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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1993-12-22, Page 11Less lavish celebrations By Catherine O'Brien T•A staff EXETER - The holiday season is a special time for Jane Cann. It was at this time nine years ago that she marred her husband Brad and left Australia to live in Canada. "When I first came to Canada 1 couldn't belive the snow," she said. "It was such a novelty." During • Christmas in Australia it's the summer season and usually quite hot. And for the farmers, they arc in the middle of their busiest season and have little time to indulge in holiday activities. "Basically it is a quit, relaxing day. Usually we would spend time o'tdoors playing cricket, or swim- ming at the beach," Cann said. "Many of the presents would be suited to summer weather such as bicycles, pools and summer cloth- ing." Not only is the weather different, but many of the traditions. Canadian decorations are quite a bit more elaborate, she said. "If you do see lights outdoors in Australia it's plain white bulbs, not the colours," she said. As well, only the department stores have holiday window dis- plays and the trees in the parks are not decorated. "Our family didn't decorate their Christmas tree as elaborate as the ones I have seen in Canada," Cann said. She grew up in Bacchus Marsh County which is just outside of Victoria in Australia. And on Christmas Eve she said almost everyone would watch Car- ols by Candlelight a program out of Melbourne. "It was really something, all the people gathered together singing carols," she said. As a child she said they didn't hang stockings, rather they had a tradition of putting a decorated pil- low case in their bedroom. Santa Claus would then fill it with gifts. Ph Canada, 'Cann rarely hears anyone refer to Santa as Father Christmas which is a popular term in her home country. On Christmas morning the gifts would be opened and then it's time ristrnas n Australia Jane Cann has been living just outside of Exeter with her husband Brad and their three chil- dren. She says one day she would like to take her family back to her homeland of Australia for a traditional Christmas. for the big Christmas feast. Instead of turkey, she said they have lamb or chicken and it is ei- ther hot or cold. "I don't think people here would ever have a cold Christmas dinner," she said. For dessert they have a boiled English pudding. In Canada, Cann said, a lot of time is spent visiting family and friends during the holiday season. And, Cann noticed Canadians spend a lot of time preparing holi- day snacks. She has tried to pass on many Australian traditions to her three children, Nathan, Justin and Hay- den, but she said right now they just want to have a Christmas like their friends. "Theywant the Ch>istmas stock- ings, just like every other kid in Canada," she said. But, Cann said, in the future she would love to take her children back to Australia so they can expe- rience a truly Australian Christmas. VARNA - Candles were all aglow in the dark at the Candlelight Service in Varna Church Sunday night with Miriam Jones conduct- ingthe service. The fourth Advent Candle was lit by Leisa and Cora Stephenson. Valerie Laurie read a letter to Eliza- beth for the children's story as did Erin Keys for Goshen. Crokinole The Varna Crokinole Club met for singles play on Tuesday, • De- cember 14 with 13 regulars and throe spares on hand. Joan Beierling and Nick Whyte topped the 'B' division while Joe Fulop and Ivan McClymont topped the 'A' division. As a result of the night's competition, Joan Beierling and Mary Ostrom join the 'A' divi- sion. Mary and Alec Ostrom were in charge of lunch. An open night will be held Tues- day, December 28 at 8 p.m. at Var- na United Church basement with a potluck iunvir. The schedule for the rest of the season will sec double's play on January 11, February 22 and March 22: singles play on February 8 and March 8, with open nights on Janu- ary,25 and April 5. Readers of the Gospel Lesson were Ivan McClymont, Joyce Dow - son, Art Bennett and Linda Keys. Christmas carols and meditations were read and responses were recit- ed amongst the Gospel Lessons. On December 24 there will be a Christmas Eve Service in Goshen at 7:30 p.m. A new spirit of giving A Nc1anal peafowl Mtn. -wrap VY.* r1Yi t'oluesee ing To all my readers this holiday season I wish you a very merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year. OLIVER AND ASSOCIATES 1 U\lx,\ REALTY INC. EXETER 4 BEDROOM EXECUTIVE - 41.39,9o0 A must to see, ideal for the professional or retired couple. Great floor plan. A mere 30 - minutes north of city, buy small town and get 2096 more house for your money. immedi- ate possession. 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Ron O'Brien, Sales Rep. 439-1400 anytime or 234-6281 Residence �inslp111111111111111suturuu.runllt4rNntlsallfll Times -Advocate, December 22,1993 Page 11 I've been a good girl. Could you bring me a Water Baby. Also bring my three brothers something. I'll leave out some milk and cookies for you to enjoy. I'll leave out a few carrots for the reindeer. Could you please wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Especially my Grandpa and Grandma Payne and my Grandpa and Grandma Stanley. Thank you From Aimee Payne - Age 5 200 Victoria St. Crediton, Ontario Daughter of Ken and Laurie NOTICE TO RESIDENTS Pc\ HAY/ZURICH LANDFILL SITE Hours of Operation — Effective January 1st, 1994 Wednesdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 4th Saturday of each month 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Thank you for your patronage and we look forward 'to serving you a in the New Year -id,Dr Dn Apothecary E.J Miaielio PHONE 235-1982 440 MAIN ST. EXETER. ONT.