Cold winters, endless prairie fields, and an everlasting love of hockey! If you didn't experience a Canadian childhood, this book will do a wonderful job of living it for you...
This book is a collection of short stories from Canadian authors who chose to focus on the wonders of childhood -- whether their own, or fictional. There was only one story that truly stood out for me: one that tells of the joys, and sometimes sorrow, of Christmas...
It is the Christmas of 1977 on a small farm off the coast of Nova Scotia. A small family has not only anticipated the arrival of Santa Claus, but also of the arrival of the oldest son and brother. He is employed on the boats of the Great Lakes, and the holidays are one of the rare times that the family are reunited.
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"Their longed-for son and our golden older brother is here at last. He is here with his reddish hair and beard and we can hear his hearty laugh. He will be happy and strong and confident for us all."
They cherish their time together by decorating the house, and attending Christmas Mass by horse and sleigh. "We sing all the Christmas songs we know and watch for the rabbits and foxes scutting across the open patches of snow and listen to the drumming of partridge wings. We are never cold."
(Source: https://stock.adobe.com/images/horse-sleigh-carriage-in-winter/676123152)
However, for as beautiful as everything is, the story ends off on a sorrowful note: our young protagonist is dealing with the coming of age, of leaving the myth of Santa Claus behind...
"I am troubled myself about the nature of Santa Claus and I am trying to hang on to him in any way that I can. ... as I seek sanctuary and reinforcement even in an ignorance I know I dare not trust."
But, in spite of this, the boy is able to see the beauty of "being here on the adult side of the world." he feels the warmth of the Christmas tree, he sees the love his parents have for one another, he has gratitude for his oldest brother's presence... As the father states:
"'Every man moves on,' says my father quietly, and I think he speaks of Santa Claus, 'but there is no need to grieve. He leaves good things behind.'"
It is a simplistic story that does a wonderful job of highlighting the little things. The existential dread of leaving Santa, and childhood innocence, behind. Refusing to take our loved ones health for granted. Growing warm within the dead of winter. The excitement of reuniting with family. Attending beautiful Christmas Mass. Staying up late with family on Christmas Eve... It was a lovely story that made me yearn for one last childhood Christmas.
(Source: https://mymerrychristmas.com/x/christmas-in-the-1970s/)
