Christmas Is Near
It’s hard to believe that the calendar is slowing easing its way into the last month of the year. It’s only less than a month away from Christmas! Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, Christmas sales…
Snow has finally arrived, on the last day of November. Despite a few freezing cold days in September and October, we’ve been blessed with a mild November weather (yes, after Miles and I stopped biking to work).
Days are shorter and nights are longer, as we gradually approach the end of December (Dec. 21st has the shortest daylight hours). Going to work in the dark and returning home from work in the dark. The bright sunshine can only be admired from afar when I’m at work.
While everyone is hustling to Christmas shopping and trying to have it squeezed into their busy schedule, Miles and I have already accomplished most of the shopping needed to be done. Believe it or not, we started Christmas shopping early September!
No major plans. No major trips. This is one of the very few years that I’m not visiting any new places during Christmas/New Year’s Day.
Here is a glimpse of what I’ve done in previous years:
2003 – Stayed in Fredericton and celebration Christmas in the residence.
2004 – Spent “Boxing Day” shopping in Moncton.
2005 – Participated in International Christmas in Nova Scotia.
2006 - At Urbana Student Mission Conference in St. Louise, Missouri.
2007 – Travelled to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City for Christmas; New York and Boston for New Year’s.
2008 – Visited Calgary and Edmonton for Christmas and New Year’s.
This year, I’ll be in Fredericton/Grand Bay/Saint John for most, if not all of my Christmas/New Year’s vacation. Hopefully, there will be skiing opportunities should the weather be favourable, and also chances to go skating during the holidays.
It’s going to be a quiet, joyful Christmas this year, for the seventh year in a row celebrating the festive season without family around. Next year, hopefully, Christmas will be different, a good different.
Tags: Experience, Life, Winter
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Wow,
you bought all your xmas gifts already!? You did well! I am still in need of inspiration because I can’t find what I want to buy for others yet.
Hey, you say more of Canada than I did, and shame on me for being born here and all that I know if Toronto, Montreal, Quebec city and Fredericton. So you’re not going to travel this year huh? About a trip to the south? It’s pretty cheap lately and you and your bf could probably enjoy some sunshine since you’re already complaining about longer nights (oh women….).
: )
Pierre
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Pierre,
Yea, surprisingly Christmas shopping is well under control this year ;). Wish you all the best in finding great gifts!
Have you gone south lately? It might not be a bad idea to have a winter getaway :P Anyway, I’m trying to save up some vacation days for a potential trip to Malaysia next year.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:46 am
2002 With Joy and family
2001 With Joy and family
2000 With Joy and family
…
XP Haha, have a merry christmas this year!!
December 4th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Joyful Joy,
Have a Merry Christmas! ;)