Christmas in Canada: Food, Family, Fun & Frostiness

My Canadian Christmas was a marvelous time of all things merry & traditionally Christmas-like. It was celebrated in a series of family events.

The first was celebrated with my immediate family, all but one member, as Josh celebrated in Juba this year, joining us virtually for part of the evening. We had an exquisite dinner in Havilah & Scott's new home, which has been undergoing a magnificent transfiguration, and was made livable and ready for such an occasion just in the nick of time.

Exceptional lamb-roast dinner by Havilah.

Then, in the spirit of Christmas surprises, we put on our elf-like thinking caps and planned some home-makeover projects for the grandfolk in our lives.

For Nanna, a much pined-for fireplace (it's electric,
but it still feels very cozy) and a newly arranged
living-room to accommodate it.

For Grandma & Grandpa, new lift recliners
set up in a more ergonomically-correct tv room.

Next on the family fun schedule, Christmas Eve with Grandma & Grandpa Jespersen.

A special day kicked of so perfectly with grandma's
special waffles with raspberries and cream fresh from the dairy.

Grandpa & Dad exchange stories while I focus on the waffles.
(While simultaneously listening, of course.
I wouldn't miss a good storytelling from Grandpa J, the story master.)

Grandma J, the waffle master.

Grandpa J, looking handsome
in his Christmas tie, ready for church.

Next event, Christmas morning at Nanna's house.

Stocking bears all ready for their annual big day.

Nanna with all the grandkids.

Snowy berries on crisp Christmas day walk.

Post-dinner family fun the Ford-Stonehocker way.
Ridiculous games, greedy gift exchange & family film time.

Next event: Boxing Day with the Jespersen family.

Post-dinner family bonding & presents for the little people.

Post-Christmas fun: Skating & Cinema in the City

The fam on ice.

The fam in action.

What grandmother's do when the Christmas hooplah is over.

More Post-Christmas fun: Scrabble, Sushi & Sauna Night

2 intensely competitive simultaneous scrabble games.

Getting nice & hot in the Sauna.
Sigh...memories of Sudan. In fact, is this the first
time I've felt warm since I've been back??

Getting nice & warm so we can do this!
(Yes, this is the sort of thing Canadians do for fun. Us & the Finns)

"Sauna Extreme Sports" (now an annual event at
the Stonehocker household)

To the hill!

Sledding in style.

Good times were had with friends long-unseen as well. Evidently my family aren't the only ones that like to have fun in creative ways. Here's New Year's Eve: James Bond Theme Party.

The "Bond Sisters": Havilah & I on a brief
foray into the world of international espionage.

My alter-ego: Svetlana, visiting Russian Spy.

And of course, much time was spent embracing (and reminding myself how to embrace) cold cold Canadian winter. It was an exceptionally chilly time, with temperatures averaging around -25-30C, and dropping as low as -41. To survive I quickly remembered & fine-tuned the art of dressing for the cold: layers & layers of down feathers, long underwear perpetually, slippers, blankets, don't forget the touque (Canadian for 'woolly hat'), always a well-wound scarf, & mittens, not gloves. Or simply remember this rule: Degree of puffyness, degree of dorky-lookingness & degree of warm feelings are all tightly correlated. When the coldest of the cold spell subsided, we were dumped upon with snow and snow and snow. At this point I remembered & fine-tuned the art of shoveling snow for each of the homes I've been borrowing beds at: sister's house, Grandma & Grandpa's house & Nanna's house.

But occasionally, one must give in to the irresistible temptation and throw oneself upon the fluffy heaps of snow, lie in its softness, taste the snowflakes & leave your angelic snow impression. It is good.