'Tis The Season

As a child, my little brother and I would look forward to the annual Santa Claus Parade. It didn't matter how cold it was, we'd be out there on the route freezing our little behinds off. Mom sure was a good sport about the whole thing, given how much she dislikes the cold. I have many fond memories of warm hot chocolate and candy canes at the end of the parade while we excitedly discussed our favorite parts, and whether or not Santa wore a good jacket while making his deliveries on Christmas Eve.

For the last 3 years we have not had a parade due to construction of the new Encana building downtown. I was disappointed last year, but understood the reasons behind it. This year, however, I am not so forgiving. Why is it that the Stampede Parade can go through, with no restrictions, but the Santa Claus Parade can't? They both follow the same route! If we had more oil & gas sponsors, would that make a difference? I'm betting it would.

Bean is at the age where we're teaching her about Christmas and all it's traditions and it really bothers me that we're going to have to watch the Toronto parade on TV, instead of being at one live. It's a tradition I want to start with her and I'm frustrated that I can't right now.

Now that I've had my say about it, I can move on to traditions that I can control, like stringing popcorn, baking holiday treats, and making reindeer out of candy canes.

What traditions are you going to be passing on to your children?