Capital Christmas

22

Pages of Planned Giving

s r e d a e R r i e h t e shar rite favou de yuleti s storie

holiday event calendar

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HOLIDAY MAGIC AT BUTCHART GARDENS

christmas songbook

eric akis: tourtiere

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Juicy.

Mouthwatering organic turkeys and gift cards. Call us to get your Christmas party started.

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Visit 10ACRES.CA

11/5/19 10:14:34 AM

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4 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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s t n e t Con

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Editor’s Note: A season of hope and optimism

Catch the Christmas spirit with festive events and music for all ages Readers share their stories personal stories of Christmas past

66 82 90

A holiday tradition: The magic of Butchart Gardens Eric Akis cooks up a very Canadian Christmas Eve feast Jack Knox: Adding an extra chair to the Christmas table

Planned Giving: ‘Tis the season for generosity

The Empress: Your home away from home this holiday season Christmas Songbook: Enjoy some of your favourite festive songs

Dave Obee | Editor and Publisher PETER BAILLIE | Director of Advertising Darron KLoster | Editor GORDON FALLER | Designer JENUS FRIESEN | Designer

Capital Home for the Holidays is published by the Times Colonist, a division of TC Publication Limited Partnership, at 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, British Columbia V8T 4M2.

Canadian Publications Registration No. 0530646.

GST No. 84505 1507 RT0001.

Send comments about Capital to: Editor-in-Chief Dave Obee: dobee@timescolonist.com.

To advertise in the next edition, phone: 250-995-4464, or email Advertising Director Greg Baxter at: gbaxter@timescolonist.com.

Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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Editor's Note

Dave Obee

A season of hope and optimism

Editor and Publisher Times Colonist

I

t’s that time of the year again – a time for family, a time for giving and sharing, a time for peace. It’s a time when we should set aside out differences, enjoy the bonds that hold us together, and celebrate.

It’s also a time to look back, remembering Christmases past and the people who are no longer with us. It’s a time to think of the hardships we have faced, and joys we have found, and the love that is in our hearts.

This year, once again, the Times Colonist is bringing you the best of the season.

This magazine is filled with Christmas stories from our readers as well as ideas for things to do in the weeks ahead.

And once again, the Times Colonist is proud to support the annual Christmas fundraising drive, an endeavour that has helped us help the needy for more than 60 years. We work through the Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed and Our Place to ensure that Christmas can be a time of joy for all, not just for the most fortunate among us.

The world can be a scary place sometimes. The talk of climate change, the bitter federal election campaign, and the unrest and violence found in many countries might make one think that there is no real hope.

There is hope, though; plenty of hope, and plenty of reasons for optimism. We just have to know where to look — and more often than not, we should start by looking inside ourselves.

Think of the hope offered by the baby Jesus, born a couple of thousand years ago in Bethlehem, and still making a difference today. His name will be on many lips in the weeks to come, as it is in our minds through every year of our lives.

Not a believer? Then think of the winter solstice, and the hope that comes as we pass the longest night of year. The days get longer, there is more sunshine, more light, and a new year is about to begin.

It’s no wonder that many religions and cultures base celebrations on the solstice.

And let’s not forget Santa Claus, the reindeer, and all of that. Under a variety of names, they bring happiness and hope to children of all ages around the globe.

Christmas is truly a special time. In Victoria, we are not likely to have snow that week, and even if we did, we would not see the classic winter scenes made famous by Cornelius Krieghoff or even Currier and Ives. But we can still enjoy the music, the festivities, the services, and more. And yes, we can still help others.

Now, if you can, sit next to a roaring fire (live or on television) with a hot drink at your side, and enjoy this magazine.

Merry Christmas, best of the season, everyone.

6 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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LIGHTS OF WONDER

centennial squre

See page 12

LIGHT UP your WINTER holidays BY ATTENDING any November 11 to January 9

CHRISTMAS IN OLD TOWN Royal British Columbia Museum

Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets lined with festive garlands and see the shops decked in seasonal finery. Check with the museum for times and prices.

November 21 to January 6

28 ANNUAL VICTORIA FESTIVAL OF TREES th

The Bay Centre

A community favourite, and one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Festival of Trees transforms the Bay

Centre into a lush forest of brilliantly decorated trees. Raising funds for B.C. Children’s Hospital, the event sponsors, which include local business organizations and individuals, have the honour of decorating these trees in a unique and exciting fashion. bcchf.ca

November 25

WINSPEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

Decorating party 5 to 7 p.m.

Live music, appys and spirits. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for Peninsula Santa’s Helpers.

November 28

LADYSMITH LIGHTUP Town of Ladysmith

5 p.m.

32nd annual Ladysmith Lightup kicks off a six-week festival of lights in this friendly mid-Island town. First Avenue will be closed to traffic from 3 p.m. until after the festivities. Well worth the drive.

November 29

MARINA LIGHTUP Inner Harbour

Marina Light Up kick-off at the Causeway Marina docks in front of the Empress Hotel. Walk the docks to explore the lighted vessels while you sip

on free hot chocolate.

Learn more at: facebook.com/

events/2047890781947243/ November 16 to January 5

CANADA'S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE Parkside Hotel, 810 Humboldt St.

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Parkside Hotel and Spa hosts Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase, which benefits Habitat for Humanity Victoria.

Event highlights the skill and creativity of professional and amateur bakers from across Canada while supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity Victoria.

Admission by donation.

habitatvictoria.com

8 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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CANADA’S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE

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and Activities!

AYS NERDY D TMAS IS OF CHR AIR C R AF T F

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OF THE MANY LIGHT FESTIVALS. November 26 to December 4

November 21 to 24, 23, 24

SIDNEY NATIVITY EXHIBIT

CEDAR YELLOW POINT 30th COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TOUR

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2210 Eastleigh Way, Sidney

2 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily Each year, just prior to the rush of the season, we showcase this exhibit to remind us of the meaning Christmas.

November 30 and December 1

NERDY DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Market Square, 560 Johnson Street

Admission by Donation, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A quaint and nerdy craft fair in downtown Victoria.

Beautiful makers and artists all with a nerdy flair. Nerdy crafts, art, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more.

So fun for the whole family and for a great cause.

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10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It doesn't matter where you start the selfguided tour you won't be disappointed.

The tour will offer surprises at every turn.

You will find hand forged metal, beautiful pottery, jewelry, fibre art, amazing original art, gorgeous hand-blown glass, spectacular wood products, cozy alpaca garments, incredible first nation art, and guy gifts, handy crafts and more. Be sure to stop in at the farms where you will find over 40 delicious cranberry products just in time for gift giving.

cyartisans.com

much more>

28 th ANN

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Seasonal November 22 to 24

31st ANNUAL OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR Victoria Conference Centre

Find unique gifts for friends, family and yourself at Victoria's most prestigious artisan fair. The fair is a celebration of fine crafts, food, one-of-a-kind fashions and decorative arts.

gvfs.ca

November 28 to 30

November 30

CHRISTMAS CRAFT BEER SHOW

Government Street

5 p.m.

Let’s kick off Christmas in Victoria together! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and evening of fun with the 37th Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade and join us before and after in Christmas Square. Following the

CHRISTMAS CRAFT BEER SHOW

parade, the jolly man himself, Santa, will be handing out free cookies and milk to all the good girls and boys in Centennial Square. We will turn the lights on to the square at 7 p.m. sharp! Come on down for games, fun, great food and loads of entertainment!

outofhand.ca

38th ANNUAL ISLAND FARMS SANTA’S LIGHT PARADE

& Activities!

Save On Foods Memorial Centre

Celebrate a hoppy holiday at the fourth annual Christmas Craft Beer Show, an opportunity for everyone to raise a mug of holiday cheer. Sample seasonal offerings of local micro-breweries, as well as their brewery favourites. A great way to start off the holiday season. The event is for those 19 and older.

ChristmasCraftBeerShow.com

’Tis the Season

November 30 and December 1

THE STORYBOOK NUTCRACKER Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ballet Étoile presents The Storybook Nutcracker, a unique production bringing the classic Nutcracker story to life with engaging narration, vibrant costumes, and the intimate setting of the Charlie White Theatre.

At just over 60 minutes in length, The Storybook Nutcracker is the perfectly suited to younger audience members and first-time ballet attendees.

marywinspear.ca

November 29 to December 1

A journey to the Heart of Christmas

NUTCRACKER WITH UKRAINIAN SHUMKA DANCERS AND VICTORIA SYMPHONY

Sunday Dec. 8, 2019 2pm

Saturday Dec. 14, 2019 7pm

Tickets $32

Tickets $28

Royal Theatre

7 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Shumka’s Nutcracker blends the grace and lyricism of classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian folk and character dance. This classic tale of young Clara and her dream Prince incorporates Ukrainian traditions and symbols, grand orchestral versions of Tchaikovsky’s legendary score, and lavish sets and costumes designed by National Opera of Ukraine’s Maria Levitska. Exuberant entertainment.

December 1 Friday Feb. 14, 2020 7:30pm

Friday Feb. 7, 2020 7pm

Tickets $49.50

Tickets $36

Ticket Centre: 250.746.2722

cowichanpac.ca

SIDNEY SPARKLES CHRISTMAS PARADE AND LIGHTED SAIL PAST 5 p.m.

The Parade route begins along Resthaven Drive and turns onto Beacon Avenue. It continues to run the length of Beacon

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christmas lights across canada

Avenue, turning right onto Second Street and ending at Ocean Avenue. Once the parade completes its route, people are encouraged to move to Beacon and Bevan wharves and the Sidney waterfront around Beacon Park. From there, they will be able to witness the Lighted Boat Parade, which starts at least 15 minutes after the Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade.

peninsulacelebrations.ca December 6

THE ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT CLUB ANNUAL SEA OF LIGHTS, LIGHTED SHIP PARADE Oak Bay Waterfront

6 p.m.

From Cadboro Bay to Willows Beach, then back to Cadboro Bay after passing Gyro Beach. See the beautiful boats lit up in the boat parade. Donations go to the Salvation Army and Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay. There will be a bonfire and music at Willows Beach.

nutcracker

rvyc.bc.ca

December 1

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December 1 to January 6

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT THE BUTCHART GARDENS December marks the beginning of a month of festive displays and activities at Butchart Gardens. Experience the thrill of thousands of lights, wreaths and the Twelve Days of Christmas displays. Enjoy ice skating, carollers and festive dining.

butchartgardens.com December 5

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA Front lawn of the Legislative Assembly

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the annual cross-country

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Seasonal

Christmas Lightup. The giant sequoia on the front lawn of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will be illuminated with thousands of lights.

Enjoy songs from local choirs on the front steps and everyone is invited in afterward for hot chocolate and cookies.

season, both past and present. Expect the unexpected at a Lavigne Christmas show … snowball fight anyone? Or a sing-along? Ken will fill your heart with holiday joy! Join Ken and his orchestra for an unforgettable Christmas show. rmts.bc.ca/events

December 6 to 8

December 7

PENINSULA SINGERS CHRISTMAS MAGIC

IEOA TRUCK LIGHT CONVOY AND FOOD DRIVE

Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

7:30 and 2 p.m.

The Peninsula Singers Christmas show is an enduring holiday tradition for families and friends of all ages. This year’s production, Christmas Magic, is a celebration of the season’s spirit with music, dancing, soloists, costumes, lights, humour and an appearance by Santa himself. Artist Director Lena Palermo has selected Christmas medleys combining contemporary, classical, jazz, gospel and traditional music.

marywinspear.ca December 7

KEN LAVIGNE Royal Theatre

2:30 and 8 p.m.

Celebrate the Christmas season with a Ken Lavigne Christmas at the Royal Theatre. Tenor Lavigne will lift your spirits and take you down memory lane with his favourite Christmas songs and stories of the holiday

& Activities!

CHRISTMAS IN OLD VICTORIA GUIDED WALKS Enjoy warm-hearted and sometimes humorous stories of how Christmas was celebrated in Victoria during the Victorian era during 90-minute tours taken among the historic buildings in Old Town. See discoverthepast.com for times and locations

Watch large commercial trucks festooned with lights parade through the streets of the capital region.

Starting at Ogden Point, the convoy weaves its way through Oak Bay and downtown Victoria before continuing on to View Royal and Langford. People are encouraged to drop off their food donations at designated sites along the route.

ieoa.ca

December 7

WINTER HARP

December 8

Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music

O CHRISTMAS TEA

11 p.m.

Winter Harp is back this season with a stunningly beautiful show in celebration of winter and Christmas. For 25 years, this world-class ensemble of harps, medieval instruments, flutes, violin, percussion and singers has brought the joy and meaning of Christmas to tens of thousands of people. Audience members have repeatedly said: “Christmas doesn't start for us until we have been to Winter Harp.”

vcm.bc.ca/events

WINTER HARP

Royal Theatre

3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss — grab your teacups! When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat.

rmts.bc.ca

December 8

SNOWMAN WITH THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY University of Victoria Centre Farquhar Auditorium

2:30 p.m.

The film versions of a beloved story

by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is screened with live musical accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony.

Experience the magic of remarkable friendships with James and his snowman as they set off in wonderful adventures.

December 9 to 11

THE NADEN BAND'S 40TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Royal Theatre

7:30 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Navy Christmas Concert Series, a performance by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. This group of 35 professional musicians annually take to the stage to entertain and support of The Salvation Army Toy Drive. This is the 40th year of the seasonal concert, with a festive musical program that includes original works and holiday favourites.

Audience members are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy on the night of the performance.

December 11

Arbutus Singers Christmas and Carol Sing Alix Goolden Performance Hall

7 p.m.

The Arbutus Singers is a community choir that was formed in 1998. Over the past 22 years, they have been singing around the Greater Victoria area supporting organizations and local charities to raise money through their joy of singing.

December 13 to 30

LIGHTS OF WONDER Centennial Square

The Downtown Victoria Business Association will transform the square into a holiday wonderland. Get into the holiday spirit with family and friends. Lights of Wonder will offer live entertainment, warm nibbles and magical light displays.

KEN LAVIGNE 16> 12 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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Andrew Wade Mortgage Broker

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NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 24: 24:

BRING BRING A LITTLE A LITTLE EMPRESS EMPRESS HOME HOME THISTHIS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS | 11am | 11am – 6pm– 6pm

children children can practice can practice diningdining etiquette etiquette techniques. techniques.

TicketTicket price price includes includes etiquette etiquette workshop, workshop, Empress Empress Afternoon Afternoon Prince/Princess Prince/Princess Tea and Teaaand takeahome take home etiquette etiquette booklet. booklet. $75 +$75 tax and + taxgratuity and gratuity

‘Tis the ‘Tisseason the season to givetoand givereceive, and receive, whether whether it is toityourself is to yourself or or DECEMBER DECEMBER 3 TO 323TO 23 someone someone special: special: FESTIVE FESTIVE LUNCH LUNCH IN QIN Q • Turkey-to-Go • Turkey-to-Go Complete Complete Christmas Christmas DinnerDinner with inwith Ready in Ready to Cook to Cook 11:30am 11:30am - 2:30pm - 2:30pm | Mon| to Mon Fri to only Fri only or Hotoroptions Hot options complete complete with sides with sides and dessert and dessert Location: Location: Q Restaurant Q Restaurant • Empress • Empress Holiday Holiday Hampers Hampers Take aTake break a break from shopping from shopping or take orthe takeoffice the office team team out toout to • Empress • Empress Cake Cake celebrate celebrate the festive the festive season season at Q atatthe Q atEmpress. the Empress.

The lunch The lunch menu menu features features festivefestive dishesdishes available available only for only a limited for a limited time. time.

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30TH30TH

CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS KICKKICK OFF OFF | 2pm| –2pm 4:30pm – 4:30pmCHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SET SET MENU MENU | Dinner | Dinner Service: Service: 7 days7adays weeka week Location: Location: The Veranda The Veranda Location: Location: Q Restaurant Q Restaurant Kick off Kick theoffholiday the holiday season season with cookie with cookie decorating decorating and hot and hot Three-course Three-course menu menu perfect perfect for smaller for smaller Christmas Christmas parties. parties. $75 $75 chocolate. chocolate.

Afterwards Afterwards join the joinlocal the celebration local celebration on Government on Government adult, adult, +$40 +$40 for wine for pairings wine pairings StreetStreet for Victoria’s for Victoria’s AnnualAnnual SantaSanta Claus Claus Parade.

Parade.

Parade Parade beginsbegins at at 5pm. $10 5pm.charity $10 charity donation donation per child per or child oneorcanned one canned good per goodchild per child DECEMBER DECEMBER 15 15 *All proceeds *All proceeds go to the goBC to Children’s the BC Children’s HospitalHospital Foundation Foundation

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 16TH16TH TO DECEMBER TO DECEMBER 23 23

WINTER WINTER VERANDA VERANDA | 4pm| –4pm Close – Close (Fri/Sat/Sun) (Fri/Sat/Sun) Location: Location: Veranda Veranda Celebrate Celebrate the holiday the holiday season season on Victoria’s on Victoria’s best patio, best patio, and enjoy and enjoy hot beverages, hot beverages, festivefestive treats,treats, and s’mores and s’mores around around the fire. the fire.

DECEMBER DECEMBER 1 TO 1JANUARY TO JANUARY 4 4

KID’S KID’S CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS AT THE AT THE CASTLE CASTLE | 1pm| –1pm 4pm– 4pm Location: Location: BengalBengal RoomRoom Perfect Perfect for parents for parents and their and kids. their Sparkling kids. Sparkling wine and winecanapés and canapés for Moms for Moms and Dads, and Dads, Christmas Christmas activities activities and treats and treats for thefor the kids. Cash kids. bar.

Cash$85 bar.per $85two perparents two parents + one+child, one child, $25 for $25 each for each additional additional child. child.

DECEMBER DECEMBER 19 19

BENGAL BENGAL & BAUBLES & BAUBLES EVENT EVENT | 6pm| –6pm 11pm – 11pm SEASON SEASON OF JOY OF JOY DRINKS DRINKS | 11am | 11am – 12am – 12am | 7 days | 7 adays week a weekLocation: Location: BengalBengal RoomRoom Location: Location: Q BarQ&Bar Veranda & Veranda Our skilled Our skilled mixologists mixologists are preparing are preparing modern modern variations variations of classic of classic festivefestive flavours. flavours.

FESTIVE FESTIVE AFTERNOON AFTERNOON TEA TEA Seating Seating times times as follows: as follows: December December 1 - 20:1 -11:00am 20: 11:00am - 4:00pm - 4:00pm December December 21 - January 21 - January 1: 11:00am 1: 11:00am - 5:45pm - 5:45pm January January 2 - February 2 - February 13: Mon 13:to Mon Thu:to1:00pm Thu: 1:00pm - 4:00pm - 4:00pm • • Fri to Fri Sun: to 11:00am Sun: 11:00am - 4:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Location: LobbyLobby Lounge Lounge Traditional Traditional Afternoon Afternoon Tea during Tea during the festive the festive season, season, with famous with famous seasonal seasonal offerings offerings and classic and classic desserts. desserts. $84 adult, $84 adult, $42 for $42 children. for children.

Opt forOpt Champagne for Champagne Festive Festive Tea Tea at theatEmpress. the Empress. $155 $155

DECEMBER DECEMBER 8 8

CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S ETIQUETTE ETIQUETTE AT THE AT THE EMPRESS EMPRESS

Enjoy Enjoy a buffet a buffet featuring featuring festivefestive classics classics and well andknown well known IndianIndian flavours. flavours.

Perfect Perfect for small for small office office parties. parties.

For more For more information information pleaseplease contact contact Natalie Natalie SextonSexton at natalie.sexton@fairmont.com at natalie.sexton@fairmont.com or or 250-995-3668.

250-995-3668. $85+ $85+ tax and taxgratuity and gratuity adult adult *price subject *price subject to automatic to automatic 15% gratuity 15% gratuity

DECEMBER DECEMBER 24 24

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS EVE EVE DINNER DINNER | 5pm| –5pm 9pm– 9pm Location: Location: Q Restaurant Q Restaurant Four-course Four-course set menu, set menu, with optional with optional wine pairing. wine pairing. $149 $149 adult, adult, 50% off 50% foroff children, for children, +$45 +$45 for wine for pairings wine pairings

DECEMBER DECEMBER 25 25

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DAYDAY DINNER DINNER | 4pm| –4pm 9pm– 9pm Location: Location: Q Restaurant Q Restaurant | Maximum | Maximum table size tableofsize 10 of 10 Five-course Five-course set menu. set menu.

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11:00am 11:00am - 1:00pm - 1:00pm | Ages | 5-8 Agesyears 5-8 years 2:00pm 2:00pm - 4:00pm - 4:00pm | Ages | 9-12 Ages years 9-12 years CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DAYDAY DINNER DINNER BUFFET BUFFET | 2pm, | 2pm, 4:30pm, 4:30pm, Location: Location: LibraryLibrary 7pm seatings 7pm seatings Dr. Lew Dr.Bayer Lew Bayer is an internationally is an internationally recognized recognized civilitycivility expert, expert, and and Location: Location: CrystalCrystal Ballroom Ballroom founder founder of In Good of In Good Company Company Etiquette Etiquette Academy Academy & Finishing & Finishing Enjoy Enjoy the chef the attended chef attended carving carving stations, stations, seafood, seafood, classicclassic School.

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Afternoon Afternoon tea is tea served is served so so

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BIG HANK’S BLUES SONGS OF CHRISTMAS December 13

BIG HANK’S BLUES SONGS OF CHRISTMAS Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney 7:30 p.m.

The R&B Kingpins feature veteran bassist Jack Lavin, founding member of Powder Blues, Hank Lionhart, aka Uncle Wiggly, guitarist Steve Cross, ace session drummer Ross Hall, keyboardist Steve Ranta and a horn section most often featuring Paul Wainwright and Dave 'Duck' Rowse on tenor and baritone saxes.

December 14 to 15

LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney

SOUNDINGS — A CELTIC CHRISTMAS YELLOWPOINT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Offering something for the art connoisseur in us all — from pottery, metal works, sculptures, wood working, glass and yarn works, weaving, body and skin care, jewelry and sweet and savoury treats. Meet the artists, enjoy the atmosphere and find that perfect gift. Your admission fee covers access to both days, Saturday and Sunday, along with hourly door prizes from our vendors.

December 14

ACCAPELLA AND ANGELS Mary Winspear Centre

7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a performance from South Island Harmony.

December 15

2 p.m.

Both familiar and little-known songs of Christmas and the Turning Year from the traditions of ancient Britain. With the Cascadia String Quartet.

for many across Vancouver Island. This year's singing and dancing extravaganza includes musical medleys of well known songs by Billy Joel, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, a nostalgic wartime set, a Broadway medley of Singin’ in the Rain songs, a Celtic set, music from Amelie, Bing Crosby’s classic White Christmas as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favourites.

December 14 and 15

December 14

YELLOWPOINT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

DIEMAHLER CHRISTMAS CONCERT

McPherson Playhouse

St. Mary’s Church, Oak Bay

SOUNDINGS — A CELTIC CHRISTMAS Mary Winspear Centre

3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of music, dance, lights and decorations. Now in its 13th season, it has become a holiday tradition

2:30 p.m.

The DieMahler Ensemble specializes in masterful musical artistry, vibrancy, character, and very deep feeling, leaving no musical path unexplored. Each

GO0d To The . e t I b t s lA Reducing holiday food waste starts with rethinking how we shop. Plan ahead and use what’s in the cupboard first, then celebrate the holidays without wasting a single bite!

FOR TIPS AND RESOURCES VISIT

crd.bc.ca/lovefood 16 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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Seasonal

concert in this beautiful series offers a different flavour of musical colours and textures, with varied repertoire, from virtuoso classical works to gorgeous light romantic works that explore the wide range of musical emotion and expression.

December 21

December 14 and 15

CANADIAN BRASS

MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS Royal Theatre

Victoria Symphony 8 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor; Betty Waynne Allison, soprano; Vox Humana Chamber Choir. Kick off your festive season with some holiday cheer! Soprano Betty Waynne Allison and Vox Humana Chamber Choir lend their talented voices to perform both holly jolly and sentimental songs including O’Holy Night, The Nutcracker Suite, music from Harry Potter and more. Join associate conductor Maestro Pietraroia and the VS for a concert of holiday magic!

Featuring Daniel Lapp and friends, including the B.C. Fiddle Orchestra, The Swingin’ Shepherds, the Shiny Horn’aments, Joy of Life Choir and Folkestra.

University of Victoria Centre Farquhar Auditorium

8 p.m.

“The world’s most famous brass group” joins the Victoria Symphony for an evening of entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and most of all fun with holiday music, classical flare and a few surprises. The Grammy and Juno award winning group has sold more than two million CDs worldwide and has played Carnegie Hall, the Tonight Show and been featured with the Boston Pops.

McPherson Playhouse

Daniel Lapp's 16th Annual HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Alix Goolden Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music

Three shows, 2:30 and 7:30

victoriasymphony.ca December 20 to 22 December 26 to 28

GRINCHED — THE PANTO Mary Winspear Centre

Six shows at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Peninsula Players present a pantomime based off the characters by Dr. Seuss.

Traditional fun for all ages, filled with humour, music and audience participation.

December 21 to 23

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS Topaz Park This free outdoor Nativity Pageant is presented by local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and friends. Members of the 100-strong cast and crew, plus live animals, transform the park for a few unforgettable moments that will keep the true meaning and joy of Christmas in your heart forever.

A great experience for the whole family.

A WONDERHEADS CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 20 and 21

sublime Messiah. With the Hallelujah Chorus as its centerpiece, Handel’s oratorio Messiah is probably the most famous piece of classical music in the world.

NATIVITY PAGEANT

December 17 and 18

7:30 p.m.

The holiday classic you love brought to life in a way you never imagined possible! Renowned theatrical imagineers and multi-award winning company the Wonderheads reinvent the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his magical journey with giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention. Think Pixar meets Jim Henson.

& Activities!

December 21

christmasnativity.ca

CHRISTMAS IN LATIN AMERICA

DECEMBER 27 TO 29

St. Andrew’s Cathedral

8 p.m.

Richard Savino guitar and direction.

Joyous, celebratory, with a distinctive Latin twist. The music abounds with infectious rhythms, sweet melodies, and the lively spirit of the Christmas season in Latin America. In the spotlight are 18th century pieces from the Cathedral of Guatemala City.

December 20 and December 22

HANDEL'S MESSIAH University of Victoria Centre Farquhar Auditorium

Giuseppe Pietraroia leads talented soloists, the Victoria Symphony and the Victoria Choral Society in Handel’s

A Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People Production, based on the book

by E.B. White, adapted for the stage

by Joseph Robinette, music & lyrics by Charles Strouse.

Down on the Zuckerman Farm, Wilbur, an irresistible young pig is determined to avoid the butcher. With the help of his friends (especially the magnificent spider, Charlotte) Wilbur is not only safe, but learns that true friends live in our hearts forever. A beloved family favourite returns for the Holiday Season.

The classic story of friendship, based on the book by E.B. White, will warm hearts young and old as it charms its way on stage with lively music, lovable characters, and a pinch of Kaleidoscope magic. Featuring the Kaleidoscope Young Company

THE GIFT Royal Theatre

7:30 and 2 p.m.

Ballet Victoria’s holiday tradition, the same theme but always very different.

Accompanied by the Victoria Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this modern take on The Nutcracker follows Clara on a reimagined Christmas classic journey filled with wonderful new characters. From Harlequin dolls to dragons and fairies, a few mice and a Nutcracker ballerina, it’s an amazing holiday performance for the whole family.

December 28 and 29

CHARLOTTE’S WEB McPherson Playhouse 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

January 1

A Viennese New Years University of Victoria Centre Farquhar Auditorium 2:30 p.m.

Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor; Adam Luther, tenor; Ballet Victoria Start the New Year off right with lively and nostalgic music of the family of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries.

Talented singers join dancers from Ballet Victoria for this afternoon of music, dance and song. C Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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s Reader ir e h t e r sha ite r u o v a f om r f s e i stor st a p s n seaso t. n e s e r and p

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The sweetest Christmas gift With the Christmas season just around the corner one year, we had a baby.

This new addition changed the way I saw Christmas from that year onward, but not in the way that I expected it would.

One of our family’s favourite Christmas traditions is going to the outdoor nativity pageant held at Topaz Park. It’s a free gift every year to the community by the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which we attend. On a clear, cold night, just a few sleeps before Christmas, our family bundled up with our new baby and walked to the park.

The outdoor stage was set as ancient Bethlehem with a charming B.C. twist — mossy rocks and garry oaks formed the backdrop of the stable and inn. I snuggled my sweet bundle close to me on the bleachers as we watched the production. Lovely young Mary was called by an angel to bear a son. Live cattle promenaded across with wise men and shepherds. It was beautifully done, and we felt the warmth of the season despite the frosty night air.

The pageant came to a close and we were preparing to leave when our friend, the production manager, approached us.

“Could you stay for one more show tonight? We don’t actually have a baby Jesus. We’ve been using a doll,” she said rather sheepishly, then added: “Would you being willing to let your baby play the part for the last show?”

I looked down into the dark, trusting eyes of my little one. I hesitated for a moment. I didn’t really want to give my baby to a Mary I didn’t know. And yet, wouldn’t this be the best role of all time to be cast in?

The logistics of it went like this: I would hide in the shadow of the stable during the first part of the pageant. A secret door would open when the stable lights went low and the baby would be transferred from my arms to Mary’s for the big finish, while I stayed hidden behind.

Poof! A baby is born. (If only real birth was that easy!)

I sat behind the stable, waiting our turn. My baby was already dressed in a snowsuit, so the swaddling cloth made this tiny human a large marshmellowy bundle.

I gently stroked the small round head, sweet little nose, and beautiful cheeks. I was still reluctant to give my child away even for a short moment, but I reminded myself of the profound purpose.

Just then the trap door opened, the baby made a smooth and quick delivery, and Mary was proudly holding my whole world in her arms.

Tears filled my eyes, not because I was sad for my empty arms, but because in that moment it became crystal clear. “God gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God loves His perfect Son. He chose to give Him up. He chose that because He loves me. He loves us all.

The Hallelujah Chorus rang out and echoed off the rocks and bleachers. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. He shall reign forever and ever. God’s perfect Son was His perfect Christmas gift to humanity.

The pageant only lasted 20 minutes or so, but that December night taught me a new perspective and deep appreciation for Christmas that will always have a special place in my heart.

Melissa Smith, Victoria > Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 | 19

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99 Snow Angels: A Cautionary Tale

One sunny Saturday in 1956, three days before Christmas, I stood in my grandmother’s yard and surveyed the snow-covered field. The snow sparkled prismatic jewels. Happy and energetic, I decided to lay my 10-year-old body on this sparkly white blanket and make a snow angel.

As my arms and legs moved, I felt inspired to create a Christmas card for God, my Father. I would make 100 snow angels and sing Christmas carols as I stroked my arms up and down, legs in and out.

Well, I got to angel No. 99 and was, so tired and, so cold that I couldn’t bring my arms down. I called my grandmother for help.

She came, gasped, and called my uncle Albert.

Together they lifted up my numb, spread-eagled body and, side stepping, carried me into the warmth of grandmother's home.

She was a V.O.N. (Victoria Order of Nurses) nurse, and expertly warmed my body up.

Oh, how sweet that milk-ladened honey tea was. Shortbread butter biscuits melted into my mouth. Oh thank you, God my Father and grandmother I mumbled as I drifted into sleep and dreamt of real angels singing angelic music as they danced around 99 snow angels.

Heather Herbison Nanaimo

A special first Christmas

I had just been engaged to a wonderful Chinese woman who became my wife, now of over 25 years. She had a friend who had come over for dinner; neither of them had ever celebrated Christmas before as that is not a Chinese tradition.

At that time, we were living in the downtown east side of Vancouver in a 12-foot-by-14-foot room. I decided I wanted to do Christmas; neither of them had any idea what I was talking about. I went out and bought a six-foot artificial tree and as many lights and decorations that I could afford. I set up the tree in the middle of the room and then put all of the lights on it. I then told them that they had to decorate the rest of the tree.

I showed them all the boxes of decorations and they went to work.

I just watched them as they attacked their task with enthusiasm.

When they were finished, I told them to sit down and I plugged in the Christmas tree lights. Shrieks of glee and delight followed. Then they both hugged each other and started to cry.

I have had many delightful Christmases before and since, but this one will always stand out.

The last-minute tree and the Lionel train ’Twas the night before Christmas in 1948 and all through our house was the scent of the baking that my mother had done. Our dinner was laid, as the hour was five, our usual time for supper but my dad was not yet home.

He had to work overtime at the Esquimalt Dry Dock and did not arrive home until after eight. We were at the point of panic as our plan had been to buy and erect our Christmas tree that evening and by now the sales lot was closed.

Immediately after dinner, my dad donned his overcoat and scarf, ran down to the yard and mounted his bike. I can see him pedalling away into the calm and snowy night.

It was not more than 30 minutes later when we saw him return pulling a tree behind him through the snow. Then he came in the front door pulling a beautiful Balsam fire tree behind him.

In no time at all he had the tree erected and we all went to work with the lights and decorations. I had the honour of placing our heirloom angel at the top. We all stepped back to admire what we all thought was the best looking tree that we had ever done.

My mom then asked where dad had bought such a beautiful tree at this hour.

“Oh, I did not buy it, I cut it down at the first hole of the Gorge Vale Golf Course,” he replied.

Being Christmas eve, I was allowed to stay up late and enjoy some of my mom’s homemade fruit cake, but shortly drifted off to sleep. I awoke early and, being the only one up, I went to the tree to sneak a peak at what Santa had brought.

Wow! Around the tree ran a railroad track with a Lionel locomotive, coal tender, cattle car, tanker and caboose. Nearby was a station (made by my father) and a couple of toy cars. I got the transformer plugged in and had the train going in a flash. What a great gift for a six year old.

Oh no! The rest of the family is stirring. I ran for my bed just as my mom came to wake me for breakfast after which we all went into the living room to open our presents. I had to feign surprise at finding the train, but I think they guessed that I had already seen it as when my dad went to plug it in for me .... and it was already plugged in.

The memory of that Christmas lives in my mind as the best ever.

Russ Leech >

Peter Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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The Valley of the Inn

My husband and I were on a backpacking trip in Europe, staying at youth hostels, pensions, bed and breakfasts and, sometimes, were fortunate to receive the good will of people we met along the way.

So our adventure had begun in early October of 1965.

Along the way, we met a family in Brixlegg, Austria. One of the men in the family knew my husband’s brother and he had suggested, if we were in the area, that we visit the family.

When we visited earlier in the year, they insisted we come for Christmas.

By Dec. 24, 1965, we were short of funds, but two days before we had acquired jobs at a U.S. army base in Munich.

The work started after Christmas. The jobs were a gift for us.

On Christmas eve, we were up early and heading toward Brixlegg, Austria. With packs on our backs and a big Canadian flag on my husband’s pack, we set off. We headed along the direct road to Innsbruck. After three hours of wrong bus rides, we were finally out of Munich.

After a few short rides, we were dropped off in a small mountain town, just at the beginning of a fantastic mountain pass. It was getting much colder and we were losing light, but the snow provided its own light. We thought we would not make it to the kind family who had invited us to join them.

But much to our surprise and delight, we were offered a ride, by a couple and their five children, who were not only from Canada, but Vancouver where we lived! A lawyer and his wife were headed to Austria for a five-day Christmas holiday. They were spending a year in England.

The children were excited about Christmas and the youngest was quite worried Santa would have trouble finding them.

We all sang Christmas carols. When we reached the top of the pass, above the Inn Valley, we were treated to the sight of what looked like a toy train winding its way along the valley floor. We stopped and just looked for a while.

It was a clear crisp night with twinkling stars. We descended into the valley and were let off in a small village, not far from the train station in Innsbruck. A short ride to the train and we were heading to Brixlegg. We arrived at the family home about 7 p.m. and they were waiting for us.

We changed quickly and the eldest son stated: “Christmas begins,” and candles were lit on the real tree! It was a tall tree and was in a stairwell to the second storey. We then went up the stairs where dinner was waiting in the kitchen/ dining area. We had a traditional wonderful dinner.

Around 8 p.m., the bells, in all the churches started to ring in the whole of the Inn Valley. All blended into a wonderful sound and a special echo bounced from the mountain sides, into the valley.

At midnight, the family went to church to welcome Christmas Day. I had not been away from home for Christmas before, but this one I can never forget!

Donna Guns 22 | |Capital 2018 22 CapitalChristmas HOME for the Holidays 2019

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A golden lab for Christmas

It had to be sometime in the middle of the 1970s.

It was a winter when we had a lot of snow and it was Christmas day.

I worked for the city of Victoria’s public works road crew.

Guess who got a call at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning to do some salting of the roads?

But duty comes first.

I got home around 10 a.m. and my kids and wife met me at the front door with big smiles on their faces. “Happy Christmas morning, dad, we got you a present.”

I looked in the corner of the living room and there was a golden lab puppy staring at me and probably thinking “who are you?”

I have always loved golden labs and I got one for Christmas!

The kids said: “What are you going to name her Dad?” I said her name is going to be Sheba and every one liked that name.

She grew up with the kids and was a really friendly dog.

Sheba has been long gone now, but it’s a Christmas I will never forget.

Phil Norton Victoria

Peace in a wartime Christmas

It was Christmas 1943, and the fourth Christmas under German occupation on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, about 30 miles from St. Malo, Normandy.

I was 12 years old.

It was a cold blustery night. We had a roaring fire going in the stove in the living room. We were enjoying a quiet evening at home, the candles being our only lights as there was no electric power because of the shortage of diesel oil.

The living room was the only room that was heated, so the whole family was there — dad, my two older sisters and my younger brother. It was the first Christmas without mother, who had died in the spring.

There was a knock on the door.

Who could it be?

It was after curfew.

To our surprise, it was a German soldier, Herr Fry. He had been a pastor of the Lutheran Church in Hamburg whom Dad had met through his work on the Commodities Committee [a citizen’s committee of our local government.] His outspoken opposition to Hitler led to his arrest and he was given the choice: Concentration camp or army service.

He had come to be with a family to celebrate Christmas.

He brought his flute and a transparency of the nativity scene, which we put on the mantle with a small candle behind it. He played his flute and we all sang carols in both English and German. We children were learning German at school and were required to sing in German when the commandant visited our school.

This left an indelible memory, reminding us that people no matter what their nationality, race, religion or political situation have the same desire to live in peace and harmony with everybody.

John Romeril

11/5/19 9:56:28 AM

Pure Christmas Magic!

As we drove, rain and sleet threatened to cancel our annual Christmas trip to Butchart Gardens. However, to our delight as we approached the entrance gate, snow began to fall and over the next hour completely covered the grounds creating a beautiful winter wonderland.

The colourful Christmas lights reflecting on the snow, the endearing carollers, the exquisite decorations, an entertaining theatrical presentation and, of course, a festive Christmas snack made the night one we will never forget.

Coincidentally, soon after we exited the garden gates, we found that a snowfall had never materialized further up the road, thereby “gifting" us with the memory of an incomparable moment in time.

Pure Christmas Magic!

Marilyn Mair & Bruce Cuthbert Victoria

The shepherd

Several years ago, I was working on a UNESCO project in the Middle East.

Christmas was approaching and I was looking forward to coming back to Canada. Given the locale, it felt a bit incongruous, but the hotel where I was staying put up an enormous Christmas tree and many seasonal decorations and lights.

On the weekend, I was going with a friend to Petra. As we drove through the desert, a figure appeared on the crest of a hill. It was a shepherd, dressed in flowing robes and headgear, holding his staff as he guarded his flock. It was a scene that could have been from a Christmas card.

Suddenly, I felt serene and not so far away from home any more. I recognized fully that this was the part of the world where Christmas all began. Something so simple, and so far away from North American commercialization.

It remains one of my favourite Christmas memories.

Shirley McBride Cordova Bay

Family First

Christmas time has always been associated with sights and smells of baked bread, desserts, decorations, strings of lights on the house and Christmas trees. Most of all though, I think of family coming together to celebrate, sit and laugh over a turkey dinner prepared with all the fixings.

One Christmas, my sister and I believed this was not going to happen. Christmas eve morning we awoke to snow falling and blanketing everything outside. We were eagerly awaiting our father’s arrival home from a business trip, when mom received a call from him. We could see the pained look upon her face as she listened, and watched her put on a brave face when she got off the phone to tell us dad may not be getting home for Christmas. Our hope for our dad arriving began to wane as mom received calls from friends and relatives cancelling their visit due to the weather. We watched the gentle falling flakes of snow whip into a storm, the likes of when you turn a snow-globe upside down.

Our hope of seeing our dad on Christmas faded away, as the wind and driving snow made for any adventure out in the wonderland unbearable, so my sister and I passed the time by drawing, reading and staring out the window thinking of going outside to build snowmen.

What we didn’t know was my father began his journey home by arriving at the Cincinnati airport to find his flight delayed, then cancelled to New York City, as were most flights throughout the eastern United States that day due to the storm recorded as one of the most powerful of the 20th century.

Mom received a second call from dad confirming he most likely not be home until the day after Christmas, but he would try and get there as soon as he could. Mom told us the news, gave each of us a hug and we went off with tearful eyes to our rooms.

By early afternoon, my dad had taken a cab to Columbus, Ohio, and boarded the last flight to Pittsburgh. From the airport, dad took a cab to the bus depot and by early evening caught the last bus leaving for Philadelphia.

Mom, in her gentle way, reassured us dad would be OK and that he would be home as soon as he could, so my sister and I went to sleep. Dad arrived at the Philadelphia bus terminal at 11 p.m., hailed the last cab to take him to the train station, and, yes, caught the last train bound for New York City.

The train stopped at our community station of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey shortly after 2 a.m. There was close to a metre of snow on the ground, and most roads were impassable except for the main roads. Dad walked about a mile up the main road before one of two cabs in town picked him up and drove him a few miles, as far up the mountain road to our house as possible.

Dad dressed in a suit, wearing a fall suit jacket, carrying his two luggage bags, wearing rubber galoshes over his dress shoes, drudged up the hill and then down our road some two miles from where he was dropped off. It was overall journey lasting 21 hours to get to our house.

As the dimness of light appeared outside, I remember waking to the sound of my father’s voice saying, “Hello, I’m home!” to my mother.

I remember nothing of opening presents that Christmas, only the feeling of being happy and the warmth of sitting at the table with my sister, mom and dad.

Drew Van Brunt

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11/5/19 9:56:38 AM

Canal Christmas

Her name was “Mallemok,” which I would later be told loosely translated from Dutch is crazy big bird. She was long — 80 feet of flat-bottomed iron hull with two stabilizing leeboards, one portside and the other starboard. A colourful horn-of-plenty was carved into the top of the huge wooden rudder of this 80-year-old tjalk, or Dutch sailing barge. Moored on a canal in northeastern France, close to the Belgian border, this large, floating wooden shoe of a boat would be my base on this, my first Christmas away from home.

It was the early 70s and I had joined her in mid-December. Mallemok’s crew came from various countries — England, Holland, the United States and Canada for the most part — young people who wanted a slightly different perspective of northern Europe. No catered holiday, this. For $15 Cdn per week, they provided each of us with a tiny cabin in which to sleep and we prepared our own meals on two hotplates in a common area warmed by a small pot-bellied stove. For

fa la

an additional $5 Cdn per week, we could eat in the upstairs galley with the owners, but I much preferred the independence of preparing my own food, not to mention the mental stimulation of attempting to shop in an épicerie — exactly how many oranges were in a kilo or how many grams of cheese did I really need?

Mallemok had begun her voyage in her native Holland, leisurely navigating the canals of Belgium to her current site on the Deûle Canal not far from the small village of Deûlémont, which is where I joined her.

From there in future she would continue her slow meander toward the Mediterranean.

Luckily, there was a local farm a short walk from our moorage where milk, eggs and freshly baked bread could be purchased.

Entry was obtained through a large wooden gate into an interior courtyard, which was surrounded by an ancient stone farmhouse and several conjoined buildings in various states of disrepair. From there, you had to compete with roaming chickens and hostile geese for the attention of the farmer's wife. For more

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in-depth provisioning, we walked the dirt canal path, no more than 12 inches wide, to Deûlémont.

Pam, one of the owners, had recently returned from a visit to England, her suitcases bursting with Christmas treats. She generously insisted that we all celebrate Christmas dinner together, which met with little resistance.

On Christmas Eve day, I and one of the other girls decided to walk along the canal path to Deûlémont for last-minute purchases and, I believe in retrospect, to soak up some of the village Christmas spirit. It was a cold, windy day and the rain-soaked footpath was a sea of mud, but we persevered. By the time we had completed our errands, we had a quick lunch and were ready to return to our moorage. December darkness was upon us and all the village shopkeepers had long since departed to join their families. Heading toward the canal path we passed a sad, scraggly little tree festooned with scraps of tinsel and a raggedy red bow leaning against the wall of a closed shop, buffeted by the rising wind. Deciding that it could be put to a much better use on board the Mallemok, we picked it up and headed for home.

Carrying our few packages and a Christmas tree was no easy task as we manoeuvred our way along the narrow muddy path. One wrong move and either of us could have ended up taking an unexpected bath, so it was one foot slowly in front of the other in the slippery darkness, single-file. Unfortunately, there was no light to guide our way-save for a partial moon, which was not providing one of its better displays.

We sang Christmas carols as we gingerly felt our way along the path. When we finally reached the barge, we continued our carolling until someone appeared on deck to help us with the Christmas tree, which was received with much surprise and appreciation.

The evening was spent playing darts and charades by the warmth of the coal fire, imbibing a romantic spiced red wine. A very good time was had by all.

On Christmas morning, we exchanged homemade “fun” gifts that we had made for each other. It was definitely the thought that counted! Dinner was planned for late afternoon and Pam outdid herself with her roast goose (my first), roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts and, to top it all off, my first Christmas pudding — flamed with brandy and served with dollops of both cream and custard. More darts and charades followed and then to bed.

I have never forgotten that first Christmas away from both my home and my country. The total absence of commercial excess, the winter peace of the northeastern French countryside, sharing with new friends in a foreign land, all contributed to an unforgettable experience in my life that I shall treasure always.

Lynne Stokes 26 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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Stuff and nonsense

Christmas Cake Remedy

The joy of Christmas 1953 was the surprise of a 20-pound turkey from the shores of Ireland, plucked and cleaned, left on the front doorstep of my home in the rural area of Surrey, England.

A gift from a well-wisher. The history of how it was roasted remains a happy memory.

Hubby placed the turkey on the kitchen table and as we stood looking at it, wondered how we would get it to fit inside our tiny gas oven.

I began with the task of making two types of stuffing; pork sausage meat for the neck cavity and a herb with bread crumbs and egg for its lower cavity.

Hubby’s first move was to take out the shelves from inside the oven. With a strong piece of twine in his hand he secured it tightly round the turkey’s neck, making a large loop at one end for it to go over the steel hook he fitted to the roof of the oven. This allowed him to push the bird in, ready for roasting, with a drip tray under it to catch the grease.

Christmas morning. All went well until it was time to remove the turkey from the oven. The firm, goldenbrown roasted hot turkey, with its tantalizing smell, would not budge. Hubby suggested removing the legs and easing it out. With an effort on my part, I pulled on tight to one leg and in so doing found myself flung on the coconut mat inside the kitchen door, grease dripping down my arm and white-starched apron, holding a hot leg high in the air. This caused us to collapse, laughing.

Back to the business of attacking the remaining leg, hubby asked me to pass him a large, sharp knife from the kitchen drawer. In one fell swoop, off came the second leg. Now free of its encumbrance, our legless bird slid from the oven with the ease of a ballerina dancing to the tune of the Christmas Nutcracker.

Putting the turkey on a large platter and with a leg in each hand, hubby carefully placed one each side of the bird. Our roasted turkey, shared with family and friends, was delicious.

We smiled, hugged each other. Come next Christmas should we find the gift of a 20-pound turkey on our front doorstep, we know there will be stuff and nonsense.

Caroline E. Whitehead Sidney

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Photo: Derek Ford

It was late November 1989, the year in which my mother had passed away. As Christmas approached I just could not get into the spirit of the season. Although my family gave me the space I needed to process her passing, as the days crept closer to Christmas, our daughter, who was 18, started to panic because I had shown no signs of baking the Christmas fruitcake that in our house signaled the start of the Christmas season.

Every year since I left home in 1968, I baked Christmas fruitcakes at the end of October. The root of this tradition started with my mother when she was a young housewife living in her first home that dad built in Langford. Every year, she used the same recipe, producing copious pounds of fruity rum-soaked cakes. As soon as I was old enough, I was enlisted to babysit the timing of the largest cake, which took five hours or longer to bake.

I enjoyed carrying on her tradition, making it my own, not withstanding that over the years, I was running out of “victims” to gift the cakes. But in 1989, as December was closing in, I had not even shopped for the cake ingredients or much else in preparation for Christmas.

I reasoned that there was no longer enough time for the traditional cake to properly cure. Fate, however, stepped in as I stumbled upon a new recipe for a much simpler version called Brandy Christmas Cake. Most of the ingredients were already on hand, so I started the cake before I could change my mind.

The mixing was super easy compared to the traditional cake, but when I went to the bar there was lots of rum which the old cake called for, but no brandy.

I didn’t want to improvise on the first try by substituting rum for brandy. This recipe was called Brandy Christmas Cake, not Rum Christmas Cake, so I went to my husband’s special liquor cabinet and poured out a generous cup of his XO for the cake.

He had a stricken expression on his face when I told him what I had done, but baking that cake was just the remedy I needed to boost me out of the melancholy that had enveloped me after mom died. Christmas prep proceeded much later than usual for our house that year, but I was back on track again.

At Christmas when I cut that cake, the aroma was heavenly. Even the kids said this was the best fruitcake I had ever made.

But when I served a slice to my husband, I am sure I detected a tear in his eye — this was not exactly how he had planned to enjoy his XO. Merry Christmas

Pam K

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Abandoned at the inn

Madeira is a small but lush mountainous island situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 kilometres west of Morocco.

We were living on the island, house-sitting a large estate. In those days, most inhabitants were devout Catholics.

Over Christmas, families got together for colourful celebrations, but outsiders were rarely included.

When we told a Madeiran friend we didn’t have anywhere to go on Christmas Day, he suggested we visit a fishing village in the remote northwest, called Porto Moniz.

He told us the villagers had interesting traditions.

So we booked a room at the only inn in the village. On the morning of Dec. 24, we set off by taxi (no buses were running that day, or the next).

Many hours later, we arrived in this isolated and hilly village and discovered the inn was closed.

The place was deserted. It began raining heavily. Meanwhile, our driver had left, and there were no buses going back to town.

Finally, an ancient-looking caretaker appeared at the door. He let us in. It was freezing cold.

The old fellow gestured toward a table. On the table was a small plate of sardines and cookies.

Then he disappeared, locking the place up, with us inside.

And the heating was off.

At this point we wondered if our aristocrat friend was playing a joke on us. He was known for his strange sense of humour.

Some interesting customs, for sure.

It seemed strange no one was around on Christmas Eve. As it got dark, we began to see a few people slowly walking up the hill, holding candles, heading to church. Soon it was a procession.

Then around 1 a.m., after Midnight Mass, the locals started what we later learned was an annual tradition over the past few years: Speedily driving up and down the hill in trucks. Up and down they went, all night.

They were mostly young people, many standing up in the back of the trucks, singing carols and folk songs, at the top of their lungs.

It’s strange how you recall certain things. We remember there was a small radio in the kitchen, and we heard on the news Charlie Chaplin had died.

At noon on Christmas Day, the inn’s owner suddenly turned up, asking if we’d had a pleasant Christmas. Clearly there was some miscommunication; all we’d had were sardines, cookies and a bar of chocolate.

The next day when we got back to the estate, we opened a bottle of — what else — Madeira wine!

A wee bit of delayed Christmas joy. Feliz natal!

Henri and Natasha van Bentum Victoria

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11/5/19 9:57:03 AM

The little house that love built I was five years old and this took place after the war ended while there was still rationing going on.

My sister and I went into the front parlour where we were not supposed to go. We found a table covered with a black cloth and peeping underneath were surprised to see a piece of wood two feet by 18 inches with little blocks of wood on top of each other.

What could this be? We were mystified.

On Christmas Day morning, we found out that it was a beautiful doll house. The outside was covered in red-brick wallpaper and the roof in green tiled wallpaper.

Inside, there were two parlours, a dinning room and a kitchen downstairs. Upstairs

Remembering Sam Although sad, our family will never forget Christmas Day, 1989. When our daughter was a baby in 1974 we got our first dog. Sam was one of 11 black lab puppies. His mother was my sister’s dog.

Sam grew up with our three children. He was very much loved by many people in our Colwood neighbourhood. He lived a long and happy life.

Christmas Eve 1989, Sam had a stroke.

He was 15 and a half years old. We were so happy by Christmas Day morning to see he was doing so well. Well, that didn’t last. In the late afternoon, Sam had another massive stroke. Our vet who happened to be on call, came to our home right away. So, while our vet was ‘putting Sam to sleep,’ family members were coming through the front door for Christmas dinner at our home. It was a surreal situation. We just carried on as best we could, through tears, love and hugs. We kept saying we will never forget this day. And we never have.

On Boxing Day, we were taking Sam to my sister’s acreage to bury him. One of our sons was too upset to come. Instead he went for a bike ride with a friend.

Well, that didn’t work out so well. His brakes failed and he fell off his bike. So we went from burying our dog to going to the hospital, so our son could get a cast on his arm. He then had a six week recovery from this injury.

We have gone on to have three more labs over the many years, but Sam was our first and to this day we still talk about Christmas, 1989.

there were two bedrooms and a bathroom. The furniture in the parlours, dinning room and bedrooms was all in oak. The walls inside were all wallpapered, including the ceilings. In the ceilings were real working lights connected to a battery in the garage.

My mother had made little carpets from apricot-coloured velvet. The stairs were also covered in carpet.

The house shone like a jewel at night.

A set of miniature clowns came to live in the house, and we sewed clothes for them.

My parents must have spent hours making this house. The enjoyment lasted many years for my sister and I. It was a magical Christmas for us, especially when many things were hard to get.

How we loved that house and years later it went to a nearby orphanage.

Fran Simpson

The

big shoe box

One day in December a few years ago, my son and I were driving down the highway on our way to do some snowmobiling when we came upon a big cardboard crate in the middle of the road. We stopped to move the box off the road and discovered it was full of brand new women’s high-stiletto-heeled shoes, about 24 pairs. We loaded the shoes on the trailer and took them home.

I tried to locate the owner of the shoes, but nobody I called — not the trucker, not the shipper nor the manufacturer, would claim the missing shipment.

So that Christmas season, every woman I knew got a phone call from me asking what size shoes they wore. An odd request. Then I matched shoes to the right-sized feet, and 24 women got matching new shoes for Christmas.

Bruzz Bethel Victoria

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Elizabeth Garland Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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11/5/19 9:57:10 AM

Get the axe.

It’s time to carve the turkey

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Sometimes a sad Christmas becomes brighter … for unexpected reasons.

The first Christmas after my mother died, I decided to break with tradition to distract us from our grief. I had just read the family cookbook of the late journalist, Pierre Berton, and his wife, Janet. I was intrigued with their traditional Christmas dinner: An adaptation of Morton Thompson’s turkey recipe. Mr. Berton said it was important to use a very large turkey. I also noted his plea: Do NOT phone him on Christmas Day, when it is discovered the turkey has turned black.

Unfortunately, Mr. Berton doesn’t warn his readers that the recipe costs about a week’s wages. The list of ingredients is endless. First off, the stuffing takes about 30 ingredients, and three prep bowls: One bowl for chopped chestnuts and fruit (including pineapple). Another bowl for bread crumbs and assorted ground meats; a third bowl for chopped vegetables & spices. The three bowls are then combined into one large bowl. The stuffing is to be mixed thoroughly by hand “until your forearms ache.”

This preparation takes up the space of an average condo kitchen.

Next on the list, was the ingredients for making a thick mustard paste, which contains onion juice and chili flakes.

The paste is then slathered over the bird. The turkey is to be cooked at 500 degrees. Mr. B suggested a wood stove is ideal for this. My condo offered an electric stove, with sensitive fuses. I set the oven as high as I dared, to save the fire department making a house call on Christmas Day. After the bird was done, the recipe called for gently peeling off the blackened crust to reveal tender juicy meat.

Mr. B suggested using tweezers so as not to disturb the tender meat. In our case, the crust was impenetrable to any of my kitchen utensils, including a meat cleaver.

My father suggested we needed to use an axe to get the job done. He was half-joking, but I happened to have one in my storage locker. We spread a large green garbage bag on the kitchen floor, and placed a cutting board on top to hold the enormous turkey in place. With the first strike of the axe, the turkey scooted across the floor, as if it were auditioning for the Carol Burnett show. With each additional strike, bits of crust flew off, with meat attached.

By the time we got the blackened crust off, most of the meat was scattered around the kitchen’s geography. Never mind, we still had the almighty stuffing. It turned out to be the star of the meal. More delicious than one could ever imagine.

What might have been the worst Christmas became a Christmas filled with laughter over the antics of ‘carving’ the turkey. It has been 36 years since that Christmas, but the memories still make me smile. I hope it does you, too.

Jane Miller

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11/5/19 9:57:16 AM

Christmas dinner on Salt Spring Island Preparing Christmas dinner on Salt Spring Island for my family almost did not happen when a severe windstorm swept across the Gulf Islands on Dec. 20, 2018. The storm toppled trees, branches and powerlines, which affected many of the Islands’ residents.

My oldest daughter, her husband and their new baby had recently moved to the north end of Salt Spring Island and my youngest daughter and I were looking forward to spending Christmas there with them.

The northern end of the Island was heavily damaged with inaccessible roads which left many residents stranded in their homes and, for some, not able to get home until the roads were cleared.

B.C. Hydro crews worked diligently around the clock with hopes to restore electricity to everyone by Christmas.

By Dec. 23, most of the roads were cleared and safe to navigate, but there were still many homes without power. My daughter was running low on candles and asked me to bring a supply as the shops in Ganges had sold out.

I was seriously considering not going as I could not imagine cooking Christmas dinner without electricity or running water. My daughter and son-inlaw had a backup plan which was to cook the turkey on the out door barbecue and the rest of dinner on a Coleman stove.

She reassured me they were warm from the heat of the wood-burning stove in the living room as well as having several flashlights, fresh bottled water and a cooler full of ice. So, on Christmas Eve, off to Salt Spring Island my youngest daughter and I went for our Christmas-possibly-without-electricity adventure.

Arriving to Fulford Harbour, by way of the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, we drove north passing through Ganges. As we continued north, the destruction from the storm was more evident. Trees that had fallen across roads had been sawn in half and moved to the shoulders. We had

to navigate around several large fir branches. There were also downed power and telephone lines along the sides of the roads or dangling precariously from above. Thankfully, the first part of our adventure was now over as we arrived safely to my daughter’s place.

Christmas Eve was calm and peaceful as we enjoyed each other’s company, especially with the newest addition to our family. Sitting around the wood-burning stove with candles flickering caused me to imagine what Christmas was like for our ancestors.

On Christmas Day, we were still without power.

Preparing Christmas dinner was going to be the second part of our adventure.

I first set out making our family’s traditional sweet-potato stuffing outside on the Coleman stove.

I then stuffed the turkey, covered it in tin foil and placed it onto a foil roasting pan on the barbecue grill. Not knowing the temperature of the barbecue or how many hours it would take to cook the turkey may have seemed like a challenge to some, but I just let everyone know that dinner might be very early or

very late. While it was still light outside, we pealed and chopped the vegetables, then placed them into several pots of cold water, ready to be cooked on the Coleman stove.

After the table was set, we all went for a leisurely walk, while the turkey roasted nicely. It was getting dark outside and starting to rain when we returned.

By now the turkey was turning a wonderful golden brown. While holding a flashlight in the dark rain, I cooked the rest of the dinner. My son-in-law carved the perfectly cooked turkey while I prepared the gravy, then we sat down to eat at a reasonable hour.

I am pleased to say that Christmas dinner on Salt Spring Island, with no electricity, was a surprising success and one of my most memorable Christmas dinners that I have ever prepared for my family.

I went home on Boxing Day and my daughter’s power was eventually restored, in plenty of time for the New Year.

Trish Suzanne Victoria

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11/5/19 9:57:28 AM

Who Knew Santa Could Type?

The year was 1947. I was seven years old. It was a week before Christmas. Deep snow and temperature not quite 40 below. But it was warm for winter in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.

It was still dark outside as my mother was trying to get me out of the warm bed we shared so I could get ready for school. She had her hands full, having been widowed at the age of 43 with five children to raise. Three of my older siblings had grown and left home, leaving my teenage sister, Norma, and me.

But on this particular wintry morning, Norma had stayed overnight with friends so our bedroom would be available for visitors from Vancouver — my eldest brother, Johnny, and his bride, lIeane. They were still sleeping as mom bustled around getting a fire going in our wood stove, and trying to get me out of my bed, dressed and fed before my mile-long walk to school from our farm.

Mom cried out in her Lithuanian accent, “Hurry, hurry. Eat your oatmeal and dress warm.” That’s when I rebelled. “I don't want to eat that stuff. I don’t want to wear that bulky snowsuit. And I don’t want to go to school!”

Then I sat down on the kitchen floor for a major pout.

My fit finally diminished. I ate my Sunny Boy porridge and quickly dressed in layers. I was on my way to school, trudging aIong the snowy road hoping the Second World War army truck that hauled milk in big metal cans to the dairy in town would stop and give me a lift. A chilly ride, but faster than walking.

“Yes!” I gleefully heard a rumbling from a cloud of snow behind me which announced the dairy truck was barreling toward me. If the brothers Ted and Sweet Pea saw me and weren’t too late for the dairy, the truck would screech to a halt and I would scamper up into the open bed. They did stop for me that day, which made me very happy.

But after school, my happiness turned to personal tragedy.

I couldn’t wait to get home to see Johnny and lIeane, running the mile back home just as it started to get dark, about four o’clock. I burst into the house, throwing all my stuff in a corner.

My mother calmed me down, then handed me a Western Union telegram! I was stunned.

Never had I received a telegram, but there it was addressed to me and only me.

I could barely read, but the message was very clear. Santa had somehow heard of my morning temper tantrum, and maybe other naughty behaviors during the year, such as being a brat

CapChristmas_2019_1-92.indd 33

to my sister Norma by tattling about her smoking and extorting nickels and dimes from her boyfriends to ‘get lost’; not coming indoors in the summer from playing Red Light, Green Light with my neighbour pals when mom called; trying to gather all the redeemable beer bottles from our yard after our barn dances, instead of sharing the wealth with my playmate, Olaf Olson; hiding out in my school’s restroom because I was terrified of my teacher, Miss Ciccarelli — and arithmetic; playing doctor, by trying to chloroform our tomcat for a pretend tonsillectomy with cotton balls soaked in nail polish remover; disobeying my elders even to the point where my older brother Robert turned me upside down with my nose only an inch from the water-filled rain barrel . . . and of course not listening nor doing what I was told.

Santa was very clear that with my bad behavior. He didn’t think he could fulfill my wishes for this Christmas — if I didn’t start behaving myself, that is, and quit being a brat!

This warning was typed right there on a

Western Union telegram, addressed to me.

I felt cold, as though all the blood had rushed out of my body. I couldn’t believe that Santa knew everything about my behavior and really did have a list, and that he “checked it twice.”

Of course, after reading Santa’s telegram, my behavior took an immediate 180-degree turn for the few days left before Christmas. I became sugar and spice and everything nice, totally different from my usual self.

Who knew Santa had that much power.

And could type.

It was only when I was an adult that Santa’s power over me was revealed. After my new sister in law, lIeane, had heard all the commotion in the kitchen that morning as I was rebelling against everything, she became Santa’s helper.

She went to the Western Union office, and there persuaded the clerk to type Santa’s warning on an official telegram form, addressed to me.

It’s been quite a laugh in our family for years.

And a day of infamy for me!

Ona Owen

(Submitted by Owen's niece, Kellie Paterson, Sidney) 71>

MAYFAIR 5X65 745166

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What will your legacy be?

You can guide the future of your community and causes that you care about by making a legacy gift to the charity of your choice. Charitable donations help to build communities and support a wide range of causes.

VOLUNTEERING in victoria

34

%

In 2019, 34% of people volunteered their time with an organization at least once a month. The top five areas: the local community, fundraising, sports and recreation, environment, and arts/heritage.

Median Charitable Donation

440

$

23% of all tax filers in Greater Victoria made charitable donations in 2017, higher than BC (19%) and Canada (20%).

Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vital Charities The best place to discover local organizations that matter most to you.

Vital Charities allows you to search hundreds of local organizations that have received a grant from the Victoria Foundation or that hold an endowment fund with them. Explore your community and connect with programs and projects like never before. victoriafoundation.bc.ca/ victorias-vital-charities

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ENJOY THE CERTAINTY THAT YOU HAVE MADE A GOOD DECISION. What will your legacy be? You can guide the future of your community and the causes you care about by making a legacy gift to the Victoria Foundation. Our endowment fund is one of this communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest strengths, allowing us to manage charitable gifts and bequests in perpetuity.

We continually build the fund and invest in our community - granting annually to a broad range of charitable organizations and worthy causes.

If community matters to you, the Victoria Foundation is where you can make your priorities known.

Please contact Sara Neely at 250.381.5532 or sneely@victoriafoundation.bc.ca for more information. victoriafoundation.ca

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Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Photo Joanne Flemming

Leave a legacy for those who follow

Swan Lake christmas hill n a t u r e

s a n c t u a r y

Enhance financial security for those who will benefit from Sanctuary programs.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is The ‘Natural Heart of the City’, the Sanctuary connects people to the flora, fauna and natural a non-profit organization history around them. that offers the community a place to enjoy a living classroom, fostering understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experiences. The ‘Natural Heart of the City’, the Sanctuary connects people to the flora, fauna and natural history around them.

A registered charitable organization run by Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society, the lands and facilities are owned by the Corporation of the District of Saanich. The Nature Sanctuary Society operates through a land management agreement with Saanich since June 1975, and in 2020, the Sanctuary will celebrate its 45th anniversary.

The Sanctuary offers an extensive trail system, whether you walk on your own or as part of the daily programs offered. The Sanctuary promotes awareness of the natural world without having to go far from home. This urban Sanctuary is located in the middle of the city, and offers programs that inspire children and families with an appreciation for nature. Spending time at the Sanctuary is a great way to connect as a family, get moving and reap benefits to your overall health and well-being.

Any time of year, visitors can enjoy the main lake trail and a stop on the beautiful new floating boardwalk. Here, you are right in the centre of a significant wetland. During the annual migration of birds, you have opportunities to see some beautiful plumage.

Those looking for a little more exertion can enjoy the selfguided or naturalist led Christmas Hill Wildflower Walk. The summit of Christmas Hill, at 109 metres above sea level, rewards you with spectacular views of the city. You can observe trees and shrubs, dormant during the winter, that are coming back to life in spring. Seasonally, you’ll see signs of wildlife, including holes/ cavities that birds, insects and small mammals could inhabit. Take time to sneak a peek at some of the wildflowers that, in spring, edge the trails that meander through the beautiful, yet sensitive, Garry oak meadow.

Leaving a legacy gift for those who will follow the trails for years to come will assist the Sanctuary in its efforts to protect this majestic land, and foster not only an appreciation for nature, but ultimately, the next generation of nature lovers. swanlake.bc.ca

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Kidsport

Get kids off the sidelines and onto the playing field KidSport Greater Victoria is a licensed local chapter of the national charitable organization, KidSport Canada. The chapter is among the biggest KidSport chapters in the country and is the largest in British Columbia.

Annually, KidSport Greater Victoria raises and distributes sufficient funds to cover registration fees for up to 1400 local kids, so they can get off the sidelines and onto the playing field. All of the kids reached through KidSport’s help are living in financial need. Thanks to season-ofsport registration grants totaling several hundred-thousand dollars a year, local kids in need are accessing seasons of sport of their choice, with up to $500 per child per year in registration fee support.

Through sport, children and youth gain confidence, leadership skills, physical literacy, and learn lessons related to team work, fair play and much more.

KidSport funding allows kids and youth living in financial need to seamlessly

engage in any of over 200 eligible local sport organizations alongside friends, classmates, teammates and positive adult role models.

To date, the KidSport Greater Victoria organization has funded over 12,400 local children in need into sport, with over $2.9 million in season-of-sport registration fees.

In the words of a recently funded KidSport child: “I am 13 years old. I came to Canada with my family in January 2016. My father is working so hard to provide all the support needed for our family, still we need a lot more support from our generous community. I am thankful for all the donors who helped me to be part of Gorge soccer team and pay the fees for me. Thank you!”

Could you or someone you know use financial help to get your kids in the game? Visit: kidsportvictoria.ca for more information or to apply for support.

In a position to donate or to consider a fundraising event benefiting KidSport Greater Victoria? We would love to hear from you! kidsportvictoria.ca

KidSport Greater Victoria will soon be celebrating 20 years!

2020 will mark KidSport Greater Victoria’s 20th year, helping local kids in need off the sideline and into the action.

With over 12,500 Victoria and area children assisted, and nearly $3,000,000 in sports grants distributed, KidSport and all of Victoria have a lot to celebrate!

For more information please visit

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Help us raise $7 million to build a home away from home in Campbell River

Make a gift today and help us hold Island families close.

JLYH#LVODQGNLGVȴUVW FRP _ LVODQGNLGVȴUVW FRP FDPSEHOOULYHUKRPH

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There’s no place like home How Victoria’s home away from home kept this Port McNeill family together

Jaime is a wife and mother of two who lives in Port McNeill — a Vancouver Island town on the North Island. On a weekday in spring of 2019, Jaime was going about her usual routine. She dropped her two boys off, nineyear-old Kallen and four-year-old Aceson, at their respective schools. But at lunchtime, she got a call from Aceson’s preschool, as he had developed a fever.

Despite rest and Tylenol, his health got worse. It wasn’t long before Aceson was also coughing and his breathing became laboured and shallow. When his fever spiked yet again, Jaime took him to the Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency department.

In a few short hours, Aceson was in the hospital’s trauma room with an intubation machine by his side, just in case he needed help to breathe. A chest X-ray showed he had pneumonia and subcutaneous emphysema.

Aceson’s breathing problems were serious — so serious that the medical staff in Port McNeill knew they couldn’t care for him there. He needed to be in a pediatric ICU (intensive care unit) in a far bigger hospital.

The only pediatric ICU on Vancouver Island is in Victoria — a six-hour drive in fair weather.

Travelling by plane was the only course of action.

Jaime remembers feeling scared as she waited for the airplane to arrive. For now, they only had each other. Jaime’s husband, Garon, had begun the six-hour drive to Victoria to be with his wife and son for the next step. And nine-year-old Kallen was in the care of his aunt and uncle in Port McNeill.

Aceson was admitted to the pediatric ICU right away. A new kind of panic set in for Jaime and Garon. Doctors explained that Aceson’s hospital stay could last anywhere from two weeks to one month.

Jaime and Garon were in a city far from their support network of family and friends, they had no idea how much staying in a hotel for weeks on end could cost, and they hadn’t brought enough clothing for a long stay.

The Gabrielles were told there was a room available for them at Jeneece Place, Victoria’s beloved home away from home. This became their home away from home while Aceson recovered.

“We didn’t leave Ace alone for a single minute. Garon and I did four-hour shifts.

There’s no way we would have been able to do that without Jeneece Place.”

When Garon and Jaime walked down the path from the hospital to Jeneece Place and through its big, welcoming entrance, it felt like coming home. They knew that here, they could relax, rest and clean up before returning to the hospital to care for their son.

“Without Jeneece Place, it would have been stressful financially,” says Jaime. “When doctors are telling you that you could be there for a couple weeks or up to a month, you automatically think, how do we even afford to do this?”

Aceson defied the odds. He was discharged after five days. Today, just months later, Aceson is a healthy, happy kid who loves playing soccer. Jaime and Garon know that the five nights they spent at Jeneece Place

played an important role in the story of their son’s recovery.

“Jeneece Place relieved the stress of preparing ourselves to be in Victoria for weeks,” says Jaime. “It allowed us to just stay and focus on Aceson.”

A home away from home is a safe and family-friendly place that keeps families together when a child receives essential health care. That place is particularly welcoming for families living on the North Island.

“Most people from the North Island are born and raised here, or have moved from other provinces. They don’t have family to stay with down Island, so medical treatment or long stays can be costly,” says Jaime. “Jeneece Place relieves the pressure for northern families so much.”

Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is working to build another home away from home in Campbell River, Qwalayu House, with the goal of opening in spring of 2021. Like Jeneece Place, this home will provide a safe and welcoming place for families from the west and northern regions of the Island to stay while their child receives care at the adjacent North Island hospital or neighbouring health care services.

Children’s Health Foundation needs your help to see this home come to life. Learn more or make a gift by calling: 250-940-4950, by emailing: give@islandkidsfirst.com. Visit: islandkidsfirst.com/campbellriverhome. Help them hold Island families close.

Above photo: Gabrielle family, Port McNeill.

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Home for the holidays and beyond

Cool Aid provides housing, healthcare and support services to over 12,000 people in Greater Victoria every year. We are currently building 229 new affordable apartments in Victoria – including 72 studio, one- and two-bedroom units at 210 Gorge Road East - to help meet the growing affordable housing needs of our community.

Who needs affordable housing?

• Low-income workers • People living with disabilities • Seniors on a fixed income • Single parent families • Students and young people starting out • Anyone struggling to afford market rents

CoolAid.org | 250.383.1977 | society@CoolAid.org

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The greatest gift?

A home.

As we move into the holiday season — eager to enjoy some well-deserved time off with family and friends, and thankful for our good fortune — let us also remember that hundreds of people in the Greater Victoria community are struggling to make ends meet, or are living without a home, and need an affordable place to live.

Cool Aid is proud to be part of our community’s efforts to address the affordable housing crisis, by building new rental housing that a range of renters in our community — from young people, to families, to seniors and those who need healthcare and other support — can afford.

Cool Aid currently provides housing for 585 adults in Victoria and we have 156 more apartments in development. But we can’t do it alone.

It truly “takes a village” to build housing, and we are so grateful for the support and confidence of the neighbours and community partners working with us to provide permanent housing solutions to the local housing and homelessness crisis.

Cedar Grove tenant Cosmo, seated on the right, lived on the streets for 15 years.

(Top right) Architectural rendering of Cool Aid’s 210 Gorge Road E development.

“Cool Aid does a lot more than just housing … I have a Cool Aid doctor to make sure I stay on my medication.

There is counselling, too.”

- Cosmo, tenant at 210 Gorge Rd. E.

Nowhere is this community spirit more present than with our project to redevelop 210 Gorge Road East, formerly called Cedar Grove. The project, approved by Victoria City Council earlier this summer, has been made possible thanks to a very generous gift of $450,000 from the Sisters of St. Ann, significant grants from BC Housing, CRD, CMHC and the City of Victoria, and over $500,000 from other supporters and donors like you.

We’re collaborating on this project with some of the best architects and builders in B.C. — with companies based right here in Victoria. Our architects, Number Ten Architectural Group, are committed to sustainable design and a down-to-earth approach that puts their communities and clients first. And our builder, Knappett Projects, is a Victoria-based construction company that has

been in business for over 30 years and has been a key supporter of social housing and communitybased projects in the region.

The Sisters of St. Ann are famous locally for their cherry, apple and plum orchards at St. Ann’s Academy on Humboldt Street in Victoria. It’s no surprise, then, they chose to support our project at 210 Gorge with a donation for landscaping that would include beautiful, productive fruit trees on the property. The landscaping on Carroll Street, and the addition of a new coffee shop, will be welcome additions to the neighbourhood.

Our integrated support services at 210 Gorge, for those tenants who need it, include healthcare and meals, free recreation and learning activities, and employment services through our Casual Labour Pool.

Together, with our partners and friends and other organizations, we have collectively housed and helped thousands over the past decade for which we can all be thankful. Still, more affordable housing is needed to end the

ongoing housing crisis in our community.

At this time of sharing and giving, we invite our neighbours in the Capital Region to continue to support Cool Aid and other community organizations in building more homes and providing quality healthcare and support to every citizen.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support.

Five Ways

You can help now: 1. Donate to support special holiday meals and other life-changing programs.

2. Donate a coat for our Warm Coat Drive – drop off at REES Offices: 465 Swift Street.

3. Help shelter guests with needed gifts of clothing, bus tickets, toiletries, art supplies and more.

Visit: CoolAid.org/shelters 4. Volunteer opportunities at: CoolAid.org/volunteer 5. Serve breakfast to the guests at Rock Bay Landing: CoolAid.org/breakfast

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Team up against ANXIETY Help your kids thrive with free coaching

Confident Parents: Thriving Kids – Anxiety program supports parents and caregivers to build skills and strategies they can use with their child to effectively reduce anxiety.

The program is available at no cost to BC families with children 3 to 12 years of age who experience mild to moderate anxiety.

For more information, please visit

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Canadian Mental Health Association

New anxiety coaching program opens doors for kids and families Parents and caregivers in B.C. whose children have anxiety impacting their development and day-to-day happiness at home, school and in the community now have access to a free intervention program.

Serving parents and caregivers of children aged three to 12 years, the Anxiety Program – a new offering under the existing Confident Parents: Thriving Kids service – is designed to reduce the impact of anxiety on a child.

It was developed locally by the Canadian Mental Health Association-BC Division (CMHA BC), in partnership with B.C. psychologists who specialize in child and youth mental health.

Tiffany Samson, parent:

Participants build a future without stigma and discrimination at youth anti-stigma summits.

“Before we took the Confident Parents: Thriving Kids Behaviour Program, I was overwhelmed. I felt like I wasn’t equipped, I didn’t have the tools to deal with our daughter’s behaviour, and I just felt like I was really struggling. After completing the program, I felt confident as a parent.”

For more information visit: confidentparentsbc.ca

Changing the way people think about mental health and substance use Young people gather to hear other youth’s personal stories of mental illness and substance use disorder. They take part in thought-provoking activities and design their own action plans to break down stigma — all this is accomplished in one full day Headstrong Youth Anti-Stigma Summit.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Victoria has been working with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to deliver Headstrong Anti-Stigma Summits over the past three years, including the first Indigenous summit.

Research shows that young summit participants leave with a measurable shift in attitudes and intended behaviours.

CMHA supports their antistigma action plans to unfold after the event is over, ensuring a lasting impact from their time together.

Saluting the Capital’s Mental Health Heroes Capital citizens lead the province in their contributions to mental health.

We are grateful for the support of the following organizations and individuals: • Ride Don’t Hide riders and sponsors • Bear Mountain Golf Resort • Noodlebox • One Yoga Victoria

New heroes wanted!

Call 1-800-555-8222 to talk about donating to CMHA in B.C., or visit: cmha.bc.ca

Thought-provoking speakers support young people to make healthy choices.

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Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

Your Gift Will Help Us Get Better at Getting Older

By Karen Morgan, Executive Director, Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation How would you feel if you lost the ability to live independently and had to move into long-term care? Working in the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, I’ve thought about this many times. So have the caring staff in our long-term care unit. In fact, they seem to be always thinking about it!

Managers, nurses and aides regularly propose new projects to enrich the lives of residents: music therapy, horticulture therapy, art therapy at McTavish Academy of Art, pottery at Panorama Centre, yoga, music and memories … and the list goes on.

Our residents are an active lot in spite of changes in their circumstances. Take Ruth, for example. Until pneumonia brought her to SPH, she lived on her own. She loved to putter in her garden and chat with friends and neighbours over the garden fence. She misses these simple pleasures, but the activities she can pursue in long-term care enrich her life now.

Then there’s John. He used to be a volunteer firefighter in Sidney and in North Saanich. Having suffered a stroke, John now calls the Saanich Peninsula Hospital home, but he’s still part of the same community he grew up in, lived and worked in, with kids and grandnephews nearby. The stroke has limited John physically, but he is still as keen as ever to participate in life.

Thanks to bequests, gifts, and the generosity of donors, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF) has helped staff in long-term care purchase a number of ground breaking therapeutic tools and worked to keep up with the equipment needs.

We still need the community’s help to make a great leap forward with a

large investment in equipment and renovations to ensure the best possible care for residents like Ruth and John.

There are many ways that the long-term care unit could be made to feel more comfortable for those who call it home. Your donation will help purchase beds, bedside tables and over bed tables to ensure comfort for our residents.

We need renovations to create more intimate spaces in our dining room, a place that residents can spend much of their day. We also need to complete the Memory Garden — specially designed as a support for dementia sufferers — with a greenhouse, water fountain and a craft table.

Therapy tools include PARO, the robotic seal. Programmed with artificial intelligence, PARO will interact with its user, making

noises, opening and closing its eyes and moving its head and tail. For residents who struggle to interact with their surroundings — for instance, dementia sufferers or those with significantly reduced mobility, sight or hearing — the soft, strokable robotic seal can be extremely comforting. This is an expensive piece of equipment, though, and the two currently in use at the hospital are in high demand.

Similarly, an interactive tabletop projection system, the Tovertafel, or Magic Table, would encourage and reward engagement and mobility.

A gift to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation will keep residents comfortable, active, engaged and supported during their time at the hospital. With your help, we can all get better at getting older. sphf.ca

Ruth misses her gardens, but the activities she can pursue in long-term care enrich her life now.

John is still part of the same community he grew up in, lived and worked in, with kids and grandnephews nearby.

The stroke has limited John physically, but he is still as keen as ever to participate in life.

Pet robots like PARO, the robotic seal, could reduce anxiety and improve vitals. For residents who struggle to interact with their surroundings — for instance, dementia sufferers or those with significantly reduced mobility, sight or hearing — the soft, strokable robotic seal can be extremely comforting.

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Forever a place in your heart.

BC SPCA

Not Easy or Breezy for Cover Girl

Help end animal cruelty and comfort animals in need by becoming a FOREVER GUARDIAN. Include a gift in your will to The BC SPCA to ensure your legacy of love and care lives on.

Yolanda Benoit ybenoit@spca.bc.ca 1.800.665.1868 foreverguardian.ca

Charitable Registration Number: 11881 9036 RR0001

In June, Cover Girl, a one-and-a-half-year-old miniature poodle, was brought into the BC SPCA’s Victoria branch with a severely broken leg in need of immediate surgery. She was involved in an accident in her previous home and her family simply could not afford the high cost procedures she required.

“Cover Girl came into our care on a Friday,” explains Annie Prittie Bell, branch manager for the BC SPCA in Victoria, “and she had to be at a specialist by the following Monday to undergo her first surgery on her leg immediately.” The BC SPCA was looking at over $7,000 in medical costs for this sweet pup alone.

Unfortunately, this situation is becoming more common for the BC SPCA. Success with their education and spay and neuter programs have reduced the number of animals coming into the BC SPCA’s care over-all, however many of the animals that are surrendered or brought in through cruelty investigations have complicated medical and behavioural issues which require immediate and extremely expensive care.

“This trend of rising medical costs for the animals we care for,” explains Mark Takhar, chief operations officer for the BC SPCA, “will only increase in the future.”

Thanks to compassionate donors, the BC SPCA has been able to raise over half the funds needed to pay for Cover Girl’s surgeries so far. The future looks bright for this pup. She is now almost fully recovered after weeks of rehabilitation and care, to ensure she didn’t cause further injury, and will soon be ready to find her new loving forever home.

You can help the BC SPCA cover the growing cost of care by becoming a Forever Guardian to animals in need — like Cover Girl. By leaving a gift in your will to the BC SPCA, you can create a future where all animals receive the medical care they so desperately need, and find a loving forever home.

To find out more about becoming a Forever Guardian for future generations of animals in need, visit: foreverguardian.ca Or contact: Yolanda Benoit,Senior Manager, Will & Estate Gifts, 1-800-665-1868 ybenoit@spca.bc.ca

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Victoria Hospice

Hospice Support Helps Bring Back Wholeness Sadness. Fear. Confusion. Doubt. “It can feel like you’re going crazy when someone you love has died,” says Max White. He knows first-hand. In 2007, his wife Freda died of cancer.

So many people just don’t get that. They want you to stop being sad and “get over it.”

Following his loss, Max received support from Victoria Hospice.

He met with bereavement counsellors and found other individuals who were going through the same range of emotions as himself.

“Thanks to them, I found the strength to carry on.”

Max wanted to give back. He later went through training to become a Victoria Hospice volunteer. He first assisted with patients and families on the in-patient unit, then switched to volunteering with bereavement services. The experience helping others through loss taught him many things.

“You learn about how much other people can contribute to getting you back your wholeness,” says Max. In recent years, demand for Victoria Hospice’s bereavement support has increased. Waitlists have surpassed three to five weeks.

This fall, Victoria Hospice opened a new centre to help reduce waitlists and respond to increasing demands for programs and services. The Community Support Centre (CSC) at 102-4450 Chatterton Way is the new home of bereavement services, tripling their space for individual and group grief counselling, workshops and group sessions.

It’s the most ambitious expansion of Victoria Hospice’s services in 30 years. Victoria Hospice relies on community donations to fund 50 per cent of their operating costs. Continued support of the CSC will help reduce waitlists, provide support to the community, and launch ambitious programs centered on caregiver and community support.

When a death occurs, Max says many unanswered questions arise. Some questions we’re not familiar with answering. His experience with Victoria Hospice helped him on his journey.

“I’ve learned so much from Hospice.”

For more information, please visit: victoriahospice.org.

Give the Gift of Care Because lives should be lived fully, every moment until the end. Your monthly donation helps provide quality palliative and end-of-life care to Greater Victoria. $10/Month

$20/Month

$40/Month

$50/month

Helps provide care for our rooftop garden, a placee patients aand nd families fami fa millies can can a enjoy andd share shar sh aree peaceful peac pe accef eful ul reflection. reflectition.

Helps provide a visit from a community counsellor, helping patients and and families famiililiees es with witithh care-planning c re ca r -ppla lann nnin ingg decisions. deci cision ons. s.

Helps provide a visit from our Palliative Resp Re sponse Response Team, a 24-hour 24-hhou ourr on-call on-callll on service seerv rvic icee for for patients p titien pa e ts and and caregivers caare care regi give gi vers ve rs in their thei th eiir home. hoome m .

Helps provide a week of care for pati pa tien ents ts patients in-unit, providingg resp re respite spite fo forr ccaregivers ca regiveers at home. home. e.

Photo by Sarah Stein

VictoriaHospice.org / 250-519-1744

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Frailty, dementia and other age-related illnesses can rob the elderly of beloved activities, independence and, ultimately, happiness. You have the power to bring back smiles for local seniors, and to transform their care for decades to come.

Please consider a legacy gift to the Eldercare Foundation. A simple paragraph in your will is all it takes to bring back joy and enhance quality of life for our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valued elders.

Please

give generously.

Without you the he s smiles mile fade quickly.

250-370-5664 gvef.org 1454 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7 Registered Charity #898816095RR0001

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Eldercare Foundation

Bringing Smiles Back for Greater Victoria Seniors We all want to believe that we will remain healthy in old age, and that our parents will, too, but sometimes that just doesn’t happen.

Frailty, dementia and other age-related chronic illnesses are becoming increasingly common, and can rob seniors of their friends, family, hobbies, and sometimes their homes and independence.

For seniors who face the litany of losses, and who need assistance to navigate the journey of aging, Eldercare Foundation is here to help, and to bring back the sense of comfort, joy and quality of life.

It’s often the simple things that make the most profound difference. These things can bring back the biggest smiles, like the Community Bathing program for seniors who can no longer safely bathe at home. As one client put it, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to yourself and your wonderful staff for your love, patience and care. When I arrive for my bath session, the first thing I hear is laughter and happiness within the room. When I leave after my bath session, the laughter continues, and the happiness remains on the faces of all the ‘senior citizens’ involved. I really do enjoy my bath and look forward to it every week. The reason for this is the wonderful treatment I receive.”

Getting together with friends, playing cards, dancing, gardening and exercising are other simple pleasures that can disappear when seniors lose the ability to drive. Eldercare funds Adult Day Programs in Victoria and the WestShore, and a mobile program that serves Metchosin, Sooke, Cordova Bay and Elk Lake — to bring back these activities for local seniors in need.

While many seniors prefer the idea of continuing to live in their own homes for as long as possible, falls can be a big fear for both them and their families. Eldercare’s SAFE Lifeline program equips low-income seniors with medical assistance alarms that provide confidence to continue living alone.

As one Island Health employee said of the program, “As a community case manager, I have heard about multiple clients who have fallen and broken a hip or leg, and have been unable to call for help. Some of these clients have had to lie on the floor in pain for hours.

This is one of the worst nightmares family members face with their loved ones who live alone and at risk. Additional funding for this valuable service helps enormously to keep clients safe in their own homes, and possibly avoid preventable hospital admissions.”

Family caregivers also play a vital role in supporting their loved ones to remain at home, and when they need a break, Eldercare provides funding to the Piercy Respite Hospital to help serve 25 to 40 families each month. For many seniors, these respite stays become mini-vacations. It’s not uncommon for clients to book their respite stays to coincide with other friends that they’ve met during previous visits.

For those who ultimately need the added support of long-term care, Eldercare helps there, too, buying special equipment, funding innovative therapy programs, and providing home-like enhancements for the more than 700 residents of Aberdeen, Mt. Tolmie, Glengarry, Priory, Heritage Woods and Oak Bay Lodge (and soon the new Summit at Quadra Village) long-term care facilities.

These quality of life improvements can range from music therapy — a service that helps seniors smile by reconnecting them

with the music that’s been important to them throughout their lives — to therapeutic gym equipment — specially designed machines that allow seniors to exercise, play and maintain a sense of freedom and mobility, no matter what their condition is.

As a registered charity, Eldercare Foundation is only able to provide this support for local seniors thanks to the generosity of community donors. Fortunately, just like the care the organization makes possible, it’s often the simplest things that make the biggest difference. Many of the largest gifts that Eldercare now receives come in the form of bequests — a gift that’s made by adding a simple paragraph to a will, but that can create a lasting legacy to help local seniors to age with dignity and respect.

We all want to believe that we will remain healthy in old age, but we don’t know if this will happen. We can, however, ensure quality of care and quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones when we need it.

Find out more about Eldercare Foundation and the programs we fund at: gvef.org.

You can also call: 250-370-5664, or visit us at 1454 Hillside Ave., Victoria.

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Leave a Lasting Gift for Child Amputees

Second World War amputee veteran Lloyd Brown shares a special bond and Remembrance Day tradition with Sean Borle.

War Amps

Sacrifice and Legacy A charitable estate donation in your will makes a difference in the lives of child amputees like Jaelynn. A donor’s family writes: “My uncle was a very special man with a generous heart and he couldn’t think of a worthier cause than helping child amputees. He knew you would use this money well to bring smiles to children’s faces and make their challenges easier.”

Please contact us for more information.

1 800 465-2677 estatedonation@waramps.ca waramps.ca Charitable Registration No.: 13196 9628 RR0001

Two Amputees Share a Special Bond Sean Borle, 24, recalls meeting Second World War veteran Lloyd Brown, 96, for the first time six years ago at a Remembrance Day ceremony. “We had this magical moment where I reached out my right hand and he put out his left, to shake hands,” he says.

Borle was born missing his left hand, and Brown lost his right arm due to the shrapnel of a shell on Oct. 18, 1944, while serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in Italy.

On Remembrance Day, the pair share a special tradition of laying a wreath on behalf of The War Amps, an organization entering its second century of service this year.

The War Amps was started by war amputee veterans returning from the First World War to help each other adapt to their new reality as amputees. They then welcomed amputee veterans following the Second World War, sharing all that they had learned.

Borle grew up in The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, which provides financial assistance for the cost of artificial limbs, emotional support and regional seminars to young amputees across Canada. It was started by War Amps Members, like Brown, who realized their experiences of living with amputation could help others.

Through what they call “Operation Legacy,” Borle and his fellow members of CHAMP have now “taken up the torch” of remembrance to pay tribute to the veteran members of The War Amps, whose efforts have made a difference in the lives of thousands of amputees.

“Knowing that there are people like Lloyd who understand what it’s like to be missing a limb, makes you feel like you’re not alone,” says Borle.

When Brown attends the Remembrance Day ceremonies, he reflects on all those in his regiment who never came home. “It’s heartbreaking to think of all those who lost their lives and it’s important to remember them,” he says.

For Borle, it’s special to share Remembrance Day with Brown.

“I would not be the person I am today had it not been for that decision more than 100 years ago to begin The War Amps,” says Borle. “It is our commitment as Champs that the legacy and sacrifices of Lloyd, and all the war amputee veterans, will be remembered and carried forward.”

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Victoria Foundation Everyy Kid is One Caring Adult Ev Adu Away from Being a Success Story! - Josh Shipp

What makes Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria so successful in changing lives? > O Our doors are always open, Our no oone ne iiss turnedd aawa away wayy > We help youth who…

- Need a place to go after school - Live risky lifestyles - Live in poverty - Are facing jail time - Are homeless - May be teen parents - Have addiction or mental health issues > Our adult to youth ratios are low so we keep our personalized support and mentoring high > We build on each child’s strengths, developing capacity, character and capability, step by step > We feed our kids nutritious meals and snacks every day which is often the only healthy food they receive

Mostly it looks like fun.

Well, it is. What you don’t see (we plan it this way) is the intentional guidance & instruction that is part of every interaction, every activity, every program, every relationship – every day.

YOUR HELP SAVES LIVES YOUR LEGACY WILL… Help more than 1,200 children and youth every year: • Eat breakfast, healthy meals & snacks so they have a fighting chance to learn, grow and develop • Have a safe place to belong, learn new skills and build positive relationships • Overcome learning barriers so they will graduate from high school and thrive in the world • Discover their curiosity and spark their desire to learn

ALUMNI SAY...

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%

HELP NOW! Please join an exclusive group by giving a lasting gift of hope for the future through: • Your written will • Your insurance policy • Your gift of property

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SAVED THEIR LIFE

• An endowment fund in your family name

Imagine...the life you will change by leaving your legacy!

giving@bgcvic.org | 250.384.9133

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GIVE TODAY FOR TOMORROW: MAKE A SMART INVESTMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY Nadine Greater Victoria is a wonderful place to call home.

However, our community faces significant social issues that impact the lives of many. People are struggling to make ends meet, struggling with mental health issues, with addiction, with homelessness.

Now she’s more likely to graduate from high school.

Students who graduate high school are less likely to experience poverty, receive public assistance, or become involved in the criminal justice system.

Future-proof your community

United Way’s vision is that everyone in our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Integral to our work is tackling #UNIGNORABLE social issues ranging from long-term complicated issues such as poverty to more recent needs like the opioid crisis.

We work collaboratively with our donors whether individuals or businesses, our sponsors, government and social service providers. We have been working together for decades and we will continue well into the future.

We know that investing in people yields positive change. We try to ensure our children get the best start possible no matter where they live or where they come from, break the cycle of poverty and build strong communities where no-one gets left behind.

We invest in children like Nadine.

Nadine was three grades behind her classmates in reading. By getting the boost she needed from a United Way funded literacy program, she’s caught up.

If you believe in your community, please invest in your community through United Way. All dollars raised here stay in Greater Victoria. Last year, we invested over $3.68 million into a network of local programs and services to help people in need.

We helped over 80,000 people change their lives for the better.

Please consider a legacy gift: • • •

Name United Way in your will Donate your life insurance policy to United Way Donate shares, securities or mutual funds to United Way

Be part of something bigger than yourself. Please consider showing your love for our community today by giving for tomorrow.

Give today and help the Nadines of tomorrow.

For more information, please contact: Darryl Els, Major Gifts Officer United Way Greater Victoria darryl.els@uwgv.ca 250-385-6708

uwgv.ca

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Power to Be

You Belong in Nature and So Do I There are invaluable benefits to outdoor activities for all of us.

In addition to providing recreation, community and a healthy lifestyle, spending time in nature fuels the body, guides the heart and mends the soul. However, for some, various barriers exist that limit accessibility to the outdoors.

At Power To Be, we believe that everyone belongs in nature, and we do everything in our power to ensure everyone is included in the adventure.

Maya was able to reach the summit using a TrailRider — an incredible piece of adaptive equipment that allows those with physical barriers to reach new heights and adventure through difficult terrain.

Lisa Bosdet, Maya’s mother, spoke about the impact of the journey up the mountain on her family. “Power To Be breaks down accessibility and inclusion walls every day, but until I experienced this first hand, I had no idea how impactful this could be for a family. Power To Be made that dream come true for Maya and our family.”

“It warmed my heart and soul. It is those moments, like when I saw the huge smile on Maya’s face when we reached the top, and when she observed the stunning views, that make tough journeys like this bearable and even magical.”

The benefits of nature are the same for us all, however accessing it is not. At Power To Be, we work to remove cognitive, physical, financial and social barriers to the outdoors, and support participants as they explore who they are and what they are capable of.

In 2018, we served 1,108 participants and delivered 492 programs — empowering people of all ages to see what’s possible through outdoor activity.

You belong in nature and so does Maya. With your contribution, we can ensure more people, like Maya, can discover their limitless abilities throughout nature-based programs.

Donate today at: powertobe.ca/youbelong Together we can reach new heights.

;OL ILULÄ[Z VM UH[\YL HYL [OL ZHTL MVY \Z HSS OV^L]LY HJJLZZPUN P[ PZ UV[ YOU BELONG IN NATURE AND SO DOES MAYA. AYA.

Donate today at powertobe.ca/youbelong

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A picture is worth a thousand words â&#x20AC;&#x201D; your fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MRI, your sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mammogram, YOUR FRIEND²S SURGICAL IMAGES YOUR PARTNER²S #4 SCAN YOUR ºRST ULTRASOUND

Your pictures tell a story. %VERY PICTURE DOES 4HEY ALLOW OUR REMARKABLE

CARE TEAMS TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT THIS INSTANT INSIDE YOUR BODY )MAGES HELP US UNDERSTAND SOURCES OF PAIN DISCOMFORT OR UNCERTAINTY )MAGES MITIGATE THE UNEXPLAINED AND ELIMINATE THE UNKNOWN )MAGES HELP US PERFORM MINIMALLY INVASIVE LIFE CHANGING TREATMENTS )MAGES HELP us map out the big picture With 275,000+ imaging procedures performed annually in our hospitals and with more than half of all healthcare encounters requiring medical imaging, there is a vital need for $4 million of leading-edge imaging equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals

Your picture is worth a thousand words.

How do you fit into

Picture this: more patients cared for, more care teams supported.

?

Donate today at

W W W.V I C T O R I A H F. C A

@ourvichospitals

7ILSON "LOCK "AY 3TREET

Victoria BC, V8R 1J8

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Victoria Hospitals Foundation

Giving Makes Us All Better When Ernie Smyth remembers his wife Peggy, his face lights up at the thought of her smile and her big heart. “She was a wonderful person. Not at all selfish,” he says. “She supported me in everything. Peggy was just happy.”

Married for an extraordinary 66 years, Victoria Hospitals Foundation donors Ernie and Peggy met when they were just 19 and later immigrated to Canada from Ireland.

They raised two sons and spent the last 30 years together on Vancouver Island. What is the key to a long and happy marriage such as theirs? “Respect for each other,” Ernie says, “and to enjoy each other’s company.”

Sadly, Peggy passed away at Royal Jubilee Hospital in 2017. Remembering the understanding and compassionate care of the hospital staff, Ernie knew he wanted to make a gift in her memory. Today, a painting and a plaque hang in a sunroom of the hospital’s Patient Care Centre in her honour.

More recently, Ernie decided to give another significant gift in support of the brilliant work our hospitals’ care teams provide. Understanding that the care provided in our hospitals is integral to our community, Ernie made a $500,000 donation through public securities to fund upgraded patient monitoring systems.

The Canada Revenue Agency does not apply capital gains tax on donations of publicly traded securities. If you make a gift of appreciated securities to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, we pay no capital gains on the increased value of the securities, and you receive a tax receipt for the full fair market value of the gift. This allows you to maximize your tax savings while supporting a great community cause.

When asked why he donates, Ernie shares that it is simple, “I believe it’s important to make the world a better place. Hospitals are there when you need them, they care for everyone and I hope to inspire others to give. I didn’t realize just how much of the equipment in the hospital is funded by donors.”

Approximately 40 per cent of equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals is funded by our generous community.

With this philanthropic spirit, Ernie has

Ernie and Peggy met when they were just 19 and later immigrated to Canada from Ireland.

also decided to leave a gift in his will to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to fund future projects for our hospitals, and to support the talented staff who provide leading edge care.

This gift allows him to leave his legacy.

A charitable bequest through a will provides a future gift to benefit our hospitals while allowing you to retain full control of your property and reduce estate taxes.

Thank you, Ernie, for your generosity in support of our hospitals. Donors like you, no matter the amount given, are vital in ensuring leading-edge care for patients across Vancouver Island. We are stronger together and giving makes us all better.

About the Victoria Hospitals Foundation The Victoria Hospitals Foundation works in partnership with Island Health to enable donations to every area of care at Royal Jubilee, Victoria General, and Gorge Road hospitals. As Island Health’s charitable partner, we raise donations for medical equipment, special projects, education and research.

In 2018/19, over $12 million was received for our hospitals, including gifts from over 4,000 donors. Thanks to the generosity of our community, over 370 pieces of urgently needed medical equipment and special projects were funded to help these hospitals provide care to all 794,000 residents of Vancouver Island.

Through the generosity of donors like you, we have raised more than $150 million since 1989 to benefit our local hospitals

Our donor philosophy Every one of our donors has a story. And we know that every donation is a choice - a decision to support our hospitals and change the lives of our patients. It is this knowledge that is the root of our deep gratitude to each and every one you, and this gratitude guides everything that we do.

We are inspired by our donors’ generosity.

Your decision to give back, and your support of the hundreds of thousands of Vancouver Island residents that our hospitals serve, makes us all better. Our donors are the very heart of our organization; you are transforming healthcare for our community. You are our changemakers. You are our champions. In your decision to give to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, you are leading the way in transforming healthcare for our community.

We are humbled by the giving heart of our organization. And this giving heart is beating strong. We are deeply thankful that 50% of our current donors have been giving for 10 years or more. It is this commitment to care that we are proud to uphold, and that guides every relationship we are fortunate enough to build with our donors. You teach us what it means to champion a culture of philanthropy, and we want to be your champion in turn.

Thank you, thank you.

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A FAIRY TALE NEW YEAR’S AT FAIRMONT EMPRESS Enjoy some magic and a special 2020 at Victoria’s favourite landmark

New Year’s at Fairmont Empress sells out every year.

T

he Fairmont Empress is proud to be the social centerpiece of our city for nearly 112 years.

As 2019 winds down, you can become part of Empress history, celebrating the past year and ringing in 2020 at the best New Year’s Eve party in Victoria.

Black-tie gala and sit-down family friendly dinner options are both offered.

On Dec. 31, the annual New Year’s Eve Dinner and Gala takes place in the iconic Palm Court and Crystal Ballroom. It begins with a black-tie reception at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. and a gala that will have you dancing well into the New Year with live music by Amanda Woods.

For a more intimate affair, New Year’s Eve Dinner in Q at the Empress restaurant is a perennial favourite. >58 56 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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A fairy tail New Year’s

With reservations starting at 5 p.m., it includes a three-course set menu with choice of main course and optional wine pairings.

At the end of the night, tipsy toe to the elevator, spend the night at a special festive season rate and wake up to a fresh new year in Canada’s Fairy Tale Castle on the Coast.

Start Jan. 1 off right with a fabulous Pacific Northwestinspired a la carte Resolution Brunch in Q at the Empress restaurant. It’s served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., allowing for ample sleep-in time.

Reservations are required for all events and it is recommended that you reserve early.

With history to be made, New Year’s at Fairmont Empress sells out every year. C

dance well into the New Year with live music by Amanda Woods.

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HOME for| the Capital Capital Christmas 2018 59 Holidays 2019 |

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SONGBOOK The origins of Christmas caroling

The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas.

Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium. What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast made during ritualized drinking. Time magazine notes that the word “wassail,” which appeared in English literature as early as the eighth century, eventually came to mean the wishing of good fortune on one’s neighbours, though no one can say for certain when this particular development occurred.

During medieval times, farmers in certain parts of Britain would drink a beverage to toast

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by neighboring homes and offer a warm drink, all the while wishing good fortune on their neighbors.

During this period, wassailing had nothing to do with Christmas, but that began to change in Victorian England, when Christmas became more commercialized and popular. It was during this time when publishers began circulating carols, forever linking the tradition of wassailing with Christmas.

the health of their crops and encourage the fertility of their animals. By 1600, farmers in some parts of Britain were still engaging in this ritual, and some were by now taking a wassail bowl filled with a toasting beverage around the streets. These wassailers would stop

Deck the Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la la la la!

See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la!

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together! Fa la la la la la la la!

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la!

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2

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer" It's the most wonderful time of the year It's the hap-happiest season of all With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call It's the hap- happiest season of all There'll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for toasting And caroling out in the snow There'll be scary ghost stories And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago It's the most wonderful time of the year There'll be much mistletoeing And hearts will be glowing When love ones are near It's the most wonderful time of the year

Go, tell it on the mountain

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

While shepherds kept their watching O’er their silent flocks night Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

Silent Night

The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! Above the Earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth

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Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love’s pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

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Away in a Manger The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

It's the most wonderful time of the year There'll be much mistletoeing And hearts will be glowing When love ones are near It's the most wonderful time It's the most wonderful time It's the most wonderful time It's the most wonderful time of the year

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way

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Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

There'll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for toasting And caroling out in the snow There'll be scary ghost stories And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago

Dashing through the snow On a one horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way Bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

3

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

Jingle Bells

Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank, And then we got upsot.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh.

Now the ground is white Go it while you’re young

Take the girls tonight And sing this sleighing song Just get a bob tailed bay two-forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you’ll take the lead Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!

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SONGBOOK

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8

We Wish You A Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus lane Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer Pullin' on the reins Bells are ringin', children singin' All is merry and bright Hang your stockings and say your prayers 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus lane He doesn't care if you're rich or poor He loves you just the same Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children That makes everything right So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus lane He's got a bag that's filled with toys For boys and girls again Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, Oh what a beautiful sight So jump in bed and cover your head 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus lane He'll come around when the chimes ring out That it's Christmas morn again Peace on earth will come to all If we just follow the light So lets give thanks to the lord above That Santa Claus comes tonight!

Good tidings to you, And all of your kin, Good tidings for Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

We all know that Santa’s coming, We all know that Santa’s coming, We all know that Santa’s coming, And soon will be here.

Good tidings to you, And all of your kin, Good tidings for Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year

9

Christmas Lights g Across Canada ŽŵĞ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽǀŝŶĐŝĂů Christmas tree and Parliament Buildings

ŶũŽLJ ĨĞƐƟǀĞ ŵƵƐŝĐĂů ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ seasonal treats!

PARL EDUCATION 5X65 748129

O Christmas Tree O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

How are thy leaves so verdant!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How are thy leaves so verdant!

Not only in the summertime, But even in winter is thy prime.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How are thy leaves so verdant!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

For every year the Christmas tree, Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly!

Thursday, December 5, 2019 ϲ͗ϬϬ Ɖŵ͕ WĂƌůŝĂŵĞŶƚ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐƐ

Each bough doth hold its tiny light, That makes each toy to sparkle bright.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine out brightly!

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THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

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SONGBOOK On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

11 Pipers Piping 10 Lords a Leaping 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 10 Lords a Leaping 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming 11 Pipers Piping 10 Lords a Leaping 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree >

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

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SONGBOOK 11 The First Noel The First Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night.

12

13

O little town of Bethlehem

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in the dark street shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold!

For Christ is born of Mary And fathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God, the King And peace to men on earth

And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, O’er Bethlehem it took it rest, And there it did both stop and stay Right over the place where Jesus lay.

How silently, how silently The wondrous Gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven No ear may hear His coming But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in

Then entered in those wise men three Full reverently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord; That hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind hath bought

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born in us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell Oh, come to us, abide with us Our Lord Immanuel!

Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all gracious King!

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hovering wing.

And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

Yet with te woes of sin and strife The world hath suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold, When, with the ever-circling years, Shall come the Age of Gold; When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song Which now the angels sing.

14

We three kings We three kings of orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain Moor and mountain Following yonder star O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King for ever, ceasing never Over us all to reign

O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Frankincense to offer have I Incense owns a Deity nigh Prayer and praising, all men raising Worship Him, God most high O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Myrrh is mine Its bitter perfume breathes A life of gathering gloom

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone cold tomb O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Glorious now behold Him arise King and God and Sacrifice!

Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia Heaven to earth replies O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light

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15

16

What child is this

Joy to the World

What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.

Joy to The world! the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let ev’ry heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing

Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and donkeys are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross he bore for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby Joy, joy for Christ is born, The babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.

18

O Holy Night

O Holy Night!

The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming Here come the wise men from Orient land The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonder wonders of His love

SONGBOOK We Wish You A Merry Christmas 17

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

Good tidings to you, And all of your kin, Good tidings for Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

We all know that Santa’s coming, We all know that Santa’s coming, We all know that Santa’s coming, And soon will be here.

Good tidings to you, And all of your kin, Good tidings for Christmas, And a Happy New Year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, the And a Happy New Year end

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The Butchart Gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Magical Christmas A holiday tradition continues ...

T

he Magic of Christmas Season at the Butchart Gardens begins on Sunday, Dec. 1 with the annual Light-Up Ceremony. At 5 p.m., the switch is thrown and the Gardens come alive with thousands of coloured lights. Sing along with the traditional carollers or listen to holiday favourites performed by the Festive Brass. Bring the family and enjoy free rides on the Rose Carousel on this special day.

This magnificent lighting installation features the 12 Days of Christmas displays throughout the Gardens. As each year unfolds, more and more lights are added to create a spectacle so large it takes a lighting crew two full months to install the beautiful decorations.

Make the Magic of Christmas a festive family tradition.

The outdoor ice rink adds an extra holiday experience to the lighting extravaganza. Lace up your skates and glide underneath soft twinkling lights to the sounds of seasonal music. Please note admission to the Gardens is required to access the rink.

After skating, enjoy a hot chocolate and other holiday treats in the Coffee Shop and snuggle up by the cozy fireplace. Children 12 and under are encouraged to bring a homemade paper snowflake to decorate the windows of the Coffee Shop. Each child who partakes in this annual tradition receives a complimentary hot chocolate. >68

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A Butchart Christmas

The Sunken Garden awash with festive lights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a scene thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous around the world and cherished by locals during a month-long holiday celebration.

Bring your camera, There is an Instagram moment at every turn. The lights will send warm seasonal thoughts to family and friends.

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A Butchart Christmas

If Christmas dining is on your list, stop by the Blue Poppy Restaurant featuring a wide selection of seasonal delicacies. For a more formal setting, the Dining Room Restaurant is located in the original Butchart family residence. Both The Blue Poppy and the Dining Room offer traditional hwoliday dining on Dec. 24 and 2. Make your reservations early at 250-6528222 or through opentable.com for the Dining Room Restaurant. C

New Pet Policy: During the Magic of Christmas season from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6, pets are not permitted in the Gardens between 3 and 8 p.m. Please visit our website for more details. butchartgardens.com/pet-policy/

Together Time!

Take a ride on the colourful and animated Rose Carousel, enjoy festive music and lace up the skates for an outdoor glide! There is fine dining as well as snacks and hot drinks to warm your heart.

And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to spot the 12 Days of Christmas!

Give the gift of some quality together time!

Sign up for a Family Membership today and inspire creativity in your household. Members also beneďŹ t from discounts in the Gallery Shop, Studio Classes and in Art Rental and Sales. More details at aggv.ca/familymembership

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Mom was the heart It was December, 1970. Christmas was always a special time in our family. Mom would bake for weeks leading up to Christmas and she would save a dollar or two out of the food money each payday to ensure that my brothers and sisters and I all had gifts for Christmas.

This year was different, however. Mom was expecting my youngest sister and we weren’t sure that she would be home for Christmas. That didn’t stop mom, though.

We were living in Cranbrook then and she convinced dad to take us down to Spokane, Washington, to do the Christmas shopping in September. Then she starting baking early — butter tarts, shortbread in various Christmas shapes and chocolate balls that we all called “Pooh balls.” We were all eating it almost as quickly as she was baking, so she kept baking.

Getting the tree was almost as difficult.

Dad was busy working to support our family of eight and mom decided one afternoon to send my brother and sister and I out to cut one down in the woods near our house. We took off with our tobaggon and a saw and quickly spotted many prospects. When my brother starting sawing and it seemed too difficult, we would decide that we didn’t have the right tree and would move on to the next one. We always joked ruefully that we killed about five or six trees that year.

We finally found the perfect one that we felled and then slogged home with the tree on the sled. My mom was waiting anxiously at the window as we trudged up the hill because we had been gone so long and it had started snowing. We decorated the tree with lights, tinsel and all of mom’s beautiful blown-glass ornaments that she had saved to buy when she was first married. She always told us that tree was the most

Continued from page 33 beautiful of all our Christmas trees.

Mom was in hospital on Christmas Day that year. She had our new baby sister on Dec. 24, and Dad was left to play Santa.

After he had done his duties, he fell asleep on the couch and we all crept past him in the middle of the night to see what Santa brought us. He didn’t even wake up when we retreated with our gifts. One of my sisters was making Easy Bake Oven cakes at about 4 a.m. and I was drawing shapes with my Spirograph. We all started crying at about 5 a.m. when we realized Mom wasn’t home and we knew that we would never have gotten away with what we had done if she was.

Mom was home for New Years, but that year taught us what we always knew — mom was the heart of our Christmas traditions.

Jennifer Power

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Christmas in Cuenca On the high meadow in Ecuador, South America, sits Cuenca, the city of “saints and sinners.”

Cuenca’s focal point is its enormous cathedral with a solid gold altar paid for by its toiling citizens, farmers and “obreros.” When I took my three-year-old son with me to see it, he gazed upward, as if to heaven, and asked me: “Is this where the giants live?”

We had arrived in Ecuador three months before Christmas. These were the early days of summer in Cuenca, hot and sticky, with nary a Christmas tree in sight. There were barely any signs of Christmas in the little town. A few paltry lights strung crazily across the main street (calle) and a few modest tin toys in a store window. The children wondered if Santa would know we were in Ecuador now and could his sleigh travel all the way from the North Pole to South America. “Oh yes !” I assured them and with that we planned our first Christmas outside of Canada. In Ecuador, as at home, a lot of the fun of Christmas was in the planning.

The children were in a lovely school run

by Lutheran missionaries. Their generosity extended to many little Ecuadorian children whose families otherwise could not afford to send them to school. Most children in Ecuador, if they went to school at all, only went for a year or two before they had to work to help their families. Five and six-yearolds sold chicklets downtown and wandered around barefoot for hours on their own.

As per custom, we gathered up toys and books and some old and new clothing for little Maria and Eduardo whom we had invited over to share Christmas. We had also planned to make a Christmas hamper for their family which we could deliver when we picked them up in our big old Jeep. All this had been arranged and cleared through the office at “Escuela Bilingue,” the children’s school.

The parents had agreed and had been reassured that their children would be well looked after and picked up and delivered home after Christmas dinner. The family were all outside waiting for us with huge smiles

and saying “gracias, gracias,” over and over. We invited our neighbours with their two children. The six kids sat on the floor playing for awhile while the adults had a few Christmas toasts.

The dinner was a riot. A scrawny turkey, stuffed to the gills with our own special stuffing of nuts and mushrooms. The bird probably didn’t weigh more than five pounds, but we made up for it with lots of stuffing, potatoes, yuca and yams.

A few days earlier, Carmen, our maid, and I made a Christmas cake with cherries, raisins and bits of dried fruit. Carmen was in awe.

She had never used the oven and her eyes got huge as I put the jiggly confection in the oven. One hour later it came out all baked! To her it was like a miracle. She was so excited

I helped her make another one to take home as a present for her little boy and her mother.

My children, Debbie and Dougie, were really good little hosts and we were proud parents at the generous spirits they showed to our guests.

This was a memorable, magical moment in our year-and-a-half in Cuenca. After the children’s bedtime and everyone had gone home, Ian, Grandma and I earned a fizzy post-Christmas dinner drink and a toast to our family and to Ecuador.

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Judith McIntosh

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Christmas pudding calamity For some thirty years now, I’ve brought my little bit of Britain to Canada for Christmas. I make my own Christmas puddings.

Plum pudding to be precise — although why it’s called that when it contains no plums is beyond me.

It’s a ritual that plays out on an early weekend in October every fall: My over-sized wooden bowl brimming with batter; liberal quantities of alcohol used to soften the flour, soak the fruit and souse the cook; double-boilers bubbling on the stove, steaming each pudding to perfection; and the row of sterilized containers waiting to take care of their annual charge, almost three months of gentle maturation before the festive unveiling. For the whole weekend the kitchen air is laden with the premature aromas of Christmas.

This particular year I asked my wife to get the ingredients during the week: a rich selection of dried fruits, eggs, sugar, flour, spices, the always hard-tofind suet (the ground fat from beef cattle that, as vegetarians, we pretend comes from a four-legged plant), and lots of Guinness and whisky. You can get drunk smelling my Christmas pudding!

Now it was Friday night and time to start the production process. It had been anticipation all week, digging out the dog-eared recipe card, making the list for shopping, pre-measuring all the ingredients to maximize the overnight soaking time. I collected and mixed my dry ingredients with loving care.

I had only the suet left to measure and add; it had required a special last-minute trip to the butcher, not familiar terrain for us vegetarians.

On my way to the fridge to fetch it, the phone rang and, being a typical 21st century multi-tasker, I answered on my way by and continued on my trek. I rummaged through the fridge and found the white and blue bag of fine-ground suet while listening to my teenage daughter plead her carefully crafted case for an extended curfew. I courageously wrestled her to the

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ceiling in the ensuing negotiation — I believe my starting point was 11:00, hers was 2:00 am and we ended up at 1:30. I headed back from the fridge, dropping off the phone on the way.

I casually tossed the suet in the bowl, blended the lot with my hands, beat in the eggs and moved quickly to my favourite part — adding the alcohol. I started with a glass of scotch. (That’s literally what my recipe says, “a glass of scotch.” Is that a shot glass? A 12 ounce glass? A tumbler? I usually go for a well-filled tumbler, favouring tempered generosity over total gluttony.) I then added one and half bottles of Guinness leaving, of course, half a bottle for the cook’s consumption. The whole lot then went under a tea towel and, with a liberal stir every few hours, was left to soak overnight, plumping up the dried fruit and launching the weekend’s aroma-laden process.

Later that evening, I had cause to visit the fridge again. Imagine my surprise when I saw sitting on the top shelf, staring resentfully back at me like a dog accidentally left at the beach, an unopened, untouched, unused, full bag of suet. It’s probably the only time in my life I’ve done a double-take with a bag of suet.

Mind whirling, I sought the simple and rational answer: “Why did you buy two bags of suet my love?” I calmly asked my wife.

“I didn’t,” came back the reply.

“Then why is there still a bag in the fridge?”

I said quizzically, hoping to share the burden of explanation.

“No idea” she said.

Curious, I advanced on the recently mixed, slowly brewing pudding batter. As I lifted the corner of the tea towel from the wooden bowl a distinct whiff of sweaty socks wafted upwards and stuck in my nostrils. This was unexpected. Where were the sweet aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and mace? Why was there not that heady scent of alcohol mixed with fruit? What was going on with my Christmas pudding?

It was at that moment my wife spoke up again.

“I did get one other thing at the store” she said.

“I was surprised to see it at the butcher’s, but we need it anyway. I bought some grated parmesan.”

“Was it in a white and blue bag?” I asked.

“Yes” she said, “Why do you ask?”

“Because I just put it in the Christmas pudding!”

Jonathan Lomas

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Neighbourly traditions I met my wife, Arienne, in the Cariboo community of 100 Mile House where she lived since the age of four. We met in 1967 and were married in 1969. Both our daughters were born there, so there is a strong connection to the town and surrounding area.

Not being able to afford a house in town, we bought property at Sheridan Lake, built a small cabin and lived there for a period of time. There were no paved roads nor any hydro or telephone services. Nevertheless, we loved the place and managed to keep it when we moved to Sidney for work in 1977.

I don’t need to say that Sidney is a beautiful place to live and in the four years we lived there we loved it. However, after a couple of “green” Christmases, we longed for the solitude, deep snow, and the winter charm of the cabin.

In 1980, we decided to spend Christmas at the cabin and that began a tradition more than 40 years ago and continues to this day.

Arriving at the cabin, we were greeted by our two neighbouring families, formerly from Austria who were living there full time. We had met them the previous summer and, as their children were the same ages, all became instant friends.

Upon seeing our Charlie Brown tree, they brought over some traditional tissue wrapped candies to hang on our tree to give it a little more life. That was the beginning of a gift exchange between the families.

Being of Austrian origin, their big celebration is on Christmas Eve, whereas ours is on Christmas Day. Gifts were exchanged on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. After a few years of this we decided, without our neighbour’s knowledge, to change things up a bit. Instead of the usual afternoon gift exchange, that evening, in stealth and under the cover of darkness, we silently slipped over to the neighbours and set up a Christmas display on their deck. Their gifts made up part of the display. We then knocked on their door and scurried off into the surrounding trees to watch their reaction.

They were thrilled and their youngest one was convinced it was the work of Santa Claus. We remained hidden until they went back into their house to continue their Christmas Eve. Each year the displays have become more elaborate, ranging from translucent igloos to floating hot air balloons. More recently the displays have evolved into miniature 19th century frontier storefronts, the first being a store front by Scrooge and Marley of A Christmas Carol fame. Our neighbours liked the displays so much that they are on permanent display alongside the road on their property.

Another tradition is the receiving of a Christmas card from our neighbours with a picture of the previous year’s display. This usually arrives the first part of December and heralds the start of our Christmas season.

The Christmas Eve display tradition is one of the highlights of our Christmas. It seems to resonate with that good feeling of giving.

Rod McDowell Surrey

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The Eaton’s Beauty Doll In 1925, my mother, Katie, 5, and her sister, Rosie, 7, were totally captivated with the Eaton’s Beauty Doll advertised in the fall and winter catalogue. The Eaton’s catalogue at that time was the primary source of everything new and wonderful for rural folks. The girls poured over that catalogue day and night as well as in their dreams, and had special hopes that Santa Claus, who they kept hearing about from other kids, would be delivering that special doll to their house for Christmas.

Their hopes were discouraged by my grandmother who said they were not to expect such a thing as a Santa Claus bringing dolls or toys to their household. This was due to the fact that my grandparents were working hard to establish their dairy farm in Chilliwack. Times were hard and there simply wasn’t money in their family for extras. My grandmother made that clear. Christmas, for the Mitchell family on the Banford Road meant some decorations, oranges and candy in their stockings, and a big chicken dinner. But they were not to expect anything extra such as Santa Claus deliveries.

The Christmas angel in this story was my Auntie Lena, their older sister. She wanted those girls to have their heart’s desire and started on a campaign to make it happen. She worked on my grandma for days, if not weeks. I’ll never know what extra chores she promised to do in return, but eventually Lena wore her mother down and the $2.50 Eaton’s Beauty Doll was ordered.

On Christmas morning, Katie and Rosie were overjoyed that Santa had actually come to their house on Christmas Eve and brought them just the beautiful doll that they had wanted. The girls were caught up in the swirl of magic that Santa Claus and Christmas brings to children around the world.

Patricia Murray Nanaimo

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A real snow globe It was 1962 and Christmas was in a few days.

For my mom and dad, it was not one they were looking forward to. My sister was eight and I was three. I had been living at Queen Alexandera Hospital for about two months.

Dad came to visit Sunday before Christmas.

He brought me a gift, and he told me it was a snow globe. When he shook it, I watched the snow fall on the figurines in the plastic dome. I remember him saying: “It looks like it needs more water in it.” He went over to the sink that was by my bed and popped the tiny stopper. Then I heard something drop in the sink. My Father tried to fill it up, but the dome was cracked. “I’m sorry, it’s cracked. I cracked it. I’m sorry,” he said.

On Christmas Day, a man came into the room saying in a very loud voice: “Merry Christmas.

HO, HO, HO.” He gave us gifts. The man had black boots, a black belt, red pants, red jacket, red hat with white fur on his hat and his jacket.

He had long white hair on his face. The nurse told us his name was Santa. After Santa left, we played with our toys.

A few days later the nurse came in and opened the curtains and said: “It’s snowing outside.”

I think she knew that we didn’t know what snow was or how it felt, so she did what she was not supposed to do. She opened the sliding, glass doors and let us out. We stood outside, the nurse stuck out her tongue and we all did the same thing for the very first time. We watched the snow melt in our hands, tasted snow and we met a man named Santa.

When I was older, I found out Santa was the custodian. I would like to thank all the staff for making that day special. I’m 60 now and I still remember that Christmas.

Sandra Dixon Esquimalt

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The Oven bird Christmas was a magic time when we were children.

The anticipation helped to build the excitement. Parcels arrived from relatives and disappeared quickly, lists were made and special things were baked with wonderful aromas. Tins had labels saying do not touch on the outside and on the inside of the tin: NO! The management!

Whether we were living in Victoria or Sarnia, Ont., all was rich with sights and sounds of Christmas music, scents of pine and Christmas cookies and tastes of peppermint or chocolate.

Even the touch of brown paper or red and green tissue felt deliciously unusual to small fingers.

This particular Christmas my new baby brother was just beginning to talk.

Surrounded by woods and beautiful Lake Huron at our doorstep, Chris was fascinated with the bird life which we all enjoyed. We lived on a very large property owned by a Mr. Jackson, who lived with his family in Toronto.

My parents looked after this estate until the summer when all the Jackson family arrived for a summer of fun. For us, the winter was equally fantastic.

We lived in the flyway and the bird life was exceptional. All of us — my twin brother and sister, Peter and Pam, learned as I did about the names of birds because my parents, John and Lorna, had recently joined the local birding group. Many weekend afternoons were spent with members of this group travelling from Sarnia out to our property on Lakeshore Road for a few hours of wandering the meadow and woods or the beach with its pines and small poplar trees .

Later, we would host them in our home for tea and cookies or whatever they had brought as well. With the coming of the snow, birds were often more visible especially the beautiful bright red cardinal. In fact, Chris`s first word was Carda! Carda!

Part of this terrific group were a father and son, both dentists with busy practices in Sarnia. My mom was really excited about this activity of birding for it was all on our doorstep for the enjoyment of all. I think she kept

binoculars and the bird book easily at hand.

One winter morning close to Christmas, she saw an unusual bird. Perhaps it had even been talked about with the group members before she saw it ... I really have no idea. Whatever the preamble was, there in the snowbound back yard was an Oven bird. Mom phoned our dentist friends and they left what they were doing and jumped in the car and drove all the way out to our place and down the very long driveway.

The bird had gone. Mom was so disappointed, but they reassured her and said to please call again as this was a very special thing. Two days later as Christmas approached, there was the bird again. Trying not to feel too embarrassed, mom phoned the dentist pair.

Leaving everything, they rushed out to our property again. The elusive Oven bird was gone!

On Christmas morning, the senior dentist phoned mom and, after wishing the best to all our family, said that he wanted her to call his son at home and tell him that the Oven bird was back. He was sure his son would drive all the way out to our house on Christmas.

When he arrived, father dentist said: “I want you to ask him into the kitchen and then call him to you while you open the Oven bird and show him the cooking turkey.”

So she did. And this story ended up being one of the funniest memories of an Ontario Christmas and one we older children will always remember.

Patty Reynolds

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11/5/19 10:04:36 AM

Silent Night I folded mom’s walker and turned it every which way, trying to fit it into the trunk of my compact car. After a few attempts, I gave up and slid it awkwardly into the back seat and, making sure mom’s seatbelt was done up, she and I were off on a shopping spree. Our mission: To buy cozy Christmas pajamas for her eleven greatgrandchildren.

Mom was hanging tightly onto the handles of her new walker as we strolled and rolled into the children’s shop.

“I really didn’t think I’d make it this year,” mom said. “I thought it would be too much of a hassle to have someone take me to the mall.”

Every year mom used to buy Christmas PJs, first for her nine grandchildren and then later for the great-grandkids.

“We’ve got all the time in the world to pick them out,” I told her. “And once we’re done we’ll get lunch.”

Christmas carols were playing over the speakers.

Mom sat on the seat of her walker while I rooted through the tightly packed racks of PJs, pulling out pairs for Mom’s inspection.

“What about these,” I asked, holding up a hideous lime-green-and-purple blanket-sleeper.

Mom howled. “I was thinking of something just a little more Christmassy,” she said.

I grabbed four or five pairs of other pyjamas and threw them onto Mom’s lap.

“Oh Virginia,” she said, laughing. “Who knew shopping could be so much fun!”

Back at mom’s apartment, the senior’s home she had moved into a few years earlier, we unpacked the sleepwear and she watched as I stuffed them into gift bags.

“Job done!” I exclaimed.

I put the kettle on and mom and I settled in for our chats.

“Do you remember when we used to sing-along with Mitch?” I asked.

Mitch Miller and His Gang’s Christmas Album was a staple in our house at Christmas time. My four siblings and I would gather in the living room with our parents. Dad would pass out the loose-leaf lyric sheets that came in the album, but keep the bi-folded cover, which also contained the carols, for himself. From Silver Bells to Silent Night, our voices blended in (or out) with Mitch and his choir.

“I loved that!” mom said. “In fact, I just watched a show about Mitch Miller on YouTube.”

Although Mom was 94 years old, she was a bit of a legend on Facebook. While she sometimes put

comments on the wrong pages and complained that her computer was “not working right,” she fully embraced watching concerts and movies on it.

She and I emailed each other several times a day, every day. We all knew that mom’s time could come to an end at any moment, but it was still a shock when she landed in the hospital that Dec, 23.

Mom had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few years earlier and had been in the hospital for very brief periods with fluid in her lungs. This time it seemed like it would be the same story; patch her up and send her home. A doctor had told us that she would probably be discharged in time for Christmas dinner, but on Christmas Eve, she started to suffer from serious stomach pain.

Between these attacks she would fall asleep.

“Virginia,” she had pleaded as night fell. “I’m so tired. And, I want you to go home. I don’t like to think of you driving in the dark.”

“If I go, I’ll be back in the morning,” I told her, but she was insistent that I stay away.

“You’ve got 26 people coming for dinner tomorrow!” Mom’s voice rose slightly. “I don’t want you to come back. I’m going to be okay,” she said.

“Well, we’ll see, mom,” I told her. “But for tonight, will you sleep if I go?”

“Yes, yes, I promise I will. Please just go, okay?

I’ll feel better if I know you are back home with everyone.”

Mom was sitting on the edge of her hospital bed, looking so small and helpless in the blue infirmary gown. She had lost a lot of weight over the past two months and was barely over 100 pounds.

I slipped my hands under her legs and lifted them onto the bed. I cradled her head and placed it gently on the pillows, pulled up a sheet and blanket and tucked it under her chin.

“Oh, that feels so good,” she sighed.

I switched off the light behind her bed and kissed her goodnight. But I knew I couldn’t leave her. She would never have left me.

Out in the hospital corridor, I leaned against the wall. It was so quiet on the ward. The earlier bustling of visitors bearing gifts and flowers had vanished and patients were snoring in their rooms.

Christmas carols played softly in the background.

Silent Night. Staff were sharing cookies and presents and chatting quietly; I could see them behind the central desk.

A nurse, who had been with mom over the previous six hours, came down the hall heading to another patient’s room. Impulsively, I stopped her.

“Sorry to bother you, but can you tell me how you think my mom is really doing?”

She paused. Smiled. “Well honestly, there’s not a whole lot more we can do for her except what we’re already doing, which is keeping here comfortable and her fluids up.” Her blue eyes looked right into mine. “At your mom’s age, we can never predict how long she has left” I had wished someone had told us that earlier in the day. It was difficult to get any answers out of mom’s caregivers, save for the upbeat doctor who had thought mom would be discharged by Christmas day. “She wants me to go home, but I think I should stay. Do you think I should stay?”

She paused for a moment, and touching my arm said: “I’m going to get you the key to the family lounge. It’s got everything in there you’ll need for an overnight.”

“Thank you,” I said, relieved.

At a kiosk in the lobby, I bought a cardboard cup of tea from Tim Hortons just before they closed early for the holiday. And then I was alone. I sat in the silence and emptiness, sipping my tea before calling my brothers to tell them what the nurse had told me. Immediately, texts began popping up from mom’s grandchildren.

When I got back to mom’s room, she was still awake.

“Oh, you’re still here,” she moaned when she saw me emerge from the shadows.

“Mom, I’m not going to leave you.”

I pulled up a high-backed chair beside her bed, scrunched my coat behind my head and leaned back. I watched as mom drifted off to sleep.

Within an hour her room and the hall outside was congested with family. Mom woke to see them, but only for a few minutes at a time.

“You should go home, Danielle,” she said to my oldest daughter. “You need to be with your family tonight. It’s Christmas Eve.” “Oh, Grandma,” Danielle said tenderly, “I am with family tonight.”

Slowly, everyone began saying what might be their last goodbyes to her. A three-week-old greatgrandson, who just days earlier had curled up in mom’s arms, lay asleep in his buggy in the hallway.

It was 2 a.m. Christmas Day. I sat by her bed, checking Facebook and Instagram over and over, creeping on the pages of people I didn’t know, filling in time. But, it was hard to stay awake in the dense silence around me. At about 3:30, I started Continued on page 81 | 79 | 79 Capital Capital HOME HOME forfor thethe Holidays Holidays 2019 2019

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Mark your calendar for Greater Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest, free outdoor light display THE FIRST-EVER LIGHTS OF WONDER WILL BE HELD AT CENTENNIAL SQUARE FROM DECEMBER 13 TO 30.

The Downtown Victoria Business Association will transform the square into a holiday wonderland. With free admission and for all ages, Lights of Wonder will offer live entertainment, warm nibbles, and magical light displays.

To find out what else is happening downtown this holiday season, check out dvba.ca/holidayguide

80 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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Continued from page 79

Silent Night to get the shakes. I headed to the family lounge, asked Siri to wake me in an hour and collapsed on the couch, cocooning myself in a blanket and my winter coat. I was back at mom’s side an hour later and she was still sleeping.

I set myself up again in the chair, coat behind head, phone in hand. An hour later mom’s shallow breathing became erratic. The nurse came in, listened to mom’s heart and then gently lifted mom’s arms out from under the sheets.

“You can hold her hand,” she said. “I’ll leave you alone.”

My eyes asked the question. She nodded.

“It won’t be long.”

Snow was falling softly outside the window as I held mom’s hands in mine. I marveled at her nails, manicured and perfectly polished. I brushed her cheeks with the backs of my fingers. Her skin was amazingly soft. I whispered in her ear.

“Don’t be afraid, mommy.”

I couldn’t hear her breathing, but her chest was still rising and falling. I didn’t take my eyes off her. I started to count the seconds between her breaths. Two seconds, again, two seconds. Then three, four, five seconds, a breath, 10, another one, 20 seconds …. and then, no more.

The nurse appeared, checked her pulse, listened to her heart.

“Is she gone?”

She nodded.

I whispered in mom’s ear, kissed her velvet cheek. “Oh mommy, I love you so much!”

Tears streamed down my cheeks. I looked around the room that was so still. The curtains that hung in a semicircle around her bed, were wrinkled. A light behind her bed cast a yellow tinge on the wall. I leaned my head against her chest, Mom’s hands still light in mine. She’d held me first; I held her last.

A nurse came in. She crouched down beside me and looked into my eyes.

“I hope you will still believe that Christmas is a joyous time,” she said. “Remember, all the wonderful ones you had with your mom.” Her eyes were teary.

“Oh, yes I will. My mom just loved Christmas,” I told her.

“She made it magical for all of us for so many years.”

And then, as if the seconds hadn’t stopped at all, it was time to leave. I paused at the doorway, one last glance, one last memory.

The sun had just risen, but the air was bitterly cold. I had an hour’s drive ahead of me. While I scraped ice off the windows of my car, snow began falling again. Softly. Gently.

Windless.

“Merry Christmas, mom,” I said aloud, glancing back up at the hospital. “Sleep in heavenly peace.”

Virginia Foley

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Eric AKIS

A very Canadian Christmas Eve Eric Akis serves up a healthy helping of family history for the holidays

M

any families have traditions.

For more than 30 years, one of mine has been to make tourtière for Christmas Eve dinner. My late mother was French Canadian and when I left home and I had my own family I started serving it to honour her and celebrate that part of my heritage.

I was born in Chicoutimi, Que., but my father’s military work saw him transferred west, where over a number of years he was stationed in all three Prairie provinces.

Being in those places when I was kid, despite my mother’s thick French Canadian accent, caused me to never really connect with that part of my culture, or my Latvian-born father’s. I knew where they came from, but I reveled in being a Prairie boy, playing hockey and living that life.

As I got older, though, as always seems to be the case, I did become more interested in my parent’s background. And when I became a chef, I knew one tasty way to learn about it was through food.

With regard to tourtière, when I first starting making it, my mother told me that in Quebec this savoury meat pie is traditionally eaten at réveillon, a Christmas Eve feast enjoyed after midnight mass. She said it was also enjoyed at other special occasions and, because the ingredients used to make it such as budget-friendly ground pork, were often pretty humble, both the rich and poor enjoyed it.

When I became a food writer, I furthered researched tourtière and learned it was named after the shallow French cooking vessel it was first cooked in. I also learned that how tourtière is made has evolved over the years and, in Quebec, the technique used is influenced by what part of the province you come from.

The menu

The Canadian Encyclopedia (thecanadianencyclopedia. ca) currently describes tourtière as a shallow pie that is filled with (ground) pork or other meats, or a many-layered pie that is filled with cubed meats and vegetables. The latter being the way the dish is prepared along the shores of the Saguenay and Lac Saint Jean.

The style my Montrealborn mother introduced me to was the ground porkbased one and, logically, that’s the type I make for Christmas Eve. I usually combine it with other ground meats, such as beef and veal, but for the recipe in this article, I only used pork.

I made that decision after seeing Vancouver Island ground pork for sale at a few local butcher shops. When I’ve used it in the past, it was incredibly flavourful. I knew it would be a splendid thing to use in my tourtière, especially after cooking it with such things as shallots, herbs, spices and reduced stock, and baking it in rich lard pastry.

If you are looking for something to snack on before enjoying the tourtière, dig into my recipe for wild salmon rillettes. Rillettes are kind of like a coarse, loose pate most often made from richly seasoned, cooked and shredded meat or poultry that’s served on toasted baguette. But my West Coast-style take on rillettes sees fresh and smoked B.C. salmon deliciously prepared that way.

If you are looking for something sweet to nibble on a long while after enjoying the tourtière, make my recipe for maple-glazed shortbread with walnuts. Like my tourtière, my mother would have approved of these tender and sublime cookies, because they sweetly incorporate another item from Quebec, maple syrup.

• Wild BC Salmon Rillettes

•82 |Vancouver Island Pork Tourtière • Maple-Glazed Shortbread with Walnuts Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 CapChristmas_2019_1-92.indd 82

11/5/19 10:05:04 AM

Wild B.C. Salmon

Rillettes Here’s a flavourful, coarse, creamy, tangy and smoky tasting salmon mixture you can spoon on toasted baguette and serve as an appetizer before dinner. If you have any leftover the next morning for breakfast or brunch, the rillettes will also taste great on a bagel.

Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus chilling time Cooking time: 10 minutes Makes: Six to eight snack-sized servings • 1 cup white wine • 1 cup fish or chicken stock • 1 Tbsp minced shallot • 1/2 tsp minced garlic • 500 grams sockeye or other wild salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes (see Note 1) • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 3 Tbsp sour cream • 1 Tbsp lemon juice • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp horseradish • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce • splash Tabasco sauce • salt and ground white pepper, to taste • 85 grams sliced, cold smoked sockeye salmon, cut, widthwise, into 1/4-inch strips • dill sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish • 24 or more (about 2 1/2-inch wide, 1/4-inch thick) slices of baguette, toasted (see Note 2) Place wine, stock, shallot and garlic in a small to medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil one minute, and then add the cubes of salmon, ensuring there are submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to low, and then let salmon gently poach five minutes, or until just cooked through.

Line a plate with paper towel. With a slotted spoon, carefully lift the cubes of salmon out the pot and set on the plate (see Note 3). Let salmon cool to room temperature. Now cover and refrigerate salmon until well chilled, about one hour.

Place mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, mustard, horseradish,

Worcestershire and Tabasco in a mixing bowl and whisk well to combine. Add the cubes of cooked salmon and strips of smoked salmon. Mix well so you break up some of cubes and strips of salmon into smaller pieces.

Transfer wild salmon rillettes to an attractive jar or serving bowl.

Tightly cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The wild salmon rillettes can be made up to a day before needed.

To serve, set the bowl or jar of rillettes on a serving platter and surround with the toasted baguette. Garnish with lemon slices and dill sprigs and enjoy.

Note 1: If you bought the salmon at a seafood store, or at grocery store with a seafood counter, ask the fishmonger there to remove the skin for you.

Note 2: To toast baguette, preheat oven to 400 F. Set baguette slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Bake seven to eight minutes, or until lightly toasted.

Note 3: If desired, the wine/stock mixture you cooked the salmon in could be strained, cooled and frozen for another use, such as using it for a seafood soup, stew or sauce. > Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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Pork Tourtièr You can serve the tourtière with a selection of condiments, such as tomato relish, chutney, pickles and whole-grain mustard. It can also be served with salad greens, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, and topped with such things as fresh mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, and ripe pear slices.

Preparation time: 45 minutes, plus pastry chilling time Cooking time: About 70 minutes Makes: Eight servings â&#x20AC;˘ 1 1/2 lb Vancouver Island ground pork â&#x20AC;˘ 1/3 cup finely chopped shallot or red onion â&#x20AC;˘ 1 large garlic clove, minced â&#x20AC;˘ 1 tsp herbes de Provence (see Note 1) â&#x20AC;˘ 1 tsp ground cinnamon â&#x20AC;˘ 1/4 tsp ground clove â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, plus some for rolling â&#x20AC;˘ 1 1/3 cups chicken stock â&#x20AC;˘ 1 cup small, peeled, potato cubes, boiled until just tender, drained and cooled (see Note 2) â&#x20AC;˘ salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley â&#x20AC;˘ pie dough for a double crust pie (see Flaky Pie Dough recipe) â&#x20AC;˘ 1 large egg, beaten Place pork, shallot (or onion) and garlic in a large skillet (mine was 12-inches wide) set over medium, medium-high heat. Cook and stir pork,

breaking up the meat with a spoon, until cooked through. Carefully drain away any fat/liquid in the pan. If there are still noticeable clumps of meat, use a potato masher to create a very crumbly meat mixture.

Add the herbes de Provence, cinnamon, clove and 2 Tbsp flour to the pork, mix well to combine, and cook two minutes more.

While stirring, slowly pour in the stock. Simmer until the stock has a greatly reduced and the meat mixture is quite thick. Remove pan from the heat, mix in the potatoes, and then season with salt and pepper.

Let this tourtière filling cool to room temperature, and then mix in the parsley. Transfer filling to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to make the tourtière (you can make the filling a day before needed).

To make tourtière, set out a 9-inch (23 cm), four-cup capacity, deep-dish pie plate. Set one of the discs of dough on a lightly floured surface.

Dust the top of it and your rolling pin with flour.

Roll the dough from the centre out until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about two inches wider than the top of your pie plate.

To create a round shape, give the dough an eighth of a turn after each roll, dusting with more flour if needed.

To make the move to the pie plate, carefully roll the dough around the rolling pin. Place the dough just above the front of the pie plate, and then gently unroll into it. If dough breaks when doing this, simply press back together.

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Eric AKIS Evenly pack the tourtière filling into the piecrust. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. Roll out the second disc of dough as you did the first. Set this top crust on, crimping the edges to seal.

Trim off excess pastry (see Note 3).

Brush the top of the tourtière with beaten egg. Cut a small hole in the centre of the tourtière to allow steam to escape. Refrigerate tourtière 20 minutes or more to firm up the dough (see Eric options).

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 425 F. Bake tourtière in the middle of the oven 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 F and cook 30 minutes more, or until pastry is cooked and nicely browned top and bottom. Allow tourtière to rest and set 10 to 15 minutes, before cutting into wedges and serving.

Note 1: Herbes de Provence is available in bottled herb and spice aisle of most supermarkets.

Note 2: The potatoes should be cut into 1/4-inch cubes.

Note 3: Some of the pastry trimmings could be rolled and cut into decorations for the top of the tourtière. They could also saved for another use, such as rolling them out and using them to top a potpie.

Eric’s options: You could make the tourtière several hours before needed and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. The tourtière, unbaked, also freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If you do either of these things, add a few minutes to the baking time, as you’ll be starting with a very cold product.

Flaky Pie Dough

This is my go-to recipe for rich and flaky pie dough. I usually make it with shortening, but in this case used lard, which is often used in pastry for tourtière in Quebec, and when you try it you will understand why. Chilling the dough before rolling it gives the gluten time to relax and helps to yield tender pastry.

Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: None Makes: Dough for a doublecrust pie

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus some for shaping • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 1/4 cups cold, pure lard, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see Eric’s options) • 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into tiny cubes • 1 large egg, beaten with 1/3 cup ice-cold water Combine the 3 cups flour and salt in a bowl. With a pastry cutter, two forks or with the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, cut the lard and butter into the flour until well blended.

• 1/4 cup maple syrup • 1/4 tsp maple extract • 2 tsp cold water • 30 to 32 walnut halves (see Eric’s options)

Maple-Glazed

Shortbread with Walnuts Tender, irresistible, walnuttopped shortbread spread with a shiny maple syrup-flavoured glaze.

Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus dough chilling time Cooking time: 22 minutes, per sheet of cookie Makes: 30 to 32 cookies For the shortbread • 1 cup butter, at room temperature • 1/2 cup icing sugar • 1/2 tsp maple extract (see Note) • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1/4 tsp salt For the glaze • 1 cup icing sugar

To make shortbread, place its 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup icing sugar and 1/2 tsp maple extract in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until very light. Add the flour, cornstarch and salt and beat until well combined.

Turn the dough onto a very lightly floured work surface and gather and form into a ball. Now roll the ball into a tight log that’s about two inches wide. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about two hours (see Eric’s options).

Set an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 300 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Unwrap the log of dough and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inchthick rounds and set them on the baking sheets, spacing each cookie 1-inch or so apart. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, 22 minutes, or until very, very lightly golden around the edges and on the bottom. Cool the cookies to

Pour the egg/water mixture into the bowl; gently work it until it forms loose, moist dough that just holds together. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface.

With lightly floured hands, shape the dough into a ball. Cut the ball in half. Press each half into a 1/2-inch-thick disc. Wrap and refrigerate the discs for at least 20 minutes, before rolling out and using as described in the tourtière recipe or any other recipe.

Eric’s options: Cold, vegetable shortening could replace the lard in this recipe.

room temperature on a baking rack.

To glaze cookies, place its 1 cup icing sugar, maple syrup and 1/4 tsp maple extract in a bowl and whisk to combine. Now whisk in the 2 tsp water, creating a glaze you can spread. Spread some glaze on top of each cookie, not quite spreading to the edges.

Top each cookie with a walnut half, and then let the glaze set and dry, about 30 minutes.

Store cookies, layered between parchment or waxed paper, if stacking, in an airtight container until needed. They will keep for many days.

Note: Maple extract is sold in the baking supply aisle of most grocery stores.

Eric options: You can make the log dough a day before slicing and baking. Instead of walnut halves, topped each cookie with a few lightly toasted, chopped walnuts. C Eric Akis is the author of eight cookbooks. His columns appear in the Times Colonist Life section Wednesday and Sunday. eakis@timescolonist.com Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019 |

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Have yourself a green little Christmas The Capital Regional District wants to help you make it a ‘green’ holiday season While the holiday season brings good cheer and great times with friends and family for many people, it also brings a lot more consumer purchases and waste.

The quantity of waste material generated increases dramatically as people consume more.

The best way to avoid increased recycling is to reduce buying single-use items and buy reusable items instead.

Wrapping up your holiday gifts? There’s a lot of creative ways for you to hide what’s inside without using traditional gift wrap. Newspaper, tea towels, paper bags and old calendar pages can make your gifts stand out under the tree.

Consider making a donation or giving experience gifts and make memories instead of garbage.

Here are some ideas: • Support local restaurants by giving a gift certificate • Visit Butchart Gardens for the Twelve Days of Christmas • Buy tickets to a live performance at the McPherson Playhouse or Royal Theatre • Explore the Royal B.C. Museum and see an IMAX movie • Go on a hike in one of our spectacular regional parks You can also cut down on waste by decorating your home using items you find in your backyard. Pinecones, cedar boughs and sprigs of holly look beautiful in a wreath, centerpiece or garland (they smell amazing, too). Turn old gift bags and greeting cards into a reusable garland for your tree or mantel by trimming them into circles and stringing them together with twine.

While these tips will go a long way to help cut waste, there will still be a need for recycling, too. If you aren’t sure how to recycle your holiday packaging and paper, here are some tips: • Paper wrap (with bows and ribbons removed), greeting cards and gift bags go into your mixed paper • Shipping and corrugated cardboard boxes should be flattened and large boxes cut down • Eggnog cartons, plastic and foil trays, paper cups and cookie tins can go with your mixed containers • Old electronics, batteries, string light drop off locations can be found at www.myrecyclopedia.ca • Plastic overwrap, crinkle bags, foam and more can be returned at participating Recycle B.C. depots (including Hartland Depot). See the full list of what is accepted at www.recyclebc.ca • Christmas Tree chipping locations can also be found at www.myrecyclopedia.ca Tis the perfect season to reduce, reuse and recycle.

For more information and ideas visit www.crd.bc.ca/holidayrecycling. C 86 | Capital HOME for the Holidays 2019

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December 3 – 22, 2019 you’ll ever see the funniest plays of e on s… iou ar er see, full stop” rt-wrenching, hil iest plays you’ll ev nn fu e +++++ "heaan th of e on d possibly about depression— —T HE GUAR DIA

N

Setting your special

HOLIDAY TABLE Have fun with your place mats to add dimension and texture to your table.

Katie Laughridge

There are few things as wonderful as gathering for a holiday meal with your nearest and dearest. Many of my fondest memories with family and friends are from times spent around the dinner table sharing stories and creating new tales to tell in years to come. A few weekends ago I was reorganizing my china cabinet, full of my great grandmother’s dishes and silverware, and it got me excited for the holidays. Growing up, the “fancy plates” only came out for special occasions, and they really did make everything seem so much more special.

A beautiful table is the perfect complement to amazing food and company.

Add some flair Throw in something a bit unexpected, stylish and original to your table — it doesn’t always have to be practical. Layer in boxwood wreaths as a charger alternative and top off your look with some additional greenery in your centerpiece. Add ornaments to place settings. They add a bit of sparkly and double as a gift for your guests to take home at the end of the evening.

Switch up your traditional place cards by placing them in a trinket box or even a small picture frame (both of which could also be take-home treats). >

B y D u n ca n i l l aahnoe MhaJconm ny D on W it

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSORS

PUBLIC FUNDERS

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Advertorial Feature

Holiday Table Make sure everyone is comfortable during your meal by adding pillows and blankets to your table seating.

Mix-and-match plating Don’t play with your food, but be sure to have some fun with your plates.

There is no reason to pick one favorite dish set when you can use them all. Play with different textures and patterns to create displays full of energy and depth.

Whether it is mixing traditional porcelain with funky tin accent plates or layering plaid and stripes, it is OK to try new combinations Textile layering A show-stopping tablecloth can make a world of difference in adding excitement to a table. A go-to table hack is using a throw blanket as a table covering. It adds all the color and texture you desire and is easy to throw in the watching machine afterward. If you have an extra-long table for the holidays, try overlapping two runners — you can hide the center meeting point with a beautiful centerpiece. Or, mix things up and run multiple runners the width of your table, acting more as placemats for two place settings across from each other. Use wooden platforms for height or woven mats to add a natural element.

Another place to mix things up: your napkins. Use hand towels between chargers and dinner plates as a larger napkin alternative for guests and top off place settings with traditional napkins for display.

Stylish seating While not technically on the tabletop, seating is still an important part of a meal. Use pillows and throw blankets to add comfort and style to our chairs.

These items are easy to switch out for different seasons or holidays to complement your tablescapes. You can even tie elements from your tabletop to your chairs with ribbon to finish off your look. C

The Magical World of Ancient China: Shen Yun Returning to Vancouver Shen Yun Performing Arts is returning to Vancouver in 2020, once again performing its exhilarating showcase of the magical world of ancient China that audiences around the world have grown to love.

Shen Yun will play 10 shows at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre March 13-22, and if you’re looking for a Christmas gift that your loved ones will cherish, you can’t go wrong by giving tickets to this unique performance.

Shen Yun came into being in 2006 when a group of leading Chinese artists living overseas felt that the world could benefit from a renaissance of China’s rich, ancient culture, so they got together in New York and came up with the approach of showcasing the Middle Kingdom’s 5,000-year-old heritage in a way that can be universally understood—through live orchestral music and dance.

Shen Yun has grown hugely in popularity around the world, including among Vancouver Island residents; last season, more than 2,500 people travelled from various parts of the island to see the show. In fact, demand was so great that the organizers had to add a second full-sized shuttle bus from Tsawwassen to the theatre.

For the 2020 show, there will be six matinee performances, with two on weekdays—Tuesday and Thursday—which is good news for seniors because they can get the ferry discount. Return shuttle service is available from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals for all six matinee shows.

According to reviews on Shen Yun’s website, many audience members said they found the show not only entertaining but also uplifting and inspiring. Two comments from delighted showgoers: “This is the best I have ever seen. It was so uplifting.

It spoke to everything that is good in this world.” — Glen Duncan, Grammy Award-winning musician “Exquisitely beautiful. An extraordinary experience for us and the children.” — Cate Blanchett, Academy Awardwinning actress Christmas is a time not only of giving and sharing, but also making memories. Shen Yun is an experience that will never be forgotten.

Mix and match your textiles and plates for a fun and festive table display.

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A Gift Beyond Imagination

ALL-NEW PROGRAM FROM NEW YORK WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

“I was in tears... The human spirit, the dignity, the power, the love, of those people was astounding. This is the profound, quintessential end of entertainment.”

—Jim Crill, producer

Mar 13–22 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre | 888-974-3698, 604-757-0355 Return shuttle service is available from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay ferry terminals for all 6 matinee shows.

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Reflections

Jack Knox

Columnist, Times Colonist

Adding an extra chair to the Christmas table (and finding the true meaning of the season)

O

n Christmas Day, Sarjeet taught me how to tie a turban.

I was four or five years old. He was a millworker, fresh out from India.

He had just shown up at my family’s church one day, sitting in a pew at the back. The story was that he was a single guy, a Punjabi Sikh who missed going to temple — Kamloops didn’t have one back then — so had decided Anglican would have to do.

How he ended up being friends with my parents, I don’t know. Maybe it was because my father could relate to being a young man far from home; after five years in the army, Dad had still been just 22 when he came back to Canada at the end of the Second World War. Maybe it was

because Dad had served alongside Indian Army soldiers in Italy, which in the 1960s made him the church’s leading Sikh expert by default.

Anyway, Sarjeet and my parents got along. They showed him the Canadian ropes. In return, he gave them a taste of India, inviting my family to his place for his version of home cooking — a gesture that both pleased and alarmed my mother, who had been raised on Scottish fare (typical recipe: cook until perfect, then boil until grey) and was wary of any spice that didn’t come in a salt or pepper shaker.

“My mother says I have to eat everything on my plate whether I like it or not,” I announced when we arrived, which mortified her but amused him. As it turned out, I thought the roti he made was the most delicious thing I had ever eaten in my (admittedly short) life.

I don’t know what he thought of our Christmas turkey, or the stuffing, or — please forgive us — the brussels sprouts.

I don’t know what he made of the other traditions, either: the tree, the stockings, or the manger scene on the mantel with the sheep, wise men, Mary and Joseph (plus a plastic Japanese soldier that I had added for dramatic effect) gazing down on the baby Jesus.

I do remember solemnly sitting among the shredded

wrapping paper as Sarjeet carefully instructed me on how to fashion a turban (a skill that, alas, I failed to retain). He told me that because he was a Sikh, he used the name Singh, which meant lion. (“My middle name is Philip,” I said. “I don’t know what it means.”) He let us kids fish for sticks of gum in his jacket pockets. He missed his family.

Eventually, Sarjeet moved away, married, had children. My parents kept in touch for awhile, then didn’t. Always had a memory of a nice Christmas together, though.

I suppose I’m relating this tale because there’s a seasonal homily in there about what and who Christmas is for, and how traditions can be used to either include or exclude one another (pro tip: the former is better), or can be shared as ways to learn.

That’s not why Sarjeet ended up at our place, though. My parents didn’t think in those terms. He was just a friend who was on his own at Christmas, so they asked him over.

We have had a lot of holidays like that over the years, ones where an extra chair is added at the table. Sometimes we have been the ones peeling a couple of more potatoes for an added guest or two, and sometimes we have been the ones invited in from the cold in a new city, a new country, happy to be sharing the experience, making the room a little warmer. C

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butchartgardens.com/christmas

The Magic of Christmas A family tradition

December 1 - January 6 Dining Skating Entertainment

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