CHRISTMAS IN CANADA

Other objects of pleasure given to children were such treasures as a homemade sled or snowshoes. These brought many hours of winter fun.

Children made gifts for their parents and siblings. Potpourri, sachet and pomander balls were often given to both men and women. Handkerchiefs were hemmed and scarves, mittens and hats were knit. Girls as young as five-years-old could hem by hand and knit.

If there was a nearby town or trading post, often pennies would be saved to purchase a gift of pins, needles, thimbles, threads and a pin-cushion for the lady of the house. Duck down was collected all year to make pillows and cushions.

Candy was made as well as cookies. The candy was shaped into sticks or balls and was flavored with fruit juice and peppermint.

On Christmas morning the stockings were emptied and games of hide-the-thimble or blind-man's bluff were played. Wild turkey or goose was most often served along with mincemeat pie and plum pudding made with hand gathered fruit. I can remember Grandma baking for days before Christmas, the smell of fruitcake, mincemeat pies and currant pudding making her kitchen a most inviting place.

The 1800's brought many changes to the Christmas tradition both in Canada and the world. In 1800, tree ornaments began to be manufactured in Europe. In 1822, Clement Moore wrote "A Visit From Saint Nicholas," for his family. Today, we call it "The Night Before Christmas," and children all over the world look forward to its telling.

There was no electricity in many parts of Canada as recent as the 1950's. I remember as a small child, going to Grandma's for Christmas. Grandma didn't have hydro but she did have a beautiful tree. Usually, it was spruce. Fastened on the end of each branch by a silver clip were small red and white candles. Grandma had a mold and made these candles for the tree each year.

In 1896, the T. Eaton Company of Canada produced its first Christmas catalogue. I can remember waiting with eager anticipation for both the Eaton's and Simpson's Christmas books. My siblings and I would pour over the pages until they were dog-eared and tattered, trying to make our choices. We were allowed to ask for only one thing. It was a difficult choice.

Eatons quit producing a Christmas catalogue many years ago. This year, they went out of business. It saddened me to see them go. Many

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