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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-12-22, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016. PAGE 7. Pictures before presents at Townsend house Changing traditions Traditions have changed at the Townsend house over the years, but there's always plenty of time for family and fun around the holidays. However, before anyone opens a present, the family picture has to be taken. (Photo submitted) By Denny Scott The Citizen With a growing family, Christmas can evolve and be completely different from one year to the next and no one knows that tale better than Matt and Aimee Townsend of Blyth. "It's definitely changed over the years," Matt said. "We used to go to my parents [George and Ruth Townsend's] house and stayed there overnight, but now we celebrate here at home." Christmas at home follows one big tradition according to Matt — nothing starts until the children have their picture taken. "That's got to be our biggest tradition," he said. "The kids wake up early, of course, but they aren't allowed to go downstairs until they pose for a picture on the stairs." "They can't go where the gifts are until everyone is awake and we've got that picture," Aimee said. The children also get to open one Christmas present on Christmas Eve according to son Lucas Townsend, a tradition that goes back as long as he can remember. As far as family Christmases, Matt said the Townsend family Christmas is fairly laid back. It usually consists of an earlier meal (lunch or brunch --411P r Alkir.) H©u.IDAY SEASON The Bluewater Recycling Association and all its staff would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. During the holiday season, we normally postpone the regular collection of waste and recyclables in order to allow our staff to savour this joyous holiday with their family, but this year, Christmas and New Year's Day take place on a Sunday, so your regular collection will be uninterrupted throughout the holidays. Please set out your materials on your regularly scheduled day bY7am. w Space provided through a partnership between industry and Ontario municipalities to support waste diversion programs. most commonly) at George and Ruth's home, and includes some gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Townsend. "They usually get something for the children," Aimee said. Matt agreed, saying his parents make a practice of spoiling everyone. "They have things for us as well as the children," he said. "It always seems we're never too old to receive gifts from mom and dad." The family also occasionally takes in the Christmas Eve service at Northside United Church in Seaforth where George and Ruth are part of the congregation. Aimee's family, the Talbots, get together and do a gift exchange/theft game where players pick cards to determine who goes first and who gets that coveted last spot to choose from all the best gifts. "This year, we're including a fun pair of socks with each gift," she said. "There are a lot of crazy socks out there" The celebration keeps getting bigger, Aimee said, as the youngest generation is getting older and bringing their significant others. At home the family enjoys some fun practices including the Elf on the Shelf craze which started several years ago. Elf on the Shelf is where an elf appears throughout the home, changing location on a daily basis, and keeping an eye on the children and making sure they're on their best behaviour as he reports back to his boss back at the North Pole. "We started the hidden pickle last year," she said. "We hide it on the tree, and the first one of the children to find it gets a small, extra gift." Aimee explained that the pickle is a German tradition, and it is the last ornament placed on the tree. On Christmas morning, whoever finds the pickle receives an extra present from Saint Nicholas. The tradition was created to encourage children to appreciate all the ornaments on the tree before turning their attention to the gifts that Saint Nicholas had left them. Decorating the tree usually falls to son Mitch, according to Aimee, while elder son Lucas and Matt "take in the ambience" according to Matt. Ornaments are whatever the family has accumulated over the years, with a couple representing Matt's intensive volunteer position of Deputy -Chief for the Fire Department of North Huron. Matt's primary full-time job, working at M.G.M. Townsend Tire outside of Londesborough, a business he started with his father 22 years ago, keeps him busy during the days and weeks leading up to Christmas as many people peg it as a time to get winter tires on. This winter, which hit earlier and harder than some contemporary winters, included some days of inclement weather, which meant Matt got to spend some time at home helping with some of the Continued on page 10 t y 53a1 iet, at the ijea't 2016 COMMEMORATE THE NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER'S 1ST NEW YEAR Join the gallery of faces in The Citizen's baby photo display January 19, 2017 Send or bring a picture of your little one born in 2016 along with a writeup which includes full name, birth date and parents' names, to be featured in The Citizen's Gallery of Faces on January 19, 2017, for only $20.00 (HST included). Please send picture (with name on back), along with a cheque, to The Citizen prior to January 13. Photos may be picked up after January 19. THIS MUST BE PRE -PAID. - Sample - Mary Elizabeth Smith May 18 daughter of Mike & Laura Smith Please Complete Baby's Full Name Son Daughter Birth Date Parents' Names $20.00 Enclosed DEADLINE - January 13 2 pm in Brussels • 4 pm in Blyth et 1