12th Day of Christmas

Today Astrid Gibbs shares images of Christmas. Astrid has lived in Germany and Ottawa. In 1997, she retired in the village of Baie-Sainte-Anne, NB, where she has just completed her fifth book: a history of her native village. Astrid's contribution will conclude Bread 'n Molasses magazine's annual 12 Days of Christmas event. We hope you enjoyed all the stories and poems. Thanks to everyone who sent in contributions! And thank you for reading. We'd love to hear what you thought of this year's line-up, you can send your feedback to editor@breadnmolasses.com or leave comments at the end of any of the articles. Enjoy!

Images of Christmas Time

Sleigh bells spreading joy through the country-side
boys and girls happily sliding down a hilltop
stately pine trees newly garlanded in immaculate snow
teenagers having their first hockey game on a frozen pond
Mommy and Daddy lugging bagfuls of unwrapped gifts.

In Grandma’s kitchen
aromas of fruitcake tourtières and shortbread whose wonderful
odours fill the house for hours on end
while a Christmas carol heartens the soul
and Grandpa keeps busy stoking the fire.

In the living-room
The smell of a freshly cut pine pleasuring the senses
Christmas cards running prettily down the staircase
an empty manger patiently waiting …
while a candlelight keeps vigil by the window.

Finally
Chrismas Eve!
On Grandpa and Grandma’s doorstep
children and grandchildren all dressed up in smiles…
While
all over the world
PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TO ALL
hums in the heart of people...

—Astrid Gibbs, Baie-Sainte-Anne NB