Last week I spent much time attending the various Christmas concerts at
each of the schools I work with. This is always loads of fun, the kids and staff seem to put a great deal of work into the programs. As one may expect the gyms were all packed and kids excited because not only were their parents and family in the crowds but the week was winding down and they would soon be on the break.
At one of the schools the theme was Christmas around the world - they had small presentations on many different customs and beliefs from many countries - it was all quite interesting. In one of my grade 6 classes they had an assignment to answer a question on the board. " If an alien were to land on earth at Christmas what would he think of our planet?"
Well in Kenora they first of all would notice a huge tree which is wrapped in lights, surrounded with wooden boxes made to look like presents. All of this standing in the middle of the street. They would have noticed the street temporarily block off to traffic while hundreds of humans stood around it in -27 degree temps counting down to one when the switch was pulled and the lights lit. Hot chocolate and cider were plenty while songs of the season were sung.
If they were to look further down the street past the barriers they would see the results of the "BIG SPRUCE PROJECT", a revitalization project that makes down town Kenora look like a post card for the festive season. Trees wrapped in lights all down the street, and those humans walking about wishes best wishes to all.
A few days later they would have witnessed Police Officers standing outside at three prominent locations with large suburban vehicles, lights aglow and festive music playing. These vehicles were being filled with toys, food, and cash for those in need during this festive time of the year. That same evening the people gathered beside some funny parallel tracks that seemed to run through this population, they would have seen small fires burning in the -30 temp to keep all warm. Then they would have heard the cheers as the CN Train of lights stopped and entertainers put on a show of Christmas carols and songs for the waiting crowds.
And of course if the aliens wait long enough - on the eve of Christmas they will witness the local cemetery aglow with thousands of ice candles lit throughout the grounds. They will witness humans all hours of the night walking through the paths witnessing this awesome sight.
Yeh - I suppose some of this would look strange and cause one to wonder about our race of being. But to Homee Dad this is Christmas in Kenora.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for the NEW YEAR!
