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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2016-12-22, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016. PAGE 19. Christmas tree is king in the Watt house Part of tradition Clinton's Morag Watt, who has spent years with Hullett Central Public School, says that the Christmas tree is her favourite part of the holidays — something that brings her back to decorating around the holidays with her son Jimmy. (Denny Scott photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen For Christmas at the Watt family house, one of the most important things is the Christmas tree. Morag Watt, the secretary at Hullett Central Public School (and Blyth Public School before its closure) said that the tree has always been a very important part of her Christmas traditions. "It's always been my favourite part of the holidays," she said. Watt explained that her son, Jimmy, would decorate the tree with her and she looks back on those times as fond memories now that he has grown, moved away and now lives on his own. "We would decorate and have some holiday baking from family recipes," Watt explained. "We always dressed the tree together because, from a young age, Jimmy NIERRY At this special 411 time of year we'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for your patronage. We look forward to serving you again soon. �rlh Home Hardware 7a/e(104 HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE Gorrie 519-335-3551 Listowel 519-291-2610 HOME HARDWARE FURNITURE STORE Goderich 519-524-8312 www.watsonshomehardware.com was fascinated with the decorations." Typically the family would buy a real tree, though Watt said she did encourage them to try getting their own from a bush. "I remember it being a really fun experience, though not everyone else had the same memory," she said with a laugh. Talking about getting her own tree reminded Watt of an experience she had as a child when her parents were doing renovations on their home and had to cut down a nearby tree that she remembers measuring 30 feet tall. "We gave that to the church," she said. "That was a special year." When it comes to decorating, Watt said that she does have some special decorations that are all attached to memories, but one particular decoration sticks out in her mind; the red velvet garland that adorns her tree every year. "My grandparents bought it for my parents the year I was born," she said. "It's special and has been a part of Christmas for as long as I've been celebrating it." Hand -made ornaments, especially those made by her son Jimmy, play a special part in the decorating of the tree. Another special part of Watt's Christmas began more recently when she started traveling to Africa during her summer vacations in the past several years. "I've always loved to send Christmas messages to people and wish them a Merry Christmas, but, since I started going to Africa, it has become an even more memorable part of the holidays," she said. "My friends in Africa are a little ahead and celebrate Christmas earlier, so I send them messages first and then start working on the Canadian messages of the season. It's a lot of fun staying in touch with people that way." Watt's trips to Africa have also changed what Christmas gifts mean to her and the family. "The material gifts are a little bit less important now it seems," she said. "The Christmas message and sharing time with family are more important and are a bigger part of our holidays now." Watt said that Jimmy being on his own has also left a bit of a hole in the family's Christmas celebration. "There isn't as much glee or excitement in the home anymore," she said. "You really see a lot of joy when children are opening presents and some of that anticipation and reaction is definitely missed when the children get older." As far as family celebrations are concerned, festivities start on Christmas Eve at the Watt home. Sometime during the days prior, Watt travels to Hamilton to pick up her mother and spends time with her family, the Winton family, including her brother and sister-in-law on Christmas Day. Boxing Day Watt joins her husband Jim's family in Goderich at his niece's house and celebrates the holidays with as many as 25 other people. Having a celebration with so many people is something that Watt has 1131\GS CF ?CE AND io• For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 523-9308 ® 7 JA muff yenem/Reny?' .M etty CPctia tinaa Jack & Heather VanDorp had to grow accustomed to over the years. While she grew up in Hamilton, her parents came from Scotland and as far as family at the holidays went, it was just her, her parents and her brother. "It was just the four of us celebrating Christmas, but my husband comes from a big family Continued on page 20 ._rj (slur Roll e, k /4_,,.-7---- ' rr ` :OU . . y ,� i f' , _ _________ ,. .,:-., 7;411°' 4:'•• r;tom i a 4. r .410•414 z ; K•ter-r -r• Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc. .` Office: 519-357-0155"''FI ., ` -, — Fax: 226-889-8944 . , ` 4'0• , •• E.�, , Home: 519-887-9327 = 1' ; 1.%,..„.......,,...:4 y MCKILLOP t ;;' ntt: ii. i=i INSURANCE COMPANY 75 Sports Dr., Brussels 2U.au 'You a \�� erviiAttrica ',` 1 May you find everything you want under the tree, and in your heart this ;.\,.�;' holiday season.- u For the gift of your friendship, ,\-- , we are sincerely grateful. --\,\; \-101.,.. '�,,� \‘,.....----..._ � � _ a 1.3E 11/ --,:es, ,, ,„„, ;!arty ”",, ,. ,,'. " l' - ., ; `sIR,y® - ,,h, io',,,''1,1 gi n a U ty ers M We' .;_4,N`,, i iT 1, '" '.-i-..-.z__ y� - mi. MO - ISI (�il1L '', i y J ' Hours: �\ ` ... 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