STORY BOOK CHRISTMASES IN QUEBEC

Special by Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady

Growing up in a township in Quebec, my childhood Christmases were truly the stuff of holiday story books. Snowmen, snow angels, snow forts, ice skating on frozen ponds and snowball fights, yup we did it all. My family would venture by snowmobile deep into the woods, with our dogs following behind, to select the perfect trees to bring home and decorate. Like the iconic carol, my uncle would hitch up one of his horses to an open sleigh and we’d ride down the unplowed snowy backroads bundled up in blankets drinking hot cocoa from a thermos. After Midnight Mass in the village church, our family would meet at my grandparents’ home and open presents by the large fireplace. Santa no doubt must have made his delivery while we were restlessly squirming in the hard pews just prior.

The early 90s found me alone over two-thousand miles away patrolling the streets of Corpus Christi, a city of palm trees, beaches, and a rich Hispanic culture. Initially, I felt like a stranger in a strange land. As a new officer, holidays off were not an option. Christmas time became associated with arresting reckless drivers who engaged in too much “holiday cheer” and breaking up fights when feuding family members were “home for the holidays”. I also witnessed great kindness and generosity as my partners purchased and collected food and toys for families that were lacking. We distributed blankets and care packages made by caring citizens to the area homeless. I was fortunate to be invited into the homes among the families of fellow officers to share in their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners on my breaks when few if any eateries were open. It was during these years that tamales were added to my list of favorite holiday dishes.

When I was blessed with a family of my own, the holidays took on a new meaning as my wife Patricia and I viewed the magic and wonder of Christmas through the eyes of our children. It was important to us that our kids understood the meaning of the season, so we included them in food collection drives and serving veterans dinner at the VA hospital on Christmas day. My wife often assisted me with “Shop with a Cop” a program where officers shop with a needy child for clothing, shoes, and a toy. I still recall one small boy who asked if instead of a toy for him, could we get something for his mother to open on Christmas? Yeah, I teared up a little that time. Of course, we managed to accommodate him and still buy him a toy.

While my Christmas experience has changed over time, sharing, and helping others has grown into a rewarding tradition. This time of year can be stressful and even depressing for some. Let’s all resolve to be patient and kind to one another. Please remember our police officers, dispatchers and yes, even our firefighters who will be away from their families protecting yours. Merry Christmas Seguin from the Brady Family.

Magic And The Excitement Of The Holidays

by Seguin City Manager Steve Parker

The holidays are such a special time of year for me and my family. I grew up in a small town in South Texas called Three Rivers. I was an only child to two parents who adopted me at an early age. My nearest relatives were at least seven hours away so most holidays were just the three of us. On occasion, we would make a trip to my grandmother’s house in West Texas. My grandmother was the mother of 10 children which meant a lot of cousins for me. Those holidays were the most special to me because most all my relatives would attend those events. Being one of the youngest grandchildren and an only child meant I was rather spoiled by my grandmother and other relatives. Those were truly magical times which always made me want a large family myself. I now have four children whose ages range from 19 to 26. As great as my childhood trips to my grandmother’s house were, nothing compares to the holidays with my own kids especially when they were young and truly believed in Santa Claus. I will always remember the magic in their eyes and the excitement in their hearts. I still remember on one occasion when three of my kids were between the ages 5 and 8. Around 8 o’clock on Christmas Eve, we took them out to leave food for the reindeer (a mixture of oatmeal and glitter). I managed to sneak around back and ring a set of jingle bells from the back yard. Sheer panic filled their minds as they were sure they had missed Santa because they were not in bed. They bolted up to bed crying. Maybe not my best parenting move but still pretty funny. Now I have a 2 year old grandson who I get to spoil. To see him, makes me so nostalgic for when my kids were little and I could see the magic in their eyes. Enjoy your little ones during times like these because they sure go grow up fast.