Welcome to day twelve of my advent calendar of ornaments. Cheesy Christmas (2020 & 2021) is out, and instead I’m giving you a tour of our hodge-podge of a Christmas tree – one ornament at a time until Christmas Day.

Like yesterday, today’s ornament is also NOT on our tree this year…

Back on Earth…

Similar to yesterday, today’s article is not on our tree, but even when it was, it was a lot closer to home than the Enterprise-D… much more down-to-earth…

An Atlantic Canadian Santa, rowing gifts to some Newfoundland or Nova Scotia outport…

I don’t recall why this ornament didn’t make the cut and join us on our move to Europe. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say that at some point we just had to make a choice as space was limited, and this didn’t figure high enough up the list.

As it typical back home, we had several huge totes (at least 2 that were probably 3-4′ long), filled with Christmas decorations. It would’ve been both impractical and impossible to bring it all with us – particularly given that we were expecting this to be a temporary move… something short-term.

I do remember though, why I loved this ornament, as well as another Santa-in-a-boat ornament that we had. It was just so. very. Atlantic Canada!

I love(d) our part of Canada. There’s a way of life that is unlike any other, in different parts of the country. There is the proximity to the sea which is like a constant companion, counsellor and confidante. The people are different; small-town-friendly, relaxed and for the most part informal. You strike up conversation easily.

Of course I’m more than a bit biased… but when I see Santa delivering presents in a dory, everything that is Atlantic Canada comes rushing to my mind and there’s a fleeting feeling of home.

… and that’s today’s Christmas ornament.

Give the gift of Parisian strolls this Christmas.
My book on Amazon.