Early settlers used what was available in Canada during the winter months. They hung evergreen boughs and garlands above the doors and mantels. If they had a second storey in their cabin they would sometimes drape the greenery over the stair banisters.
Only natural decorations were used as, a rule. Things that were on hand and easy to obtain made their way into the pioneer homes – pine cones, nuts, berries and the like. It may have been our Canadian forefathers who invented the cranberry and popcorn strings that were still used in the 20th century in some homes.
As time evolved and other materials came into use, homemade Christmas decorations were crafted from the settler’s homespun cloth and tattings. Dolls and figures were constructed of straw and yarn to add to the festival feel of the cabins.
Canadian pioneers were good at improvising with nature. Even their stocking stuffers were simple, handcrafted items that were added to a few nuts or some fruit. In those days, it was enough to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.
It occurred to me that the gingerbread cookie ornaments would be a good one for kids to make. I'm not sure what the best ages would be....my kids are long gone and I don't remember what age kids are when they do what. I would think, though, that once they're in grade one or two they could probably make something out of gingerbread that they can feel proud of. I suppose that if they're good with play-doh, they'll do well with gingerbread cookie dough.
The recipe for the gingerbread cookie ornaments is in the October postings (Oct. 30th, I think). You're going to want to roll out the dough between wax paper for the little ones. Make it about 1/4" thick. Let the kids use the cookie cutter they like, and then show them how to safely and carefully trim away the scraps (or you do it and let them watch). Before baking their decorations, poke a hole through the top with a wooden skewer or something similar. I would twist it through as this will make a slightly larger hole that will stay open a bit better. You may want to check the cookies half way through the baking process to see if you need to poke the hole through again.
One the cookies are baked and cooled, let the children decorate their treasures with icing. If you don't make your own, you can buy the pre-made variety in a tube. They might be easier for small hands to use. After the child has finished decorating the gingerbread, help him or her put a ribbon through the hole and tie.
A young child will then have made something that they can hang on the tree, use as a decoration elsewhere, put on a gift, or give to someone. It will be special no matter what because you and your little ones spent time together and they'll feel like they've done this on their own.
Do you have any favourite Christmas movies? Maybe ones that you watch with your family every year, ones that have become a tradition?
We had those when my kids were young. Every Christmas Eve we would gather around the T.V. and watch A Christmas Story. I still love that movie to this day. Later, when my grandson came along, his mom (my daughter) wanted to continue the tradition with him. If I'm ever a great-grandmother, perhaps Ralphie and his family will still be entertaining ours.
Here's my preferred Christmas movie list. These are all appropriate for family viewing and below this post, you'll find some YouTube videos of each one:
A Christmas Story Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (you're never too old to watch it, in my opinion) A Christmas Carol (1951, B and W, starring Alastair Sim - my fav version) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (hilarious!!! That squirrel and Eddy never get old) It's A Wonderful Life
There are a bazillion other great Christmas movies, but these are my top favs. I'm sure you can pick them up most anywhere and I know that Amazon carries them.
Another movie that I like that has a Yuletide setting is Black Christmas. It was even made in Canada, filmed at the University of Toronto, back in the seventies, I think. I am not linking to this one as it is very definitely NOT for viewing by children. It's a horror movie that even scares me. Your little one would have nightmares for a month if they watched it.
Well, that's it for today. If these titles aren't already in your movie library, maybe they will become some of your family favourites for this time of year. There's a sampling below:
A Christmas Story - the original theatrical trailer
The 1951 Version of A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim
Many of the traditions of the Canadian pioneer carried through to half way or more of the 20th century. Settler’s stockings usually held nuts or an apple, as well as a smaller treasurer that would have been hand made, such as a cornhusk doll or a beautifully carved little horse complete with mane and tail.
After the year 1860 or so, gingerbread became a Christmas tradition and was sometimes included in the stockings. Of course, they were made completely by hand, being shaped by the baker without the use of modern materials such a cookie cutter. It probably goes without saying that icing bags did not yet exist to decorate the cookies with.
Whereas our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, early Canadian settlers hung theirs on their bedposts. Apparently, Santa was still able to locate and fill them, despite their distance from a mantel.
I'm not sure that in today's high-tech, consumer-driven world, that people would appreciate waking up to find the simple gifts in their socks that our fore bearers did. Then again, maybe reverting back to a simpler time when we were far happier with far less, wouldn't be a bad thing. Perhaps if we were to do that, we as a country could once again feel the true specialness of the Holidays.
Canadian Christmas pioneer stockings - maybe the time is right for a revival.
Have Something to Share with Christmas Canada Readers?
Have an interesting Canadian Christmas story to share or an organization that could use a little exposure to help their cause at Christmas time? Maybe you'd like a shot at guest posting. Just send an email to iamannea@yahoo.ca to have your submission considered. All serious inquiries will receive a response.
