10 Things that Made 2009 a Mighty Good Year!
At Bread ‘n Molasses we believe in focusing on the positive and expressing gratitude. As we close this year’s 12 Days of Christmas special event and begin a brand new year with the magazine, here’s Editor, Kellie Underhill’s list of 10 things that made 2009 one mighty good year!
- Always in first place, the unconditional love and support of my family, without you all I would be an empty shell. You are the backbone of my spirit.
- Being able to do the work I most love to do, with the best crew I’ve ever worked with. You guys are the best! And together we are mighty! Read more »
Golden Christmas Memories
Christmas lights sparkle like stars,
Reflected in his beautiful blue eyes,
In wonder he gazes at the spectacle
He helped Grammy and Grampy create.
His personal touch gives the tree
A somewhat lopsided effect,
For clusters of ornaments hang
In his favourite spot – one branch
Near the bottom, on the left side,
His little hands hold silver bells
Meant for the tree, but
He jingles them and laughs,
Dancing around the room,
While the Chipmunks sing
“All I want for Christmas”,
Rosy cheeks and wide eyes,
His excitement infectious!
His laughter contagious!
His presence enchanting!
We’re capturing these moments
In our hearts and in our minds,
For our beloved grandchild
Is giving us a precious gift,
Golden memories filled with joy,
That we’ll cling to and cherish
When his childhood has bloomed,
Like an opening rosebud,
And our little boy becomes
The man he is destined to be;
Merry Christmas my love,
From Grammy and Grampy!
© Annabel Sheila, Moncton NB
Our Christmas Star
By Joan Cripps
Two year old Nadine is no longer with us. She celebrates Christmas with baby Jesus, but every year she has a special part in our Christmas celebrations.
I can’t remember exactly when the tradition began in our family; however, every Christmas we have a “Tree Trimming” party at the camp for the grandchildren.
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Christmas
Lights, all colours, tinsel of gold
Garlands, each pole and post adorn
At most every twist and turn
Folk all scurrying to and from
Friends and neighbours, down the way
Shout Merry Christmas! Hear that cry!
Deep from the peoples heart and soul
The wish that’s echoed far and nigh
The spirit of yuletide saturates the air
Childrens’ voices, loud with glee
Guessing the presents, size and shape
As they romp around the Christmas tree
Through the merriment another sound
Fills the air with music, soft, and clear
Silent Night, a hush, none, can compare
Our Jesus, abides with us, no need to fear
Christmas is for children, one cannot deny
Our life is bound around them,
As it was The Child, those years ago
Those are my beliefs, as I put my pen aside
Amen
© 2009 Charles E. Frost
On Christmas Eve
by Paul Bryan
I can recall every year in the fall when the wind carried yellow leaves along the road leaving our trees beside the house bare, my grandfather, Poppa, would hitch up Bessy to the wagon and head down to the sawmill.
It was located out by the river where three mountains of sawdust stood like golden pyramids. As a mere boy, I was happy to be permitted to go along, sitting up on the buckboard seat and holding the reins as if I were really driving the horse while Poppa let the ends trail over his lap, in case.
At the mill he would shovel the sawdust into the back of the wagon. Of course Bessy would walk slower on the return journey. Back home, the sawdust had to be banked around the house in order to stop the wind and coming snow from sneaking in under the floors.
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Christmas Long Ago
Warm memories of Christmas long ago,
Fill my heart as the season draws near.
Mom and Dad and seven of us,
All filled with Christmas cheer.
Those weren’t the times of plenty,
Our presents from Santa were few.
But it didn’t seem to matter at all,
We had love and happiness it’s true.
The annual family Christmas tree hunt,
For the very best tree we could get,
Is a memory that’s carved into my heart,
One I will never forget!
Our tree decorations were simple,
And we all gathered round to help out.
Laughing and sharing tradition,
That’s what Christmas was all about.
There were apples, oranges, grapes and nuts,
And a turkey dressed to feed nine.
Mom and Dad cooked the Christmas feast,
That was always ready on time.
I vaguely remember the gifts I got,
For Christmas long since past,
But the feelings of love and family,
Are the gifts that I’m certain will last.
© Annabel Sheila, Moncton NB
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Carol Gillespie tried this recipe from her sister-in-law and decided it was so delicious and easy to make that she would share it with our readers. A wonderful holiday treat!
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
1 cup very finely ground almonds
1(16oz) container of dark chocolate icing
4 tablespoons(1/2 square of margarine) at room temperature
2 &1/2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1/2 tsp pure almond extract
48 chocolate kiss candies
Either buy the almonds already ground or do it in a food processor yourself. Put them in a shallow dish and set aside.
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Joan Cripps of Chatham, Miramichi, NB, sent in these holiday postcards from as early as 1921.
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The Christmas Angels
by Myrna Beth Lambert
It was a picture book Christmas Eve. Snow was falling and lawns were covered in white. Homes were framed by the coloured lights of evergreens and lawn decorations.
Six carolers, three men and three women dressed in green velvet coats, stood before the old house on Littlewood Avenue singing their hearts out. Angelic voices surrounded the home.
The carolers smiled at the little girl who was standing in her crib peeking through the curtains of the first floor window. Her face was aglow reflecting the Christmas spirit as seen through the eyes of a small child. When the carolers finished singing, the curtain gently closed and the little girl disappeared from view.
The door of the brightly lit home opened and the Bensons, a handsome couple, greeted the carolers.
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Christmas on a Shoe-String Budget when your String is Frayed and your Shoes have Holes in Them
by Angela McAffee
I’m not rich yet. I tried to pretend to be middle class for awhile but they threw me back when they realized I couldn’t afford a PVR. Needless to say, I’ve learned some tips and tricks on getting creative with Christmas. Here’s my top three:
1) Make a list – stick to it!
If you get bored and stop reading right now, if you have the memory of a goldfish and only remember one thing — remember this–make a list. Stick to it. If you’re still with me, I have a couple more tips.
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culture | Kellie Underhill | 
January 5, 2010 1:49 am | 
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