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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-12-24, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015. PAGE 17. Family comes first at Howson Christmas For Steve Howson and his family, Christmas celebrations are aplenty between the family at home and the family at work. Howson, the Vice-President of Howson and Howson, coach with the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association and long-time Blyth Lions Club member said that Christmas is a special time to the family because, with some of his children grown and out of the house, it’s a time when family can get together. “Our three children come home every Christmas,” Howson said, referring to himself and his wife Cathy. “We have them here to celebrate and open presents together on Christmas Day.” Christmas Day also marks the date when the family travels to Cathy’s parents’ home in Wingham. The Howson family, however, is a big clan to plan for, Howson explained. “There are just so many of us that it’s tough to get together at Christmas,” he said. “We get together a couple of weeks prior to Christmas at the White Carnation in Holmesville.” Howson explained that, due to the size of his family, it’s easier to head some place that caters to large groups. “We get to visit and not worry about fitting everyone or having to get the meal cooked,” he said. “It’s nice to get together with the immediate family.” The evening is one of catching up for everyone in high school or older, Howson said. “Usually, as the kids get older, they don’t get gifts there,” he said. “It’s really a time for people to connect with each other.” His youngest child Brenden is still at home, Howson said, and has taken to helping get the family home ready for Christmas. “We have a tree in the basement that he has started setting up,” he said. “We also do the outside lights together. Dec. 1 is when we do that.” Cathy handles the rest of the decorating, Howson said, including the stockings which are hung with care and laden with gifts for the children, he said. “The kids still enjoy that,” he said. “Then we do a bit of a gift exchange.” While Howson says that Christmas isn’t ‘really’ exciting, it is a time for family and he’s grateful for that. While the Howson and Howson Christmas parties used to be held privately for the organization, Howson said that, recently, the company goes to the annual Blyth Lions Club Christmas Dance and dinner. “It’s easier that way for everyone and everyone seems to have a really good time,” he said. “We’ve been doing that for a couple years now.” The company also hosts a Christmas party for employees with children earlier that day. “Santa comes and there are gifts for younger children,” he said. “They like to do that and see Santa and have a good time.” Christmas time For Steve and Cathy Howson and their children (from left) Holly Howson, Meagen Campbell and Brenden Howson, Christmas is about family. Whether it’s the intimate family Christmas celebration, the larger Howson family Christmas celebration or the even larger Howson and Howson Christmas celebrations, everything comes back to people that care about each other coming together for the Christmas season. (Photo submitted) Looking for the perfect last minute holiday gift? Give a membership to the Huron County Museum! Receive special discounts, exclusive invitations and unlimited admission to the Huron County Museum, Historic Gaol and Marine Museum for one year. Membership cards can also be used for regular admission at Waterloo Region Museum, Grey Roots Museum and Archives, Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre and Simcoe County Museum. Student or Senior - $30• Individual - $40 • Family - $60 110 North Street, Goderich ON 519-524-2686 Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/huroncountymuseum Season's Greetings from the Huron County Museum! Blyth 519-523-4757 Casey Boven and family SEAFORTH ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Kathleen Day Dunbar New Patients Always Welcome! 519-527-1760 www.seaforthvet.com Medicine & Surgery, House calls, Grooming, Pet Food and more Wishing you and your furry family members a safe and joyous holiday season. Downloading Our Best At The Holidays 746 Queen St., Kincardine 519-396-3274 (formerly MTC Computers) 223 Huron Rd., Goderich 519-524-9863 214 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-1554 Here’s hoping lots of good times are on your holiday program. Wishing you the very best in 2016! There is no time more fitting to say “Thank You” and to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and All the Best in the New Year! Doug & Jodie Ruston 37117 Blyth Road, Goderich 519-524-9878 Season’s Greetings By Denny Scott The Citizen