies to Clement Moore).

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