Editorial Comment


01 December 2007
Dieppe, NB


I'm not certain if it's because of my age, or the time in which we live, but the days seem to be flying by at breakneck speed. It almost feels like you get up and it's Monday morning, and when you're going to bed, it's Friday night, and then you ask yourself where the week has gone. Anyhow, I wanted to start putting your Christmas stories on the site for folks to read, because before you know it, Christmas will have arrived and be too soon gone.


We are going to begin our Christmas memories with a wonderful story from Lorraine Wilson (nee: Mercer). Not only did Lorraine write and tell us what her favourite memories of celebrating Christmas was like, but she also included several photos to share with the rest of us. So a very special thank you to Lorraine for taking the time to send us her thoughts and pictures.


With regards to personal recollections of Christmases in Port Albert, sadly I must confess that there was only one that I remember well. Our family was living there for the Christmas of 1965, and it's all of the excitement of the entire festive holiday that I remember most. Of course there was the Christmas dinner, however unlike today, the sacrifical bird was not a turkey, but a couple of salt water ducks cooked in my grandmother's cast iron bake pot. Served along with the traditional Newfoundland cooked dinner of salt beef and cabbage (or Jiggs Dinner as it is more commonly known), and smothered in a rich, dark brown gravy, one couldn't ask for a better Christmas dinner anywhere. (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!!)


Memories also go back to the great fun we had during the evenings over the 12 Days of Christmas, when we got to partake in mummering. Hearing the big heavy boots of the mummers coming up across the bridge of the house, the loud knocking and voices somewhat akin to that of the boogeyman, and then grandfather opening the door to let them in, those memories are still with me today. Grandfather played a button accordian, and sometimes he'd get it out and play a jig in order to get the cleverly disguised visitors to perform a little dance. As children, it was great fun to watch all of this locally generated talent unfold before our very eyes.


There were also evenings when we children got dressed up and went knocking on a few doors to see if the homeowners could figure out who we were. If nothing else, it was always good for a glass of Purity syrup and a piece of fruitcake from the lady of the house. Being a lover of fruitcake, this was always my favourite time of the year.


Christmas today has changed immensely. If I might be so bold, I would like to quote an excerpt from an article which I recently read about what Christmas has come to signify for a lot of people.


Christmastime, supposedly an occassion for happiness and celebration, each year leaves many with feelings of depression and emptiness. The focus on excessive consumption at Christmastime causes some to become despondent, when they feel they cannot afford to keep up with the pace demanded by the merchants and advertisers who profit from the holiday.

Let's all of us resolve that this Christmas will be a very special one, as we share the joy and fellowship of family and friends. The presents (or lack thereof) is only a by-product of the true meaning of Christmas.


Offer to do something unexpected for a neighbour. Shovel a driveway without being asked. Ask an elderly person that you know if they need a ride to the supermarket or the doctor's office. Maybe the young family down the street could use a free night of babysitting as they get those last minute things done before Christmas morning. When is the last time you brought a smile to someone's face with a plate of freshly baked cookies?


You see, Christmas is not about what the merchants are selling, or how much money you feel that you have to spend, but rather what small act of kindness that you can do for your fellow man. The reward that you will receive as a result will be priceless.


Wishing all of you the very best for the coming Christmas season...


Terry Alexander

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