Usually after Halloween, Christmas decorations start to appear in the stores, carols fill the air, advertisements of toys, jewelry, and electronic gadgets pop up on TV. Snow falls and then it will really start to look a lot like Christmas. Known as the Christmas Capital of Canada, Winnipeg kicks off the holiday season on the third Saturday of November with The Santa Claus Parade. Houses are brightly lit with Christmas lights throughout the season. At home, my kids help me put up and decorate the Tree. They look forward to the Children’s Christmas party at my workplace because they get presents.
My Filipino friends and I take turns in hosting our annual Christmas get-togethers. It has become a tradition. Since most of our relatives are in the Philippines, we have adopted each other as family members. The get-together is always a potluck. We eat, chat, sing and sometimes we even dance. Then we exchange gifts.
My Filipino friends and I take turns in hosting our annual Christmas get-togethers. It has become a tradition. Since most of our relatives are in the Philippines, we have adopted each other as family members. The get-together is always a potluck. We eat, chat, sing and sometimes we even dance. Then we exchange gifts.
My family and I attend mass on Christmas morning. The church is usually elegantly decorated. The sermon is beautiful and points to us that Christmas has become commercialized. But of course the priest always reminds us that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and that it is about God’s love. After the mass, we come home to a festive feast that we share with my mother, my sister and her family. And then we take lots of pictures and we open presents. Now that my kids are older, they no longer receive presents from Santa. I have explained to them that Santa represents the spirit of giving.
And speaking of giving, the Winnipeg Christmas Cheerboard collects non-perishable foods and toys for Christmas hampers to be given to families in need. People here actively participate in this charitable deed. I was at the receiving end when I first came here and now give back in return.
"Celebrating Christmas at the Christmas Capital of Canada" was originally published on December 9, 2005 at
