Friday Five Follow-up

As mentioned in my previous post, as time allows, I will post an expanded version of my Friday Fives.

Here are some additional details to my December 4 Friday Five…

1. Enjoy family traditions

This is something I could talk and write about all day and night and there would never be enough time to cover everything. Christmas and the holidays have always been a big deal in my family and I’ve dug up two videos that can help visualize what it’s like for us. Every year, relatives from both my Mom’s and Dad’s families get together to celebrate this special time of year.

There are often sing-alongs, lots of food and many laughs. Click on the videos twice to see their YouTube details.

2. See the Christmas lights in those hidden pockets of the city

Do you have any idea how intense the Christmas decorating is in St. John’s and the surrounding communities?!

There are houses that are pretty much covered from top to bottom with lights and colours. I’ll try to get some photos and video footage this year to really show how crazy and awesome it can be.

3. Have an annual dinner with friends from high school

It may seem odd to a lot of people, but most of my friends back in St. John’s have been my closest and dearest friends since High School (even Junior High and Elementary School for some!). Amongst a few of us is a tradition to get together on December 23rd. We normally have a potluck, but this year we’re going out for dinner. We have a blast and it’s a great tradition that will hopefully continue for many more years.

 4. Spend time with my parents and immediate family

I have a lot of family and friends in St. John’s and it isn’t always possible to see EVERYONE in 10 short days.

It has literally been a year and half since I last saw my brother, sister-in-law and two adorable nieces! We’re all pretty excited that we’re all home for Christmas this year and being able to spend time with them and my parents is going to be so great!

This photo was taken in St. John’s Airport back in either 2006 or 2007 just before my husband Matt and I returned to Toronto.

5. RELAX

Going home is always fun, but relaxing isn’t always something that happens easily. With so many friends and family to see and things to do – it can leave you exhausted and a bit dizzy by the end of it all. My poor husband is used to a much quieter Christmas and he’s a real trooper to keep up with me and the fast pace of it all.

This holiday season, I hope to read more, work on some knitting and make sure I feel rested when returning to work on January 4th.

So those are my hopes for the holidays. What are your plans? Did any of the above seem familiar to you? Do you have certain traditions or “must haves” that really make this season magical for you?