How did you learn about the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton?
online
When did you first get involved with the Christmas Bureau?
Last year when my family needed assistance
Why do you choose to support the Christmas Bureau?
They helped me and my sons have a wonderful Christmas
Tell us about your personal festive traditions at Christmastime (e.g., food, gatherings with family and friends, decorating for the season)
I am originally from a Muslim family, grew up in Pakistan, even though there wasn’t any big events or functions or celebration there, my dad never stopped us from celebrating with our christian friends at their home, back then. I was 11 then, It somehow incorporated in my life as my very own tradition. Every year, Christmas eve, I used to go to my friend John’s place, and his sister and I, would decorate the tree, while his mum used to cook fried chicken and vanilla pudding. she would pack some for me for home as well. Next morning I would rush to their house to open presents under the tree, NO presents were for me but just having to have that fun of opening gifts together, laughing , eating, lights and all that festive atmosphere was way beyond my fun expectations as a child. It all stopped when I turned 17 and got married. I came to Canada when I was 19 when my husband then (ex- now) sponsored me and the most wonderful wish that came true was to see and enjoy the Christmasness, I know thats not a word but there isn’t any close word to what I wanted to say.
Little did I know then, My husband was against celebrating anything thats non Islamic. So there. My heart used to weep every year Christmas eve because that joy that was inside me, I couldn’t cherish it and i killed it ever since until we got separated. You wanna know for how long? 7 years straight ! thats right. Every year I sat beside that window in my room, saw trees and lights on them, as far as My sight could go , It glimpsed inside neighbors living room or dining or stairway, saw kids dressed in plaids and big old mans dressed as Santa.Families laughing and enjoying and having good times. I wasn’t a creeper, but like how a little child does it, through the cracks just to find some joy.
Anyhow, things are different now, I cook the vanilla pudding every year and fried chicken, and my kids open the presents every year on Christmas since last three years. That Joy that was locked inside of me finally can be free.
There is no boundary, no limits or laws to celebrate anything that brings Joys, doesn’t matter if one’s Muslim or Christian or Sikh. My children are growing up knowing that we will celebrate all , even if mum cant make it enough to buy presents other than dollar store or value village, there will still be the fun of opening them .
That is my story and my tradition .
How would you complete the sentence, "It wouldn’t be Christmas without ________"?
without laughter.
kids, no Christmas without family .
Without presents under the tree
