Well, good mornin’! In the country, Christmas Day finally arrives!

And Merry Christmas to you all!

It’s a cloudy morning here in Cottage country, and most of our snow has melted. Weather wise, it is a touch dismal out there, with rain in the forecast for the next couple of days. But we can’t let that get the better of us as today is Christmas, a day when you share what you have, and it could be as simple as…..

No, it isn’t just about fancy presents or big to-dos; it’s ’bout gatherin’ ’round the kitchen table, sharin’ stories, and passin’ down traditions.

Christmas is a time when families come together, sharing laughter, stories, and creating cherished memories. It’s about reconnecting with loved ones, whether they’re near or far, and celebrating the warmth of togetherness.

Christmas is about finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, enjoying festive music, or taking a leisurely stroll through decorated streets, it’s the little things that make the season special.

And for me, growing up on the farm, Christmas was also a time to appreciate the land that fed us. The winter chill would settle in, and we’d gather ’round the wood cook stove, feelin’ the warmth not just from the fire but from the love we shared.

I also remember what my friend Grey Wolf said one time while visiting him at his cottage one Christmas day. He said, “George Christmas, for us elders, was a time when the cold wind carried tales of our ancestors. We’d sit by the fire, passin’ down stories like gifts, each one holdin’ the wisdom of those who walked before us. It wasn’t just about the snow on the ground but the stories in our hearts.

Gifts? Oh, they were like treasures hidden in plain sight—kind words, a handmade doodad, or a good belly laugh. It wasn’t about the biggest box; it was ’bout the thought tucked inside.

So, I will leave you all with this. “As you navigate through this Christmas, don’t let the hustle and bustle drown out the simple pleasures. Take a moment to enjoy the quiet moments, savour the memories, and let the spirit of Christmas sneak up on you like an old friend. May your Christmas be as rich and genuine as the stories these old eyes have seen. Merry Christmas, folks!!! GW