What a lovely tradition. We never started Christmas too early.

December 5th we celebrated by decorating the house and eating fresh baked spice cookies.

December the 15th we would get together for a Santa Claus parade with floats and bands and of course Santa himself.

On the 23rd we go to my granfather's farm and look for the perfect Christmas tree in the woods. After finding one we would go back to the house where grandma would have hot chocolate with marshmallows and fresh sugar cookies. That evening we decorate the tree and sing Christmas songs. At night we hang out our socks so the elves might come and fill them.

On the morning of the 24th there is much excitement as everyone looks in their socks to see what gifts the elves brought. An mandarin orange, some nuts and chocolate. Some other gift perhaps a toy or a watch is tucked in the bottom.

Games and lot of food during the day. Relatives begin to arrive. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents come to stay until Boxing Day.

Big dinner usually prime rib or roast venison is served. Later it is off to church for midnight service.

December 25th is the day for opening gifts. Children are often awake in the wee hours because they can't sleep in the excitement.

At around 6 am bedlam starts. Colourful wrapping paper flying hither and yon. Squeals of delight and peels of laughter fill the air. The turkey is put in the oven for today's luncheon.

Breakfast is usually made by my father and uncle. Christmas pancakes and apple fritters. Not our normal fare but it's Christmas and who cares.

Luncheon is served promptly at one. It is turkey and all the trimmings, mashed potatoes, peas, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, sausage stuffing, Grandma's Waldorf salad, Mom's dinner rolls, gravy and Aunt Freda's jellied salads. Dessert is Aunt Gwen's steamed plum pudding and brandy sauce.

By now everyone is very sated and tired from being up so early. The kids usually fall asleep one by one. The men folk gather to talk and drink coffee in the living room in front of the fire.

Ladies tidying up in the kitchen and enjoying a quiet tea.