Christmas is a special time for me. I thank my parents and extended family of aunts, uncles for the joy and delight that was ingrained in me as a child. The richest are of Christmas on our family farm, where snow fell more plentifully than it does in Halifax and all was white and wonderful. Christmas in town is relatively routine. Christmas in the city seems too commercial; yet Christmas in Halifax is still special. I am told that Christmas in Scotland is a more quiet celebration than Hogmanay or New Year's. True to my birth and life out here in the colonies, I commemorate both events with deep appreciation and respect. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child. Nativity scenes and a creche are very prominent in my decorations. Also Christmas, for me, is the celebration of survival of the challenges of the year, and whatever accomplishments there may be; New Year's the birth and beginning of a brand new year with promise; Epiphany the baptism and consecration of the new year. For me, Christmas is not one day, but the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas coming to a significant and rich climax of Epiphany.

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