Page 22 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Christmas Giver 2023

It Always Snowed on Christmas Eve

Memories of a Christmas Past

By Les McLaughlin

Growing up in the eighties, Christmas held a special
place in my heart. The holiday season, with its sparkling
lights and the excitement of Santa's arrival, was pure
magic.
The anticipation of Christmas, for me, always began
with the arrival of the Sears Wish Book. I remember lying
on the floor, flipping through its glossy pages, circling my
most desired toys with bright-colored markers, making
sure Santa knew exactly what to bring.
In our small village of Blackville, the holiday season
officially kicked off with the Blackville Fire Department's
Santa Claus Parade in early December. The entire
community would line the streets, waiting for the floats to
drive by. Santa, always on the last float, would yell "ho, A float ready for the annual Christmas parade, in front of the old
ho, ho's" from atop his sleigh, spreading joy and Blackville Fire Hall.
excitement throughout the crowd. After the parade, we'd
park near the fire hall, which would be filled with kids, where we’d sing our hearts out while glancing through the
eagerly awaiting the chance to sit on Santa's knee to share audience to find our moms and dads who’d be watching
our Christmas wishes. He’d hand us a brown paper bag with big smiles on their faces.
filled with mixed chocolates, shelled peanuts, a barley toy, The week before Christmas break, we'd enjoy a special
and candy cane and sometimes an apple or orange. school Christmas dinner in the cafeteria, feasting on hot
At school, December was a magical time. We'd watch turkey with all the trimmings and a festive dessert.
Christmas movies and spend mornings coloring Christmas The last day of school before the holidays was always
activity sheets. The sounds of the school band practicing filled with anticipation as we looked forward to a break
Christmas carols would fill the long halls of Blackville filled with snow and family time. That night, we’d head
School. Our teachers would have us practice little skits and out to the Metro or Hi-Way Market looking for the perfect
songs for the Christmas program in the school cafeteria, Christmas movies to rent.
The snowy wonderland of my childhood was best
enjoyed at my Gram's house in Keenans. We'd play in the
deep, packed snow, sliding down the side hill with joy and
carelessness until dark. As the warm glow of the painted
Christmas bulbs lit up the yard, we'd head inside for hot
cocoa and homemade cookies. Gram, with her straw
broom in hand, would meet us on the front porch and
gently brush the snow from our clothing before letting us
in the house, where we’d giggle and thaw by the cozy fire.
The sounds of Christmas music filled the house,
setting the perfect backdrop for holiday festivities. The
doorways were lined with holiday cards and tiny red beads
and the ceilings were draped in shiny tinsel garland that
would hang from corner to corner and meet in the middle
of the room.
My aunt Louise would host a party at her house in the
weeks leading up to Christmas, and the whole family
Les at his aunt Louise’s family Christmas party.
would gather there, sharing laughter, food, and gifts.

22 www.GiverMiramichi.com Christmas 2023