December, 2004 - Nr. 13
A Forget-me-not Christmas Day
This year, my family, the Forget-me-nots, are spending Christmas day the same way we have for years. In the town of Stouffville, several local churches come together to give lonely and needy people a Christmas. We are privileged to take part in the event and that definitely makes our Christmas complete.
In the barn-like Stouffville Flee Market building, a classic
Christmas turkey dinner is prepared for the several hundred people who come.
Norm Clemens, the man who organizes everything, finds it important that a
Christmas dinner be enjoyed on real china and served in a sit-down dinner
style. The tables are set with baskets of fruit, chocolates and nuts for
nibbling and crayons for the children to doodle on the white paper
tablecloth. Santa Claus pays a visit to give every child a present. Singers
and actors and storytellers give their gifts to make the day even more
special. Eight years ago, Norm made a contract with my aunt Ingrid on a
handshake.
We
eagerly agreed to be part of the event for the next 10 years. Since then it
is our tradition to play our Bluegrass, folk and Austrian Christmas music
for all the people while they have their dinner.
We have made friends with many of those who attend. We see them every year. I’m eager to see Pitche, the Native woman, her small child called Naadiziwin, (which means "way of life") and many others. Talking with these valuable people and hearing of their often difficult lives means a lot to me. We hope the spirit of Stouffville’s Christmas Day lights up their lives and carries them through the rest of the year.
I wish everyone a Christmas full of peace and togetherness.
Rachel A.I. Seilern
Comments to: rachel@echoworld.com
