There have been a number of experiences that I have enjoyed since moving to the northern hemisphere. The first thing that comes to mind is the definite separation of the year into seasons. I enjoy the beauty of Autumn as the leaves change colour and fall to the ground. When I first saw the change, I gazed in wonder at the varying coloured leaves on trees: red, yellow and orange. After Fall comes winter and often, with the cold, comes snow. I have delighted in my children’s enjoyment of the gently falling snow. I have lifted my head in wonder as snowflakes fall lightly from the sky. I have listened to the crunch of virgin snow as I walk over it and have reveled in its sound during the quiet after a snowstorm.
With winter comes a celebration that I have always enjoyed as a child: Christmas. Celebrating my favourite celebration in Toronto has shown me a different dimension of the festive season. I have gawked at the annual Santa Parade; I have looked though windows at the beautiful Christmas decorations; I have tasted the various flavours of the season in coffees and biscuits.
I have enjoyed a range of events I never thought I would have the chance to experience. I remember fondly my first ride on a Ferris wheel. I think back to taking my children to the circus for the first time. I remember the first trip to the Ontario Science Centre, and our first visit to the Toronto Zoo.
There have been many moments that I have enjoyed with my family since my arrival in the north. And I believe that many more await us.
If you have missed any of my Migrating North posts, head on over here.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2014
(This post was written for the FMF 31 day challenge hosted by Kate Motaung. Today’s prompt is: enjoy)
I live in the southern US so don’t see many snowy Christmas holidays – but chilly ones. I don’t think I could get used to the holiday being in summer. But as you mention, it is being with and celebrating with family that is important. 🙂
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And that is what I grew up with: Christmas on warm, sunny days spent with extended family members 🙂
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I always think Christmas must be so strange in the Southern Hemisphere, Santa was made for snow not sun. How lovely that your family could have that different experience, I can imagine your wonder. 🙂
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We were speaking of it the other day and I realized that in South Africa Santa is not often seen (or Father Christmas as he is called). Instead the focus is more on the birth of Christ and the message that was given to the three kings.
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my favorite from this day was…
“I have tasted the various flavours of the season in coffees and biscuits…”
such a nice way to put that –
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Thank you. I do admit to enjoying these flavours – I often will have a Starbucks flavoured coffee as a dessert 🙂
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How did you find it being cold for Christmas? Have you had a white Christmas? I often find here Christmas is a non event and I’m sure it is the weather more than anything else, we just can’t do Christmas like the northern hemisphere.
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Last year was the first time in ten years we experienced a white Christmas. It normally snows a few days after Christmas on my birthday 🙂
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When is your birthday Colline? Mine is two weeks after Christmas. Wow, a real white Christmas, did you have Bing Crosby’s song going in your head all day?
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Mine is two days after Christmas.
And because it was so cold last year, we spent most of the day cocooned in our apartment 🙂
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It does seem strange never to have seen Autumn colour, Colline. Something I take so much for granted. You’ve done a fine job of counting your blessings. 🙂
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Thank you Jo. I have learned that it is better to count my blessings than to focus on that which I do not have in my life.
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