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EDITORIAL: The spirit of the season

Last week’s snow and ice storms may have brought a white Christmas prematurely, but they haven’t dampened the spirit of the season.

Last week’s snow and ice storms may have brought a white Christmas prematurely, but they haven’t dampened the spirit of the season.

This is the time of year for families and friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

It’s a time for children’s eyes to alight with wonder and magic.

It’s a time for parties, with much laughter and fellowship.

It’s a celebration, both religious and secular.

It’s also a time of year when many of us connect with our roots, whether it’s travelling to visit far-flung family or blowing the dust off trinkets and traditions from generations past.

That’s especially true in Canada, a nation of immigrants.

For many, Christmas is an amalgam of Western traditions like turkey and colourfully wrapped presents under a decorated tree and their own cultural celebrations, a piñata hung from the ceiling, a feast of spicy sauces and flatbread, polished boots placed in the window awaiting gifts left in the night.

Some don’t even celebrate Christmas. They gather a couple of weeks later according to the Julian calendar, or for the new year, or for Eid, the festive conclusion to Ramadan.

In our ever-changing world, filled with so much uncertainty, it’s traditions that ground us, keep us connected to where we came from, who we are. They also weave the tapestry of our multicultural country.

Celebrating the season and creating new traditions is part of the magic of Christmas.

Here’s to a joyous one, however you celebrate. Merry Christmas!

– The Burnaby News Leader