The Town of Riverview, my home for the last 26 years, is lit up all along the riverfront with Christmas lights as far as the eye can see. It’s breathtaking! As I drive past each evening on my way home from work, I delight in the fact that the holiday season is upon us once again. My almost 2-year-old, is just as captivated by the lights as I am and as she sits in her car seat, I can hear her little voice excitedly proclaim, “I see Christmas” as we drive past.

I remember my own childhood and the excitement ignited each year when I’d notice the trumpeting angels affixed to each lamp post lining Moncton’s main street. It dawned on me, that these lights along the riverfront, like those angels were for me, will be the signal for my daughter each year that the holidays are here.

This of course got me thinking about holiday traditions. I fondly remember decorating the tree with the homemade ornaments made and saved each year of our childhood. I can still hear our family’s favourite Christmas albums ringing out through the speakers in the living room. I can feel the anticipation I had while waiting to open my stocking Christmas morning in my parent’s room with my brother, which likely happened much earlier in the morning than my parents hoped. I still recall the smell of Grandma’s Christmas dinner which she prepared so lovingly each year.

Last Christmas, when my daughter was just 11 months old I’ll admit, the holidays were a bit of a blur. Infancy induced sleepless nights, paired with all the holiday hustle and bustle, was all a little bit overwhelming. This year though, I am determined to create traditions with our family that my daughter will come to look forward to and cherish and I encourage you to do the same. Take a step back from the shopping, wrapping, cleaning, cooking and the endless holiday preparations that can leave us all feeling drained. Instead let’s all seek out opportunities to find joy and spend meaningful time with loved ones.

Need a little inspiration? Check out these great ideas to get your holiday planning underway: https://www.thepragmaticparent.com/30-fun-holiday-traditions-family-will-love/

It’s important to remember, our children won’t always recall exactly what was under the tree each year, but they will look back and reminisce about the traditions they shared with the ones who love them most. This Christmas, consider the gift of building memories to last a lifetime.

From all of us at Wee College, we wish you and yours the merriest Christmas, and the happiest holidays!

Patricia