Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-12-19, Page 38Christmas around the Cook household in Blyth is changing pretty dramatically this year according to patriarch Les. Les is a Blyth Legion member and Pastor of the Blyth Church of God who runs a dance studio with his wife Jackie and the Queens Bakery with Jackie and Rick and Anne Elliott. He said that, as this was the first year he wouldn’t have his two daughters Britt and Katy around the house, it was going to be a bit different than normal including the tree. “Traditionally, we’ve done things a lot differently than we’re doing this year,” he said. “Usually, we would have a real tree, but this year we’re going to have an artifical one as the kids won’t be home.” Aside from the decorations, Cook explained some of the traditional activities the family participates in will also be skipped this year, including a 20-year-old family favourite: carolling. “Traditionally, we would go Christmas carolling on Christmas Eve, then come back home for treats and hot chocolate,” Cook said. “Usually we have eight to 10 people from the church and we go to local hospitals and nursing/retirement homes.” The practice, which Les said is being discontinued because it’s difficult to find people wanting to be involved, is being put to rest after 20 years. It all started when Jackie’s father was sick over the holidays. “We went to see him on Christmas Eve to sing carols and we realized it was a neat idea, then we started doing it all the time.” This year, however, the real tree and carolling are being put to rest as Les and Jackie head to a friend’s home to celebrate Christmas. With his children away, Les also said another Christmas tradition may be missed or may simply have to happen without everyone in the same room. “Ever since the children were small, they got to open one package on Christmas Eve and that was their Christmas pajamas,” he said, adding he might try and send some pajamas out to his daughters this year. This isn’t the first time the Cook family’s Christmas experience underwent a transformation. When he was young, he was the second youngest of seven children and, after counting up the nieces and inlaws, family Christmases became an important event. “It was always a big deal,” he said. “The house was full. We did the traditional gift opening and a meal and then we would do Christmas with Jackie’s family.” Things have changed since then, however, and Les said people aren’t putting as much time in with the family throughout the holidays. “We do a limited gift exchange, which is nice, but the big thing now is people don’t set aside two or three days to celebrate with a family,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just a day or even a couple hours.” He also said some of the creativity has left the event. “It’s not really a good or a bad thing, but there isn’t a lot of creativity on Christmas Day,” he said. “You don’t have the car sets and the dolls and the trains that you put together and used your imagination to have fun with. It’s a different atmosphere.” The time at Christmas, while there is less and less of it for everyone, has become more valuable as well according to Cook. “The time together is more important,” he said. “We get to enjoy each other’s company more when we’re doing a smaller, or no, gift exchange.” He said as the family has become more mature, there is a different atmosphere. Cook also believes Santa Claus is a great representation of the season even if, when he was young, he knew where all his presents came from. “Santa makes a great symbol for Christmas,” he said. “He’s better than the decorations and the gift exchanges because he represents free giving. It may lend to commercialism, but he still represents Christmas well.” Pajamas and presents While many traditions revolve around actions and symbols, some are a little less symbolic and a little more warm and fuzzy. Les Cook told The Citizen about his family’s tradition of giving pajamas to his daughters every year on Christmas Eve to wear that night. In this vintage photo, Les is shown with his family. From left are Jackie, Britt, Les and Katie. (Photo submitted) PAGE 38. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013.Christmas pajamas mark holidays for Cooks 14 Orchard Drive, Brussels from Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2014. Thank you kindly for your loyal support. McCall Livestock 85345 Brussels Line, P.O. Box 140, BRUSSELS Ross McCall Matt McCall Keith McLean Office. . . . . . . . . . . . 519-887-9571 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519-887-9171 With best wishes to you and yours this holiday season. Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd. 519-887-9261 WALTON Greetings at Christmas Call us 519-887-6461 Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK We’d like to wish all our customers, neighbours and friends a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year. TENPAS DECOR CARPET ONE 122 Main St. E., Listowel 519-291-4440 Brian Rhonda Murray Brenda Kevin Nancy Brian, Brenda, Murray, Rhonda, Kevin and Nancy would like to thank you and let you know how much they appreciate your business this past year. Theirfamilieswishyouavery MerryChristmasand Bestwishesforthe newyearfrom You can’t pass on TenPas where the welcome mat is always out for you! 306 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-3894 Season’s Greetings to all my valued friends and customers By Denny Scott The Citizen Get information on Huron County attractions on the Stops Along The Way section of our website www.northhuron.on.ca