As the Christmas season draws to a close, I find myself packing away decorations and readying my mind for the return to routine on Monday. It is a bittersweet task. These decorations, far more than mere festive ornaments, embody cherished traditions and carry with them a flood of memories, both old and new.

Christmas has always been a time of connection and family. It’s the one season where we make every effort to gather, laugh, and share meals with those we may not see often enough throughout the year. In my younger years, like many children, my focus was on the presents under the tree. But as I’ve matured, I’ve come to appreciate the true gift of the season: time spent with loved ones. As Janice Maeditere aptly noted, “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” Regardless of where I’ve been stationed or the demands of my profession, I’ve always made it a priority to return home and spend Christmas with family. The holidays provide a rare opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and revel in the love that grounds us amidst the chaos of life.

Gift-giving has also evolved for me over the years. The joy now lies in the thoughtful process of selecting meaningful gifts for others. The care taken in the wrapping, the sentiment behind the choice, and the attention to detail reflect the love and consideration embedded in each exchange. It’s these small, deliberate acts that transform gift-giving into an expression of gratitude and affection.

Traditions, both enduring and evolving, have shaped my holiday experiences. As a child, Christmas Eve gatherings with extended family were a joyful convergence of cousins, grandparents, and relatives—a well-thought-out way to tire out children in anticipation of St. Nicholas’ arrival. Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Walkerville became another treasured tradition in my adolescence, offering a moment of stillness and reflection amidst the holiday rush. Though this tradition has faded in recent years, I’m reminded that it is never too late to revive what once brought meaning to the season.

Decorating the house has long been a family affair. I fondly recall my mother sharing the stories behind each ornament, from handcrafted treasures to heirlooms passed down through generations. When I moved into my own home, she passed along some of these pieces, along with their histories. These ornaments, now adorning hidden corners of my tree, remain priceless, evoking memories and connections to family past and present.

In our home, Jesse and I have built traditions that feel uniquely ours. A beautifully adorned Christmas tree graces the front window of our library, symbolizing the season and serving as a centerpiece for gatherings. The Christmas tree has always held special meaning for me. As a child, my sister and I clustered ornaments within the bottom three feet of the tree, undoubtedly testing my mother’s patience while earning her silent admiration for our efforts. Equally vivid are memories of helping my Nana decorate her home, her metallic ornaments shimmering with stories of the past.

Over the years, my own Christmas trees have transformed—beginning as a mix of beloved items and hand-me-down decorations, evolving into a sophisticated and nostalgic style. This year’s tree felt particularly significant. Moving to Brampton and having a large library window at the front of our home offered the perfect opportunity for a grand, elegantly decorated tree. I wanted it to reflect nature’s beauty, bringing the outdoors in—a reminder of life’s cycles and the importance of renewal and reflection.

Yet, when the tree was complete, something still felt missing. A conversation with my mother provided the final touch. She suggested using one of Nana’s angels to crown the tree, and with that, everything came together. This angel holds profound meaning. Nana’s passing, just over a year ago, has left an undeniable void in my life, one I am still learning to navigate. Daily, I’m reminded of the lessons she taught me and the time we spent together. The angel atop the tree offers quiet comfort—a reminder of her enduring love and wisdom, and the indelible mark she left on my heart.

Among our cherished traditions, the annual Christmas card has become my most beloved. It is a labor of love that begins each fall, as I set to work crafting the perfect card. From selecting an artist to designing the cover image, incorporating events from the year, and weaving in personal details, every element is chosen with care. Each card reflects not only our year but also our connection to nearly 200 recipients worldwide.

In late November, production goes into full swing. Printing, addressing, and preparing the cards for mailing becomes a ritual in itself. Every envelope is personally addressed, and every card thoughtfully personalized. For Jesse and me, this isn’t just a holiday greeting—it’s a deeply personal gift, our way of saying, “You are special to us, and during this holiday season, you and your family are in our thoughts.”

As the cards are sent out, I wait with anticipation for the first to arrive at its destination, much like the magical feeling of waiting for Santa’s arrival. Each year, these cards serve as a meaningful way to connect with family, friends, and acquaintances around the world, bringing a sense of warmth and shared joy. This tradition has grown so significant that it even has its own dedicated website.

Reflecting on this year’s holiday season, I’m reminded of the importance of holding family close and the fleeting nature of time. These traditions, whether carried forward or newly created, are the threads that bind us together, making the season truly meaningful.

Verbum Ultimum: The spirit of Christmas endures not just in the moments shared during the season but in the love, memories, and connections that sustain us throughout the year. As I pack away the decorations and prepare for what lies ahead, I carry with me the warmth of these moments and the resolve to cherish them always.

Until next we meet, with ink as my witness and virtue as my guide.
JCB