Editor's note: There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Newfoundland and Labrador

Soak up the best of the holiday season. - 123RF Stock Photo

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Newfoundland and Labrador. With plenty of traditions to go around, the holiday spirit bounces from one home to the next. Growing up on Random Island, N.L., in a small community, I’ve come to appreciate the little things even more now as an adult living in Halifax, N.S.

I go home every Christmas and there are still certain things that make the holidays complete for me as they did years ago. Christmas Eve was always — and still very much is — reserved for visiting my grandma in Lower Lance Cove, N.L., enjoying a chocolate or two from her candy cupboard stash and bringing her gifts. For years, she had a small ceramic Christmas tree atop a tiny table. I still remember the little colourful lights and how they gave the living room a soft, warm glow. She’s since replaced that tree with a more modern version, but the memories of the miniature vintage tree are still with me and probably always will be.

Recipes, traditions and more in our Holidays section

After a visit to my grandma’s home, we make the rounds to other relatives in the area, exchanging gifts and sharing holiday hugs and well wishes. The evening isn’t complete, however, until we arrive back at my parents’ house. My mother prepares salt fish and brewis and slices up homemade molasses raisin bread for supper. There’s just nothing else like it.

And if I can manage to squeeze in a classic holiday movie, such as A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful Life, in between visits from family and friends on Christmas Eve night, even better. (I never do, but the fact that I try each year and fail is tradition in and of itself.)

As for Christmas Day, it’s spent with my parents and Tilly, our black Labrador retriever, who always manages to steal the spotlight. And who can forget turkey dinner with all of the fixings? I can smell the savoury dressing now.

Tradition is important to many during the holiday season and it’s what keeps memories alive. We pass down family recipes, keepsakes and stories to share with the next generation. It’s a wonderful time to create new memories and cherish the ones that continue to make the season special. While presents are part and parcel in many households at Christmastime, what matters most of all is actually being present.

I hope you enjoy this year’s Yuletide Preparations. Happy holidays to you and yours.