Citizens Share Their Christmas Memories

Citizens Share Their Christmas Memories

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

When I asked residents of Vegreville about some of their memories from Christmases years ago, Jenny Cooper said this year brings back memories of a Christmas over forty years ago.

“Years ago as a young couple living in northern Alberta, we were so excited to spend Christmas with our firstborn baby girl with my family in Bruce, Alberta. Our family in Bruce were so excited we were coming and they would get to see our new baby and celebrate Christmas together as the previous Christmas we were unable to go home as Mike, my husband had to work.

The baby was fussy for the first few days before we were supposed to leave but she had a milk allergy and it didn’t take much to upset her stomach. But as the day went by, our baby was getting sicker and sicker so we went to the hospital.

The doctor saw her and admitted her into the hospital where she had to be on intravenous therapy as dehydration had started. So, that was it; we won’t going to go anywhere for Christmas. We spent Christmas at the hospital but the staff was my co-workers and they were very kind and they encouraged us to go home for a few hours here and there.

Forty years ago, there were no convenience stores open on Christmas Day so we feasted on toast with a delectable cheese slice and a cup of tea. For dessert, I found a tin of peaches. We opened the gifts we received but I had hidden the one for Mike which was a Simon, the new electronic gaming rage that year. So, Simon got well used. We didn’t want to disrupt our friends who all had plans in place and we could just run back and forth to the hospital.

By New Years Day, the baby was back home and doing well. Though it was not the Christmas anyone would want, we survived. We have often reminisced about that Christmas where there was no food, no gifts, a sick baby, and no friends (didn’t want to bother them) with only a telephone to communicate with, but we survived and still have a smile about that Christmas. So I know you too will survive whatever your Christmas maybe this year as it will certainly not be traditional,” Jenny said.

Percy Stark said one of his favorite Christmas memories happened a few years ago. “The day started off with just me and my daughter opening presents that morning. She ripped open all her presents with so much excitement. Watching her face light up is always priceless. She played with her new toys as I called to wish my friends a Merry Christmas. I found out that so many of them were just at home not doing anything. I invited everyone out and we spent the day riding on sleds, enjoying the great winter wonderland of Alberta. We had a delicious potluck dinner and everyone made their own special dish. We all overate like we always do at Christmas. The night ended with us playing cards and just enjoying each other’s company; seeing the happiness on everyone’s face that day will never be forgotten.”