It's wonderful to hear people's stories of Christmases past, and we're pleased that so many members of our congregation have taken the time to share them with us. Enjoy these stories of Christmas surprises, from Bernette Burnley and Ann Smith.

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is from when I was in my twenties.  I had left New Brunswick for a job in Alberta in November, knowing that I would not be able to return home for Christmas. It would be my first Christmas away!

As Christmas time approached, I was feeling sad that I would not be with my family for the Holidays! Two weeks before Christmas, I received a call from a delivery company saying that a parcel would be arriving for me. I thought perhaps my family had sent some Christmas gifts. To my delight and surprise, the “parcel” was a real Christmas tree from back home! My father was a Christmas tree grower who shipped his trees to the eastern United States, and this one he had shipped to me all the way to Alberta.

My roommates at the time were as shocked as I was to see we had received a real tree! I bought a tree stand, and we had a party where friends came and we made all the decorations to trim the tree. It was a wonderful Christmas after all, as that tree was so full of love from my parents and siblings! A very memorable Christmas!

- Submitted by Bernette Burnley

"One Christmas Eve, we hosted a family gathering. A blanket of fluffy snow had just fallen to set a beautiful wintry scene. Our eldest opened the door to check on the snow, and with wide eyes turned to me slamming the door shut. “Mum, Santa is coming from next door.” “Well, invite him in” I said. Santa greeted everyone, to the surprise of all present including my husband, who knew nothing of this planned visit. No one was more delighted or more surprised than my father-in-law, who always loved Christmas."

- Submitted by Ann Smith

The Christmas Season is upon us and with it comes memories of Christmases past. We have once again asked members of the congregation to share some of their favourite Christmas memories with us so that we can share them with you. We hope you will enjoy a little glimpse into the memories shared here and perhaps be encouraged to share yours as well.

“My favourite childhood memories revolve around Christmas Eve. There was a feeling of great anticipation in the house as we all got ready for the evening church service, which kicked off the festivities. It was exciting to get “dressed up” for a special outing. And although we’d had all day to get ready there was always a last-minute rush to get us four kids out the door and into the car. Inevitably, Dad had to stay back for a few minutes because he couldn’t find his keys, or his gloves, or his hat. It was only much later that I realized that he was busy putting gifts under the tree. You see, it was during the Christmas Eve service that Santa visited our house, as he brought gifts to help us celebrate Jesus’s birth. The service was filled with carols, and I remember looking forward to the next 'song' – some things don’t change! Upon returning home, we would dash to the living room to see whether Santa had arrived and we would be amazed at what was waiting for us. Mom would prepare a feast, and we would enjoy special treats. When we headed to bed, our hearts – and bellies – were full.”

- Submitted by Monique Gignac

“When I was about 7 years old, we moved from Saint John to Lower Lincoln. Our home church became St. John’s Anglican in Oromocto. We always attended the 'late service' Christmas Eve, and that alone, lent a special air to the evening. Being allowed to stay up 'till midnight was absolutely unheard of in any other circumstances! I can almost feel the giddy anticipation of getting dressed up in our finest and heading out with a quick visit to the living room to check out the Christmas tree and making sure it was unplugged. I remember the manger scene at the front of the church but most of all I remember singing my little heart out. There’s nothing like a Christmas carol to make me want to sing! And when the service was all over, I remember stepping outside into the frosty night air and being surrounded by folks exchanging hugs and sharing best wishes with each other. Such a strong all-encompassing feeling of warmth, of kinship, and excitement all rolled into one. And maybe, just maybe, there might have been a quick glance at the sky to check for possible sleighs, before getting in the car and heading home for the most exciting sleep of the year."

- Submitted by Gail MacGillivray