The Citizen, 2009-12-24, Page 17Growing families and changing
lifestyles can make it challenging to
keep some long-loved traditions
alive. As children move away from
home they can’t always be there for
Christmas.
Dates and times may change,
meaning the practices that
surrounded them must change too.
For Leona Armstrong (1997
Citizen of the Year for Brussels) the
passing year have seen many
changes to the traditions that were
part of her Christmas. “The biggest
challenge is getting a day when
everyone can make it.”
And if that’s not Christmas Day so
be it. “It’s important everyone be
here so we work around the plans.”
The Christmas Eve church service
has always been important to Leona,
her husband Jim and the family. But
now it’s not always perfect
attendance from the Armstrong clan.
“We go with whoever we can round
up,” smiles Armstrong.
Having outgrown their home, the
tradition family gathering has moved
to a more substantial setting.
Though, unlike many families who
have to move to a hall or an arena,
the Armstrongs didn’t have to look
far from home to find the perfect
place.
For the past 10 years the family
has been celebrating the season in
the family room of the Armstrong’s
barn. “Which is nice, because the
first Christmas was in a barn,” said
Armstrong.
However, it is from this point
where one sees the wandering from
tradition has not been all that big a
trek.
A big tree is brought in adorned
with ornaments made by the
Armstrongs’ children, and now the
grandchildren. There is even one that
Jim has had since he was small. “It’s
a little house that he had from the
time he was a little boy. It’s always
there on our tree.”
Each year, the children deliver thepresents wearing a Santa hat to the20 or so family members gathered. Armstrong has held true to manyof her own traditions as well. “Thebaking tends to stay the same, withseveral gumdrop cakes, a dark cake
and Christmas pudding.”
As well she bakes cookies for
shut-ins and for trays for the
residents at the Highland and Maple
Villa apartments through theWomen’s Institute. Christmas cards are anotherimportant tradition for her.Armstrong sends over a hundredeach year. “I talk to others who saythey’ve dropped in the number they
do. I just keep on adding.”
“Years do go by and things
change, but there are traditions that
have held on.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009. PAGE 17. Family celebration held in converted barn
As it was then
The converted barn on the property of Leona Armstrong (1997 Citizen of the Year for Brussels)
has become the place for her growing family to gather for Christmas, a rather fitting venue
when one considers the reason for the season. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
'O Come All Ye Faithful
Guided only by a single star
Three wise men journeyed afar
To the manger where the infant lay
On that very first Christmas Day.
May your spirits be lifted and your faith renewed
as we recall the miracle of Christmas.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11
In this time of joy our remembrance
of His birth, we join you in prayer
and celebration, offering our
hopes for a world filled with
peace and love. Best wishes
for a healthy, happy holiday.
Dan, Heather and family thank
you for your patronage in
the past year. We wish to
extend a heartfelt Merry
Christmas and a Happy
New Year to all.
Dan's
Auto Repair
Westfield
519-523-4356
We wish all our customers and friends
a very happy holiday season
and all the very best in the coming year.
1 mile east of Londesborough on County Rd. 15
Phone 519-523-4742 ~ 1-877-619-7877
George, Matt, Wes, Hunter, Drew & Kerry
M.G.M. Townsend Tire
Wishing You
An
Old-Fashioned
Christmas
WWiitthh bbeesstt wwiisshheess aanndd
ggrraattiittuuddee ttoo oouurr vvaalluueedd
ccuussttoommeerrss aanndd ffrriieennddss..
~~ DDoonn && JJuulliiee ~~
1 mile west of Blyth
on Blyth Rd.
519-523-9771
Landscaping & Supplies
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen