This book is a collection of short stories from Canadian authors who chose to focus on the wonders of childhood -- whether their own, or fictional. There was only one story that truly stood out for me: one that tells of the joys, and sometimes sorrow, of Christmas...
It is the Christmas of 1977 on a small farm off the coast of Nova Scotia. A small family has not only anticipated the arrival of Santa Claus, but also of the arrival of the oldest son and brother. He is employed on the boats of the Great Lakes, and the holidays are one of the rare times that the family are reunited.
They cherish their time together by decorating the house, and attending Christmas Mass by horse and sleigh. "We sing all the Christmas songs we know and watch for the rabbits and foxes scutting across the open patches of snow and listen to the drumming of partridge wings. We are never cold."
But, in spite of this, the boy is able to see the beauty of "being here on the adult side of the world." he feels the warmth of the Christmas tree, he sees the love his parents have for one another, he has gratitude for his oldest brother's presence... As the father states:
It is a simplistic story that does a wonderful job of highlighting the little things. The existential dread of leaving Santa, and childhood innocence, behind. Refusing to take our loved ones health for granted. Growing warm within the dead of winter. The excitement of reuniting with family. Attending beautiful Christmas Mass. Staying up late with family on Christmas Eve... It was a lovely story that made me yearn for one last childhood Christmas.
