T.A.G. On a Personal Note

 

Lisa & Tom: Spending time with our family over the holidays has been an important part of growing up for ourselves and our boys . Tom and I adhere to the, "mi casa, es su casa,” tradition -welcoming all family and extended family members on both sides of our families. As it turns out, our farm is the perfect location for everyone to gather for good food, wine, humour and a way of keeping family traditions alive. Having the farm humming with conversation, activity, music, and a cornucopia of holiday delights is what everyone looks forward to. We often have 16 or more guests for dinner and five dogs to add to the mix. While Tom does the turkey, everyone contributes their special dish to make the meal complete. After dinner, most will retire to the living room for a lively competition with the latest, wildly complicated, board game that will stretch late into the evening. Every bed and couch are typically occupied with a sleeping body in the morning. Weather permitting the finale for the holidays is the boxing day boot hockey game on the pond between families. We even have jerseys! 

 

Matt: Our annual Christmas tradition begins with a trip to Mr. Bill’s Christmas Trees to pick out the largest tree we can fit in our home. This is followed by the kids’ custom-made decorations to hang on the tree while enjoying my Mom’s freshly baked shortbread cookies and Nanaimo bars. On Christmas Day, we head to my parent’s for Brunch, more presents for the kids, and to burn off some of their energy with their cousins. An enjoyable time for everyone!

 

Susy: This year will mark a new memory for us. Having immigrated to Canada over 40 years ago, Christmas with our family abroad was always a loud phone call on Christmas day recounting what food everyone was eating, or what special bottle of wine was opened. This year, the phone call comes to life as we will all be gathered, in person, not only with a bottle of Barolo on the table, but in Barolo, Italy!!That connection with family – the hands we shake, the hugs we give, the way we all squeeze in shoulder to shoulder at the table – is what makes the holidays sing. We laugh, we listen, we lean in close. The best feeling, the best gift in the world.

 

Mara: When I think of the holidays, memories at home always remind me of togetherness. Growing up, it was always just my Mom and me. We made the most of our celebrations, and my Mom made sure to make the holidays warm and special despite our small party of two. I’ve brought this sentiment into my family as an adult. No matter the size of our celebration, we make the occasion one to remember!

 

Maddie: There is no better season than the Holidays! It is filled with warmth, joy, delicious food, bright lights, and connection. I love spending time with my family and friends and this time of year is also when we carry out many special traditions at home. Whether it be playing a game of Monopoly, sipping hot chocolate while watching our favourite movies, or gathering in the kitchen baking and decorating sugar cookies. Over the holidays this year, my extended family will be travelling to Florida, allowing for more special time together, memories to be created, and fingers crossed…for some sunshine!

 

This year TAG will be supporting CampanionLink, a program that has helped hundreds of Seniors across Ontario combat social isolation by fostering meaningful connections and friendships between youth volunteers and seniors. It was during the pandemic when one of our client’s sons realized that his grandparents were languishing in their rooms, alone and depressed and he had to do something about it . CampanionLink’s befriending program re-engages seniors in their communities, fosters intergenerational friendships, and provides seniors with meaningful social connections. They aim to alleviate isolation, foster intergenerational learning, and celebrate the value seniors bring to our world.

To learn more: https://www.companionlink.org/about/

 

In a season that intrinsically invites us to finish a good story before beginning a new one, there is no better place to be than home. From ours to yours, may it be filled with lots of love, a few new memories and a warmth that can’t be found anywhere else.