Christmas has always been an especially joyful time in Newfoundland. Nestled snugly between the working seasons and lodged smack dab in the middle of what is possibly the worst weather window on the planet, Newfoundlanders spend an inordinate amount of time around the yuletide hearth surrounded by family, friends and foe – yes, all hands are welcome.
Traditionally, our stores would be as full as could be determined by the past year’s bounty. The last Caribbean run ensured a generous stock of molasses and God blessed Rum. The boat from Cape Breton brought back apples galore and with any luck, a winter’s crew of Portugese sailors may show for a drink and share their Christmas chocolate. There’s hay in the barn, the chickens are still laying and we’ve a big old juicy pig slaughtered and salted in the cellar. The vegetables are in, there’s nar fish to be caught and there’s not enough snow to run a wood slide. The boats are bottom up and we’ve only recently started burning last year’s supply of especially dry wood. There’s not much else to be at really. Comfort, eh boy?
Mind you there probably wasn’t much talk about Santa Claus in those days. There’s only so long a child will hold out hope and continued disappointment would only lead to cynicism. ‘What you see is what you get’ would have taken on a whole new meaning for children growing up under Newfoundland’s mercantile system of Truck and Trade. Folks neither expected nor dreamed of anything more than what was immediately at hand. No cash meant no carry and there really wouldn’t be much choice in the toy aisle regardless. No, their gift was the gift of time and the fact that your presence was considered presents enough. Thus Christmas was a time for song and dance, for food and fun, good company and of course, many, many yarns. A time to catch up and appreciate what would be our true blessings.
Church would have played a paramount role in the Christmas season. Christmas service started In late November with the beginning of Advent and continued with special services through to Jan 6th and Old Christmas Day. But as well, the church would host socials of every variety – from choir performances to a Christmas play, church bingo and absolution. Christmas would also be a favourite time to marry and what better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than with an immaculate conception.
Of course only so much idle time can pass before the devils work takes over and mischief ensues. Pranks became common place, and eventually the traditions of ‘Mummering’ and ‘Janneying’ took over the nights. Dressed in disguise with a penchant towards the ridiculous – hordes would bandy together and with instruments in hand, make the rounds visiting neighbours and trading songs, recitals and dance for rum and molasses cake – All the while hoping that you’d not be recognized and so proclaim the title for best costume.
Fast forward to the present day and some things have changed of course. Santa has found the last corner of the planet and children expect a lot more than an orange in the toe of their sock. Visitors must endure a prolonged show of gifts and what has become an excuse to show off our new found wealth whenever someone stops by. If Dad’s not there Christmas morning he will most likely arrive boxing day, home for at least a week before he heads back to the mainland for another two week ‘hitch’ in the oil patch. Thankfully the lights were left on the eaves last year and unless we’re making a run at the town competition for ‘Best Decorated House’, twill do just fine. The party has shifted away from the kitchen and is more often found in the shed where smoking is still allowed. Church events are still popular but you’d be more likely to find a crowd at the local theater or the pub. There’s moose and rabbit in the pot these days – along with a fine selection of steaks from Costco. We’ve only to make a quick run to the shop for more beer and chips and the grocery stores carry everything from real cranberries to broccoli and they’ve even got Holly. I suppose that won’t make my ‘Kissing Bough’ obsolete and so long as I’m still getting a few smooches when I stand under it, it’s still Christmas in Newfoundland. And there’s no other place quite like this.
Merry Christmas to all and best wishes in the New Year!
x
