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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-12-19, Page 34Christmas around the Govier house is a matter of tradition according to matriarch Donna. Govier, who is the secretary for the Blyth Legion and who also works at Radford’s Gas Bar, said Christmas at her house is a picture of classical practices. “We do the usual things,” she said. “We have the lights, the trees and I try to get some goodies for my grandkids and great-grand kids.” Govier hosts her family and everyone opens their gifts and enjoys the company of family and she says that’s the important part of the holidays. “We don’t do a lot of baking, we don’t go to a whole lot of trouble,” she said. “Family is more important.” This is a bit different from when she was younger and had her own children in the house, but she said even then it was more about the family, even if her children needed some pacifying. “When the kids were small, we had a tradition of giving one gift on Christmas Eve,” she said. “It had a calming effect on them and helped them get together.” Now, however, the celebration isn’t as elaborate and is more about the time spent together, even if that means finding a place for 20 or more visitors. “With 10 great-grandchildren, we have about 20 people here,” she said. “It makes for a houseful.” While Govier buys for her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, the rest of her family draw names so everyone has something to open. “Everyone has something they can enjoy and something they can take home,” she said. One other tradition the family practises is the “Santa Bag.” “Everyone puts a small bag in the Santa Bag, something like a lottery ticket or a chocolate or something, and we all take turns picking from the bag,” she said. While much of the family can make the trip to enjoy Christmas together at Govier’s house, she did say there are those outside the area and that, through either a phone call or Skype, an internet video chatting service, she tries to make sure every member of the family is wished a Merry Christmas. While the size of the gifts and how technologically-focused they usually are has changed, Govier said that spirit hasn’t changed all that much since she was young. “We had stockings but instead of gifts we had oranges and nuts and that was big,” she said. Being the youngest of seven siblings in a single-parent home, Govier said her family learned the value of sharing early on, but is quick to mention they certainly didn’t do with out. “My mother raised me and my siblings and we all did well,” she said, adding she had lost a brother when she was younger. “Sure, you had to share a bike or some skates now and then, but we all got something and we all had fun.” The big focus then, as it is now, is on family for Govier so she says, in that aspect, things are pretty much still the same. “It’s still about all the families getting together and just enjoying some time with one another, at least in my family,” she said. Family now, however, has changed a bit for Govier who says there are two highlights for Christmas, her work with the Legion and her Christmas lights. “Thelma Johnston and I have done gifts for all the veterans in the Legion and their wives,” she said, mentioning all the veterans in the Legion except Joe Chatterton have passed away. “It’s a great way to celebrate Christmas.” Putting up the Christmas lights, both on the tree and outside is also an important part of the holidays for Govier. In years past she thought she might take a break from the experience, but one persistent granddaughter told her she wouldn’t be able to enjoy her grandmother’s lights if they didn’t get put up. “My granddaughter next door loves the lights,” she said. “I used to go crazy with them, but I’ve settled down a bit now, I can’t go quite as far as I used to.” PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013. One important tradition While Donna Govier has plenty of traditions to get her in the Christmas spirit, one of the most important is getting her Christmas lights out. While her displays now aren’t as elaborate as those of the past, her grandchildren wouldn’t be very happy if she didn’t decorate and they have been rather vocal on the matter. (Denny Scott photo) Tradition runs deep at Govier Christmas 44229 Amberley Road west of Molesworth 519-291-4643 www.old86farmersmarket.com Hours: Closing Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 at 4 pm Closed Dec. 25 & 26 Closed Jan. 1 Monday - Saturday 9 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 5 pm May you find everything you want under the tree, and in your heart this holiday season. For the gift of your friendship, we are sincerely grateful. Wishing You a Merry Christmas We just wanted to say “Merry Christmas”, and “thanks” for calling on us this past year. We appreciate your kind patronage. from Ron, Betty, Paul and Dianne K.M.M. FARM DRAINAGE Walton 519-887-6428 (Shop)519-527-1633 McClinchey South End Auto Wayne McClinchey 82991 London Road, South of Blyth 519-523-4224 Season’s Greetings With best wishes and gratitude this holiday season. It’s been great getting to know you, and we look forward to seeing you again next year! SCOTT TOWNSENDSCOTT TOWNSEND • FURNACES • CENTRAL AIR • FIREPLACES • GAS WATER HEATERS • IN-FLOOR HEAT • BOILERS PLUMBING & HEATING Serving Your Area 519-482-3744 PLUMBING & HEATING INC. Season’s Greetings and thank you for your patronage this past year. 519-523-9381 blythinn@bellnet.ca 422 Queen Street, Blyth Everything’s Set... For A Great Season! We wish you all a truly joyous and memorable holiday season. Thank you for your loyal patronage this past year. We look forward to your visiting us again, soon! By Denny Scott The Citizen