Nov 23, 2008

Feeling very grateful......

I've just spent the last little while unwrapping some of my Christmas decorations. Special sentimental keepsakes - some of which go back to my childhood. Others that have been gifts over the years from family and friends - others that are treasures my own children or my Nephews have made for me.

My home is feeling a little more festive and as I look around it I am reminded of Christmases past. there is the reindeer I bought in Florida when I was 8 years old at 'Rogers Christmas House' - amazed at the fact that there was a store completely devoted to all things Christmas open in the middle of June!!!! There is the Santa boot that I bought in Harrods when shopping in London with my Mom one year. The Santa advent calendar that the children get excited to display each year December.....the stars I hand stitched last year for my little tree....my blue Santa that matches the cream one I bought for my In Laws - that caused my Brother In Laws problems at the airport - the security suspected he had stuffed it with drugs hahahaha! And then there is my amazing angel from South Street Seaport in New York City...the angel I fell in love with but didn't return for because I thought she was too expensive and I didn't want to inconvenience everyone...and then my Ex Mother In Law surprised me with her!!!! She's sooooo GORGEOUS!!! These are just a few of the items I have put out today. Yes they are just 'things'...just 'stuff'...but they are irreplaceable to me.

As I was unwrapping them I was feeling extremely grateful to be able to unwrap them - that I still have them here. I know a family not too far away that isn't so lucky this year. :( I know that everyone keeps telling Tara that she can go shopping for new Christmas decor and sure shopping is fun - I too love to go and look around the Christmas displays each year and add to my collection each year. But its not the same. The sentimental aspect just isn't there. There is something special in those personal decorations - the ones that MEAN something to you. To your children.

So my heart goes out to Tara. And please - when you are unwrapping your decorations this year, please take a moment to think of Tara and her family and just remember how very fortunate you are.

Activities at the festival of trees......






A few of the things the children did at the festival......Laurie came too as he loves the one at the Shaw conference centre. They did say that the important things were missing - cookie decorating - the secret Santa Store - and the cookie store!!! They also love the gingerbread houses which is one of Lauries favourite things form the big festival in the city!!! So I think we will have to go next week!

Abby was MOST put out that there was no cookie decorating so I think I am going to have to whip up some sugar cookies this week and let her decorate some at home ;)

First Annual Festival of Trees....





Today we took the children to Sherwood Parks first annual Festival of Trees. we have been to Edmontons for the last few years, but we thought we would go and support Sherwood Parks very own and see what it was like! We knew it would be much smaller, but if these things are not supported in their early days, then the community will not continue them.

We had a lovely time there. It WAS a small event. Held in the Coast Hotel next to Millennium Place, but we had a lovely time. Many of the businesses in the area had sponsored Christmas trees to decorate, and there were a lot of crafts and activities for the children to join in with - and unlike the Edmonton Festival of Trees, these were FREE with admission! There was a magician, face painting, tattoos, choirs and solo singers (amazing singers!!) arts and crafts to buy, local charities selling Christmas wares...

All the little boys there seemed enthralled with a big tree that had a toy train whizzing around it....

I wasn't feeling very festive or Christmasy before going - I have only done a little shopping and only managed to get some of my Christmas cards sent off this week. Yet this afternoons Festival finally put me in the mood. I thought it would mean we wouldn't need to go to the Edmonton one next week but heading back to the car we all agreed that we WANT to go even more now (except Lloyd who groaned and rolled his eyes hahahhaha)!! He did however come home and get out my boxes of Christmas decorations though - I'm not putting up my trees until December, but I do want to put a few decorations now! I can picture my Moms face at this thought lol but here in Canada I know its ok to put up your decorations any time after Halloween :) No one will think you are too crazy!
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