When I was small, there were seven of us living under one roof. Two uncles and my grandfather lived with my parents, my brother, and me in the house my grandfather built long before I was born. It was a lot of people to have under one roof for the times, and there were always guests dropping in to have a chat with whomever of us was available.
At Christmastime, the population of that house exploded. More extended family, neighbours, people who I didn't know, all stopping by to have a drink and pinch my cheek and tell me how tall I was getting. I remember the food: red delicious apples, walnuts complete with nutcracker, chicken bone candies, and cabbage rolls for supper on Christmas Eve night. On Christmas morning, there were way too many presents for a household with just two kids: boardgames, Lego, teddy bears and Cabbage Patch Kids, books and Barbie dolls, sleds, and ice skates.
But mostly, I remember all those people, sitting around drinking and laughing, while Jim Reeves and Boney M played from the record player in the corner.
This year was my first Christmas with my extended family in Alberta. My aunt Carol told me that Christmas was a big deal in her house. She promised all those things from my childhood, and without knowing it, she helped me relive some of my fondest Christmas memories.
At Christmastime, the population of that house exploded. More extended family, neighbours, people who I didn't know, all stopping by to have a drink and pinch my cheek and tell me how tall I was getting. I remember the food: red delicious apples, walnuts complete with nutcracker, chicken bone candies, and cabbage rolls for supper on Christmas Eve night. On Christmas morning, there were way too many presents for a household with just two kids: boardgames, Lego, teddy bears and Cabbage Patch Kids, books and Barbie dolls, sleds, and ice skates.
But mostly, I remember all those people, sitting around drinking and laughing, while Jim Reeves and Boney M played from the record player in the corner.
This year was my first Christmas with my extended family in Alberta. My aunt Carol told me that Christmas was a big deal in her house. She promised all those things from my childhood, and without knowing it, she helped me relive some of my fondest Christmas memories.
Twas the night before Christmas...
...and across the street at the neighbours, everyone was dressed for the holidays.
And feeling a little merry.
On Christmas morning, there was a spread fit for a small village full of children.
My cousins and their significant others arrived bright and early for gift opening.
I bought us all matching pajama pants for a family photo. Unfortunately, they got hidden for the most part in the picture, but the idea still went over well.
Then everyone left to go do their rounds and to leave us to prepare. That evening was supper, Quinn family style.
Sixteen people gathered around the table that night. Family, friends, family of friends, and friends of family. It was an amazing meal, with everyone pitching in to help cook and clean up afterward.
Then there was the gathering in the living room, where there were not enough chairs, but plenty of smiles so that no one seemed to notice.
Then there was the gathering in the living room, where there were not enough chairs, but plenty of smiles so that no one seemed to notice.
Christmas day will always be, just as long as we have we.
Welcome
Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.
Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas
