What Christmas Means to Me

Family...

In our home, growing up, we never knew exactly who would be coming for Christmas dinner… it seemed like every year one of us would inevitably invite a co-worker or friend who had nowhere else to go. It was great; we were one huge merged/extended mishmash of a family anyway - exes, stepchildren, grandparents…

We did not put a big emphasis on spending money or buying presents, but our great grandparents Planedin (see photo) would always give us money and insist that we buy something in their memory, so we decided to draw names out of a hat and purchase gifts from them for one another. We tried to make it fun, taking into account each other’s hobbies and interests, trying to show each another that we were really paying attention to the little things. My brother, who is the youngest in the family, continues to be the best gift giver!

Mom always worked on Christmas Day. She went back to nursing after many years away raising my siblings, so it took her a while to work her way back up from a casual position. Every year there always seemed to be nurses with more seniority, wanting Christmas Day off, whom she filled in for. Mom didn’t really mind too much, because as a single parent, it meant “double-time and a half” pay.

As a result, dinner was usually on Boxing Day and consisted of all kinds of specialty food items – vegetarian dishes of course, but then to be accommodating to dietary sensitivities – also wheat/gluten free, dairy free, sugar free … And as we all helped to prepare the meal, I admit, we occasionally got into the libations early.

As we got older and welcomed more families into our lives, we continued on with “just off Christmas Day” dinners; it was often easier. We’d all seen too many friends over the years whose families always argued about at which in-laws they would spend Christmas Day … and anyone with children, well they usually played tug-o-war as well.

I am very proud of my family, because even though I was aware that we were not a typical nuclear family, we managed OK. We knew that we were loved; we learned to accept people for who they are; we learned to share what we had. Some of us may not be the most dedicated Doukhobors and may not participate in as many functions as we should, but I think that all still possess many Doukhobor traits – they are loving, kind, personable, generous, helpful – they accept me for who I am, are willing to see the best of me and generally speaking, bring a sparkle to my life.

In honour of my great grandparents William and Annie (Kanigan) Planedin, who are inextricably tied to so many of my childhood memories – my grandfather, whom I remember as jovial and never in a rush, and my grandmother, who bless her heart always spoke her mind – they are in my mind great examples of Doukhobor essence – this upcoming New Year, I pledge to follow their lead and try to see the good in all people, things and situations, and to remember our true essence is so much more than our outer manifestations… it cannot be given or taken away… it simply IS!

In this Christmas issue of ISKRA, we particularly wanted to include articles and stories that help bring out that warm and fuzzy feeling. Koozma Tarasoff highlights a conversation he had with kindred souls about the spirit of love, Helenne Jones shares her thoughts about bringing the wisdom and spirituality of our ancestors into the 21st century, Teresa Gardiner gives us a beautiful interpretation of the Christmas story, Kalyeena Makortoff drops us a note from England, about a visit with hometown friends in Russia, and the centerfold pages include a heart touching holiday message by the late Alex Chernoff. We are also always ever so grateful to our many local businesses who continue to support our annual fundraising campaign by placing a greeting/ad in the December issue, and to our hardworking canvassers, Sara Findlater and Irina Relkoff, for their outstanding efforts this year.

Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to all those around the world struggling to overcome adversity. We chose to focus our energy on all that is beautiful in our lives, so that it may grow, multiply, and extend out to all those who need it most.

On behalf of our ISKRA team – we wish for God’s love to surround us all this holiday season and hold us in the Christmas spirit, as we go about our daily affairs.

ISKRA issue #2085