The Westerly News asked Tofino and Ucluelet’s municipal councillors about the best Christmas gifts they’ve ever received. Here are some of their best responses:
Britt Chalmers, Tofino
My most memorable Christmas gift was when I was 14 and living in Northern Italy with my three siblings and my mom while she studied. My dad came out for Christmas and we opted to forego tradition and spend a week soaking up the culture of Tuscany. We drew names for one gift each. I got a traditional Russian doll that broke down to 10 dolls, the smallest being the size of a grain of rice. 25 years later it is a favorite toy for all of my nieces, nephews and friends’ kids that come over to play.
Duncan McMaster, Tofino
The Christmas present I will always remember was when I was 4 years old. On Christmas morning I raced down the stairs. The living room door didn’t lock, so my parents had tied all the doors in the house together with a rope. It took me forever to untie all the knots in order to enter the living room. There, beside the tree, was a model of Edinburgh Castle with regiments of toy soldiers “on parade” in the courtyard. My mother had spent many evenings secretly painting the soldiers in their regimental colours.
Even all these decades later, I remember that day fondly and the efforts my parents made to make it special.
Tom Stere, Tofino
I, at first, was reluctant as I could not think of the appropriate gift. I then thought of the gift of close friends and family who come for Xmas dinner each year at our home. As I was thinking, I looked up to see a “book holder” that has become my wallet/key/glasses holder of which I use everyday. This Xmas gift was from a young friend who joins us with her family each year for Xmas dinner. It is a gift made by hand and heart in the true spirit of giving.
Jennifer Hoar, Ucluelet
To be honest, I can’t remember a particularly favourite Christmas present over the years, but joy of the Christmas season is part of my DNA.
I have many memories of hunting with my mother for the perfect Christmas tree and bringing it home in a cab (serious luxury for us, as we didn’t have a car). We have baked & decorated gingerbread men for the tree since the year I was born, so the combined smell of ginger & fir in the house warms the cockles of my heart & sings Christmas to me!
Rachelle Cole, Ucluelet
Christmas is and always has been my favourite time of year. With each December, the festive spirit grows in our home—this directly correlates with the number of loved ones we have the pleasure of seeing. Having room to host all our extended families for Dinner in our dining room—engineered for just that—is a true holiday joy. And, this year, the final addition to the room—my husband’s creation—our 18 foot fir slab dining table, will see the Christmas China grace it for it’s first Holiday Season.Having all the family together is the greatest gift. Due to the size of our Clan and only 24 seats at the table, the little ones will still have to enjoy the freedom of the ‘Kids’ Table” in the living room…A win-win for everyone.
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