HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-12-20, Page 35There are few things that say
Christmas louder than a well-
decorated home that smells like
gingerbread.
Doris Robinson, secretary at East
Wawanosh Public School, says the
two things that seem to follow her
into every holiday season are a lot
of decorations and her homemade
gingerbread.
Stuffed snowmen and other
Christmas figures adorn every ledge
and counter in the house, while
plates of gingerbread cookies span
the length of the kitchen table on
this day.
Robinson loves Christmas she
says, and it’s been a big deal in her
family as long as she can remember.
Years ago, big celebrations and full
houses were commonplace and she
has brought these practises to her
Belgrave-area home.
Robinson is one of those people
whose attitude is contagious, and
always with a sunny disposition,
she breeds smiles throughout the
house.
This is something that she has
brought from her job, at which she
prides herself on making a
difference through her attitude and
extra time put in.
“I hope that I can help make the
school a nice place to be, so when
people call or come by, it’s a good
experience. And hopefully the
students feel that way as well,” she
says.
In addition to her time at theschool, Robinson has started a bit ofa Christmas tradition of her own,inviting the women of EastWawanosh Public School over toher house on a night close to
Christmas for some social time. She
has the teachers collect greenery,
for a bit of decorating and she
follows it up with a social time,
something that she really prides
herself on at the school.
“I really try to keep the staff close
and friendly. It’s a shame when co-
workers don’t get along, so I try to
do things like this every once in a
while,” she said.
So while Robinson is busy
starting new traditions at the school,
the rest of her family is keeping old
traditions alive at the house. She says that for as long as shecan remember, her husband anddaughter have always gone outtogether to pick the familyChristmas tree and cut it down.
Soon enough, it’s off to church for
the Christmas Eve service and then
some family time on Christmas Day
and Boxing Day.
This year, she will be hosting the
Robinson family Christmas. She
said that her husband, Len, is one of
three sons in the family, so every
third year, the Christmas scene
shifts to her house. And one can
only imagine that a thoroughly-
decorated house, greeting them with
a table of gingerbread, won’t be a
bad place to spend the holidays.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2007. PAGE B3.
Something’s cooking
A Christmas tradition that keeps people coming back for more is alive and well in Doris
Robinson’s kitchen. Her homemade gingerbread cookies are a family favourite that her
children wait for each year. Topped off with a smartie or two, these treats set the seasonal
mood perfectly through taste and aroma. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Family comes home to gingerbread each Christmas
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C h e s te r a n d th e g a n g fr o m
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Season’s Greetings
from
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PO Box 819,
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Office: 519-527-0400
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Wishing everyone the best this
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Over the past few years, the use of candles in the home has greatly increased — and
so has the number of fires caused by candle misuse. The Ontario fire service offers
the following tips for the safe use of candles.
Secure your candles in sturdy holders and, if possible, place glass chimneys or
shades on them. Keep lit candles out of the reach of children and pets. and well away
from any combustible materials. An unattended candle is an invitation to disaster, so
don't forget to snuff out your candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Remember to keep all matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas
Fire Chief Murray McArter
Brussels Fire Department
By Shawn Loughlin
The Citizen