Christmas 1 - 2025

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

A Magical Holiday Tradition Returns: Wainwright Dance Academy Presents A Reimagined Nutcracker

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Submitted sisterhood, and imagination. From toy soldiers to accomplished senior for ages 2+ and are available at the A beloved holiday tradition is return- the elegant Waltz of the Flowers to the dancers, and featuring collaborative Wainwright Dance Academy, at the ing to the stage with a fresh new spar- glimmering Snowflake Forest, every artistry between Wainwright Dance door, or by calling 780-261-0767. kle. This December, the students of scene has been lovingly crafted by Academy and Tur tleford School of Come celebrate the season, the Wainwright Dance Academy, joined the academy’s dancers and creative Dance, this year’s production prom- magic, and the joy of community as by talented guest per formers from team to capture the spirit of the holi- ises to be one of the most spectacu- The Nutcracker dances back into the Turtleford School of Dance, will days in a fresh and unforget table lar yet.

Vermilion — this time with a brand present a breathtaking reimagining way.

Whether you’re reliving cherished new story to tell. of The Nutcracker—one that blends “We are so proud of our dancers memories or creattimeless magic with an exciting new and thrilled to bring this new vision ing new ones, this story twist. of The Nutcracker to our community,” is a holiday event For generations, The Nutcracker says the Wainwright Dance Academy you won’t want to has been a cherished part of the holi- artistic team. “It’s a beautiful blend miss. day season across our region. Fami- of tradition and innovation—perfect December lies look forward to its familiar music, for families returning year after year, 13th, 6p.m. at the twirling snowflakes, and the enchant- and for first-time audience members Vermilion Alumni ing journey into a world where dreams discovering the magic.”

Theatre come to life. This year, Wainwright With performers ranging from tiny Tickets are $20 Da n c e Ac ad e my honors that tradition while bring ing something entirely new to audiences: a bold retelling centered on The Nutcracker Princess and T h e Su g ar Plum Princess, two royal sisters w h o s e c o u r a g e, hear t, and magic reshape the story we all know.

This vibrant reinterpretation Tickets $20 for ages 2+ keeps the warmth and wonder of Available at the door or by calling the classic ballet, the Wainwright Dance Academy at while introducing new layers of stor y telling that celebrate bravery,

DECEMBER 13TH AT 6 PM Vermilion Alumni Theatre

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

8

Where Christmas Began: A Journey Through Its History

Sonya Lee

rebirth all helped lay the foundation for As Europe moved through the Middle centered identity we celebrate today. what would eventually become Christ- Ages, Christmas began to change. It In the 1900s and into the modern era, Christmas, as we know it today, didn’t mas. Themes of hope, warmth, and became a lively, communal celebration Christmas continued evolving alongsimply appear fully formed. It grew togetherness have been there since the full of feasting, singing, gift-giving to side technology and culture. Advertisers slowly over thousands of years, shaped very beginning. the poor, and storytelling. Nativity plays helped shape visual icons, like the redby ancient rituals, religious transformaIn the 4th centur y, as Christian- were performed, people went door-to- suited, cheerful Santa popularized by tions, cultural reinventions, and modern ity spread through the Roman Empire, door singing carols, and communities Coca-Cola. Department stores created creativity. Its history begins long before church leaders selected December 25th gathered for merriment. The holiday was dazzling holiday displays and introduced Christianity, rooted in old winter festivals as the official celebration of the birth of joyful, sometimes rowdy, and filled with traditions like visiting Santa. Films, that celebrated the return of light during Jesus. The date conveniently aligned traditions that felt both sacred and social. radio, and music contributed timeless the darkest part of the year. Ancient with the popular solstice festivals already This version of Christmas was so spirited classics that became seasonal staples. peoples honored the winter solstice with taking place, allowing Christian and that some religious groups later viewed it Electric lights replaced candles, allowfeasting, greenery, fires, and commu- pagan customs to blend. Early Christ- as excessive. ing homes and neighborhoods to glow nity. Traditions like Yule from the Norse mas was religious and solemn, far from In the 1600s, the Puritans in England brightly during the winter months. Christand Germanic cultures, Saturnalia from the decorated and gift-heavy holiday we and colonial America took that concern mas became not just a religious holiday, Rome, and celebrations of the sun’s now recognize. to an extreme, banning Christmas alto- but a broad cultural event celebrated by gether for a time. They argued that it people of many backgrounds in different Closed December 24 to January 5 wasn’t biblically required and that its ways.

Phone 780 853-2922 festivities came from pagan roots. In In today’s world, Christmas continues some places, celebrating the holiday to grow and shift. Many families create could even result in fines. The ban didn’t their own unique traditions, blending last; people naturally missed the joy cultural influences, personal beliefs, and and togetherness of the season, but it modern lifestyles. Some embrace miniremains a fascinating chapter in Christ- malism, others go full sparkle and glammas history that shows how deeply our. Sustainability, handmade gifts, and people cared about shaping its meaning. more inclusive storytelling have become The Christmas that feels familiar to us important to many. For some, Christmas today was shaped most strongly during is deeply spiritual; for others, it’s simply a the Victorian era of the 1800s. Queen season of warmth, connection, and rest.

FROM THE ALL THE BEST Victoria and Prince Albert popularized The holiday has become flexible, adaptJMH ADAMS the Christmas tree, charming illustrations able, and deeply personal.

FOR 2026 of families gathered around them spread Despite all the changes, from ancient TEAM widely, and the first commercial Christ- solstice fires to Victorian trees to the mas cards appeared. Charles Dickens’ modern glow of LED lights, the heart A Christmas Carol emphasized generos- of Christmas has remained remarkably ity, family connection, and compassion, consistent. It has always centered on light transforming Christmas into a warm, in the darkness, community, generosity, sentimental, and morally uplifting cele- hope, and renewal. Christmas continues bration. Gift-giving expanded, decora- to reflect the world around it, but it also tions became more elaborate, and the carries a timeless sense of warmth that holiday began to take on the cozy, family- connects us across centuries.

Reporter

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

Lorna Hamilton

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Vermilion Cantata Choir Delights With Inspirational Performance

“Thank you to everone who came out Mountain, and Oh Come All Ye Faithfull. the season’s message.

The performance also featured songs For the final December 7 performance for the Community Choir Cantata perforFor over two decades, the Vermilion such as ‘Somewhere In Your Silent Night’, the admission was in the form of food or mance and donated to the food bank.

We have a car load of food and raised Community Choir has brought the spirit ‘Mary Did You Know,’ ‘Carol Of The Bells,’ cash donations, with all proceeds going to of the season to life with their harmoni- and ‘Like A River In My Soul. support the Food Bank ensuring the spirit over $600 in donations,” said director Michelle Popp. ous performances, cementing their place The event seamlessly moved into the of giving extended beyond the music. as a cherished holiday tradition in Vermil- Cantata performance titled ‘Night Of The ion. This year, the choir, under the expert Father’s Love’ by renowned composer direction of Michelle Popp, captivated the Pepper Choplin, which told the story from audience during their inaugural Cantata the prophecy, through annunciation to the performance held at the Vermilion Valley birth of Christ. As a unique feature, the audiLodge on November 23rd at 2 p.m., the ence was asked to refrain from applause First United Church on November 30 and during the cantata portion to preserve its December 7 (with a special performance storytelling nature, which wove together at the Blue Christmas Service on Decem- music and biblical readings. ber 2.)

Adding to the evening’s charm was a The program began with favourite special performance of the song Hallelujah familiar carols sung by the audience and by local talent Shane Thomas. choir accompanied by Glen Teasdale on The choir’s vocal artistry shone brightly, the piano. These carols were, Away in a as the singers delivered each piece with Manger, Joy to the World, Go Tell it on the precision, emotion, and a shared love for The Vermilion Community Choir performing. Photo Lorna Hamiilton Reporter

Lorna Hamilton

Blue Christmas Service Brings Comfort To Those Facing Holiday Challenges

tions centred on themes of light and people stepped forward, the sanctu- apar t from the season’s traditional healing. Reverend Scott Whitford of ary slowly filled with a soft, warm glow festivities. Its quieter, more contemThe Vermilion and District Minis- Parkview Alliance Church read The a collective reminder of lives cher- plative nature provides a sanctuar y terial Association upheld its annual L i g h t I n Te a r s , fo l l o we d by D o u g ished and grief shared. for those who may find the holidays tradition on December 2 with the Blue McCrae from Faith Lutheran Church A time of fellowship followed the emotionally challenging. In a time Christmas service, held this year at with The Light In Blessings. Bonnie service, giving attendees the oppor- often marked by joy and celebration, the Glad Tidings Pentecostal Assem- Wa l s h of t h e Fir s t U n i te d C h ur c h tunity to connect, reflect, and support the service acknowledges that sorrow bly. Led by Pastor Har vey Hussey, continued with The Light In Grief, and one another. and struggle are also present and the service offered a gentle space of Joanne Mones from Saint Saviour’s The Blue Christmas service stands deserving of gentleness and care. solace for those experiencing grief, Anglican Church concluded the readloss, or loneliness during a season ings with The Light Of Hope. Each often filled with celebration. reflection was accompanied by the Pastor Hussey opened the evening lighting of an advent candle, symbolizby warmly welcoming attendees and ing a progression from sorrow toward acknowledging the deeply personal renewed strength. A further reflection nature of the gathering. He encour- was shared by Deacon Gordon Hills of aged everyone to participate as little St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. or as much as they wished, remindThe Vermilion Communit y Choir ing them that the service was created contributed to the evening’s contemfor those carrying loss or burdens that p l a t i v e a t m o s p h e r e w i t h m o v i n g may feel heavier during the Christ- performances of Somewhere in Your mas season. He noted that loss takes Silent Night and Peace Like a River, on many forms including the loss of offering musical comfort to those in relationships, the loss of health, the attendance. Pastor Quinn Adams of loss of a dream, the loss of an animal Faith Lutheran Church also presented c o m p a n i o n, o r ot h er l i fe c h a n g e s an additional scripture and reflection, – and followed his remarks with an deepening the service’s message of opening prayer. The hymn O Come All understanding and encouragement.

Ye Faithful then began the reflective One of the most emotional moments and scriptural portion of the service. came when Florence Tovell of the Throughout the evening, several Walking Through Grief Society invited members and clergy of local churches participants to light candles in memory offered scripture readings and reflec- of loved ones who had passed. As Reporter

May the season’s celebrations fill you with joy.

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Thank you for your support.

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

10

Sonya Lee

Simply Bee Christmas Market

c re at i o n s fr o m d o m e s t i c v i o l e n c e fireworks were set off on the south side shop, connect, share warm conversasurvivors, manned by a volunteer, with of the shop, giving everyone a perfect tions, and celebrate the artisans who On the clear, crispy winter days all funds going back to the creators. view. help make this community so vibrant. of November 27, 28, and 29, Simply Elegant Event Rentals created a The organizers say there is someT h e or g an izer s p o s te d a h ear tBee’s 10th Annual Christmas in the stunning installation that added an thing quietly enchanting about the felt thank you to all the vendors, the Country Artisan Market was a beauti- unforgettable sparkle to the tenth anni- moments before the market begins, the support of the community, and every ful reminder of what the season is truly versary celebration. soft hum of preparation, the twinkle of person who walked through the doors about: community, creativity, compasVisitors enjoyed browsing artisan décor before the crowds arrive, and the and helped make the tenth market the sion, and the simple joy of gathering booths, tasting delicious food from the feeling that something special is about success it was. They are already looktogether.

Wooden Spoon, and watching chil- to unfold. That quiet magic carried into ing to next year and continuing to build For a decade now, the market has dren of all ages explore the massive every part of the weekend as family, a space where creativity, connection, invited people to slow down, recon- 500-bale straw maze. Saturday night friends, and neighbours gathered to and Christmas spirit shine brightly. nect, and celebrate the true reason for brought the excitement of fireworks, the season by creating a joyful space lighting up the country sky and filling where love and creativity can thrive. the evening with holiday magic. Due This year carried an extra sense of to the layout of this year’s bale maze, magic as they marked ten years of artisans, laughter, holiday spirit, and community support.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming with warm, fresh, free popcorn.

The market once again showcased a remarkable lineup of talented local ar tisans, each one bringing hand crafted goods, unique creativity, and t h e p a s s i o n t h at h a s d efi n e d t h i s event since the beginning. There was something for everyone, fresh greenery crafted into holiday accessories like wreaths, gorgeous pottery with a variety of holiday and everyday styles, macram ornaments and creations, there was beautiful jewellery, leather working, and the opportunity to make your own leather ornament. Photographers had their creations on display: notebooks, c alend ar s, and pr ints.

There were candles, car dif fusers, some simmerpot blends, and baked Santa visits. Photos submitted goods. There was even a booth with Larch Pottery.

Reporter

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The Vermilion Voice | December 9, 2025

Sonya Lee

11

Holiday Magic On Ice: Santa Skate Brings Community Together

Reporter

As soon as the final buzzer sounded Sunday, December 7, the arena shifted from c ompetitive intensit y to pure holiday joy. What had been a battleground of blades and breakaways moments earlier quickly became a winter wonderland as families flooded onto the ice for the highly anticipated annual Santa Skate, a free community tradition that many Vermilion residents mark on their calendars each year.

T h e J r. B T i g e r s e m b r a c e d t h e festive spirit wholeheartedly, swapping their helmets for Santa hats, Christmas ties, fuzzy beards, and light-up accessories that drew giggles from excited kids. Players who had just been scorSanta with the Tigers. Photo Sonya Lee ing goals were now helping little ones find their balance, tying skates, lifting sleds, and tossing surprise passes that lit up young faces. The rink, normally filled with cheers for big saves and breakaway rushes, now echoed with laughter, holiday music, and the soft glide of families enjoying the moment together.

Children skated hand-in-hand with Tigers players, took turns firing pucks with the team’s sticks, and zoomed across the ice on sleds pulled by their favourite hometown heroes. The highlight, as always, was Santa himself.

Decked out in full red-and-white splendor, he glided cheerfully around the ice, stopping to greet every child, pose for photos, and share a few magical words. Even parents and grandparents joined in, capturing memories from the boards or stepping out onto the ice themselves.

Warm hot c ho c olate and festive snacks welcomed families as they took breaks, adding comfor t to the already glowing atmosphere. Volunteers and arena staf f helped keep things running smoothly, ensuring that the event remained not only fun but safe and welcoming for everyone who attended.

More than just a seasonal celebration, the Santa Skate demonstrated the strong bond between the Tigers and the community. It offered families a chance to connect, slow down, and celebrate the kind of small-town spirit that makes Vermilion special.

From the smallest skaters to longtime supporters, everyone left the rink with smiles, rosy cheeks, and hearts full of holiday cheer.

Thank you for all your support All the best in 2026!

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Santa interacting with the kids on the ice.