Old Christmas Day and Reflections

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This Christmas has been hectic but amazing, for my blog , I have seen a huge amount of readers from all over the world! The blog even got to # 57 on the fastest growing blog on WordPress.com, a far cry from last year.

In my last official blog of the season on Old Christmas Day I can’t help but reflect on the many joys that I have been a part of in 2008. First and foremost I am so grateful to have all grandparents of our children; sometimes we do not acknowledge this till it is too late, I for one treasure this. Who knows what tomorrow will bring so it is nice to stop, look, smile and make memories for the next year. I am also happy for the many friends and family I have around me, I do indeed feel lucky and blessed. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, and it is fine to do so, as long as we really remember the real reason for the season, religious wise and family wise.

Please take a look at some of the pictures of the season, most of you will not know the people but you will understand the connection to family and friends at this joyous time of year.

Snowman with friends.

(By the way, here are the numbers for the greatest Newfoundland Christmas song!! Thanks for voting!!!!!!

	The Mummers Song (Bud Davidage)	23	38.33%
	Hello Mom and Dad I’m Coming Home For Christmas (A. Frank W)	17	28.33%
	Heading Home For Christmas (Con O’Brien)	6	10%
	Christmas in the River (Barry Delaney)	4	6.67%
	Christmas in the Harbour (Gary O’Driscoll)	3	5%
	I’ll Be There Christmas Eve (Ron Hynes)	3	5%
	Christmas Tree Eyes (E and W Coles)	2	3.33%
	Merry Christmas From Home (Kevin Collins)	2	3.33%
	Thats What Christmas Means To Me (Greg Walsh)	0	0%

Please keep a watch for news on David Phelps coming back to Newfoundland in May through Play Time Concerts , www.playtimeconcerts.com !!!!!

God Bless!!

Ron

Tibb’s Eve!!

Tibb’s Eve!!

 

Well today is another Tibb’s Eve, a observance of many around the world. In Newfoundland and Labrador it is celebrated as the “sampling” of the cooking, decorating, painting(renovation) and purchasing or making of Christmas Spirits of the Christmas season, it is a time to ensure all is right and ready!!!!!

I have so many fond memories of my brother and I taking our grandfather to “do” his business before Christmas. It all ended with a dram at his house. This was indeed a special time for me as a young man as I did not get to partake in a taste of Christmas grog often. I knew that it was at this time that all events had culminated into what was Christmas for me.

Ron and Perry Tibb's Eve

 

I have attached my last year’s blog about Tibb’s Eve as it has been the number one viewed page on Delaney’s Rant in the past 12 months. Have a read, absorb the culture and comment if you wish.

Ok, I was not sure if I would get the opportunity to post another blog, especially since I did post one a short while ago. Well, I just finished decorating my house and my buddy Perry’s, I guess as you can see from the picture we did take a chance to warm up and talk about the season. I really look forward to decorating every year since I came to Coley’s Point, Bay Roberts.

While finishing the lights, I mentioned to Perry about our custom in Riverhead, Hr. Grace to celebrate “Tibb’s Eve” which is tomorrow (December 23^rd). Historically, it is a observance that has been around for a great deal of time, for me growing up in rural Newfoundland I think of it with deep affection as my grandfather Arthur Hurdle instilled the significance of the day to us.

In the Newfoundland Dictionary there is a long explanation to what “Tibb’s Eve” is, but as I read through it I do see where is originated as it pertains to my Grandfather. If interested, please read the following link http://www.heritage.nf.ca/dictionary/azindex/pages/5010.html

For my family and my grandfather, it was a day of sampling the brew that was seldom present during the rest of the year. For “Pop” we would take him to the liquor store, and of course would go back to the homestead and sample the purchase. My wife Lisa just purchased new glasses for Christmas entertaining, some of which were small 4 oz glasses. My grandfather would call them “Legion Glasses” and would give us a “grog “or a “dram” of whatever he had to toast Tibb’s Eve. I never knew the total meaning, but I did love spending time with him and Nan. They are now gone for years, but I will never forget this tradition and I will enjoy keeping it alive. One part of the tradition that I have not stopped and those of my brothers that are still around still do it, we go to his grave side on Christmas Eve and toast to him and our family members who are now gone. I love it, it is a major part of Christmas, it is a calming place, I find it fulfilling and I will do it for as long as I can, and it is a part of Christmas for me.

For those of you who have not heard of Tibb’s Eve, please learn of it, have fun with it:; it is part of our heritage and part of our family.

Take Care

Have a wonderful Tibb’s Eve regardless what it means for you and your family.

(I am holding off on releasing the winner of the Christmas music poll as there is some time to vote, please read three blog posts down)

Ron

A Children’s Winter and other seasonal songs.

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Well we are a few days closer to that special time of year, the radio ads are getting more intense and I know that the annual “Boxing Day Sale” is just around the corner!!! One thing I do like about the Christmas season in 2008, it is how accessible information is about Advent, Christmas, Tibb’s Eve, Boxing Day,and Mummering. All we have to do is Google something of interest and you will probably find it. Next week I will be posting another blog about Tibb’s because it has been the most visited post since I started blogging in late 2007, and I love it because it meant so much to my grandfather. I will also write about mummering as it is a huge part of Newfoundland culture and is observed in many countries around the world.

I digress, getting back to the accessibility of information for this time of year, I wanted to touch on some youtube selections that I think you would find useful. Please click on those that interest you and pass them on, especially a youtube clip from Dermot O’Reilly. Children’s Winter

Mummers

The current # one song on my poll on the previous post is the “Mummers Song” , it strikes a chord with everyone attached to out province or wish they were; it is innocent and reminiscent of the past. For those of you who have never heard it, please have a listen as it is still practiced in rural Newfoundland and is a delightful part of the full celebration of our Newfoundland Christmas.(Its not too late to vote, results will be announced next week during the Tibb’s Eve Blog.

Mummers Song

Now I do know I have been profiling local Christmas music but I would be remise if I did not comment on some others I love.

David Phelps will be back in Newfoundland at Holy Heart, produced by my company for a fundraiser for a local church. His voice is indeed one of the greatest in the world and yes, he will be performing back in NL on Mother’s Day Weekend.For updates on his visit visit www.playtimeconcerts.com

Please take a look at David Phelps version of Oh Holy Night:

On a closing note, I would also like to tell you about some wonderful sites that host Christmas music:

• www.181.fm and
• www.live365.com

Seek and enjoy. If you know others please post them to me as you can never have too much Christmas music.

Take care.
Ron

Getting ready for Christmas and my favorite Christmas Author (Press here to comment)

The smells of baking, the sounds on the radio, the new access to sights and stories of the Christmas season via the internet give us a sense of this wonderful time of year. I love the preparations, the anticipation that is associated with everyone getting all excited to celebrate the most holy but yet the most commercialized time of year. I look around rural Newfoundland and Labrador and see the lights, and I read of the programs and events that help promote each community. It is difficult to totally embrace this time of year sometimes because for the hectic lifestyles we all live. Over the years I have been in search of books, TV shows, music and magazines that help me keep Christmas close to me. I do think this blog helps me “center” my energy to celebrate this season. I do have a small story to tell you regarding my search to find and get ready for Christmas.

Christmas Joys - Susan Branch

I visited a book store a few years ago to look for a book filled with ideas of celebrating the season, there were many there of various shapes and sizes offering many ways to become embraced with this observance. I spied a small white book that for some reason I had to pick up, I think I liked the cover and the font it was so cute…(not sure if men can say cute, but I did *L*) after opening the publication called Christmas Joys by Susan Branch, I was captivated by the ideas of food and crafts, but I think the suggestions of how to make the holidays special your children had the greatest impact on me. I have been using the book for years but then lost it, I have to admit I missed it but thank God awhile back I found it again, (It was packed with the Children’s books!), I got reacquainted with it and thought I would try my luck so I googled to see if the author had a website. Well she do, it is just as informative as her books although I do like my hard copy. I e-mailed the site to ask if I could mention her in my blog, I was surprised to receive a reply so quickly, but the best surprise was that Susan herself contacted me. She agreed to let my link to the site and to mention her here. If you have a opportunity to visit the site www.susanbranch.com I think you too will be impressed as much as I was (Thanks Susan!!).

In keeping with the Christmas season I would like to introduce my first official Christmas Poll, please vote for your favorite Christmas Song from a Newfoundlander and Labradorean, pass it on to your friends and watch the results.

I hope all your Christmas preparations are going well and you take the time to really enjoy the real meaning of Christmas.
Ron

The beginning of Advent (press here to comment)

Advent Wreath

This week marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, a time of preparation and reflection for the coming of Baby Jesus. This year I took the time to research Advent and the Advent Wreath a little more; I found many interesting websites, most mention the origin of the Wreath dating back to pre- Christian Germany.

Regardless of when it started it has been a part of my “preparing” for the season since I was a boy. I can remember in middle school having to gather around the Advent Wreath every morning in the main hall of St. Columbus Elementary, singing songs and listening to scriptures read by the Nuns. Although we all loved the opportunity to get out of the classroom, this had a special meaning to me. The gathering around the wreath is still a big part of my family getting ready for the coming of the Christ Child. One of the candle holders keep breaking off so I trouble my friend Perry to keep coming down to fix it with his sodder gun. Well it broke again tonight, so I am waiting for him to come to the rescue yet again.

Advent Candles

The preparation season, Advent, is just as much a major part of our home as the 12 days of Christmas. Probably more as there are not many who even know about celebrating the full twelve days of the Christmas , but that rant is for another day!!! Please take a look at the following links of this holy Advent Season and pass it on to those who celebrate it.

I do wish to make mention of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nativity Collection

December 4-14 – Award-winning Nativity Set Showing
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 75 Central Street
Nativity Set collection “Come Let Us Adore Him” 5:30 to 9:00 PM
The display is open to the public free admission
If inclined, bring a non-perishable food or gifts for the “Gifts for Christ Christmas Tree” for the families in need.

It is an amazing presentation of Nativities from all over the world, you will be humbled and filled with the spirit of Christmas!!

Lighting Candles

I have found some interesting websites linked to Advent, the first one is from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath

http://www.kencollins.com/question-10.htm

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html

I hope you enjoy the reading and the links.

God Bless

Ron

Christmas is just around the corner (press here to comment)

Ponderings

Christmas Wreath

Well, here I am sitting at my laptop thinking about all the things I have to do to get ready for the Christmas season. It seems that most of us are guilty of preparing earlier and earlier for the festive season.

As I travel throughout Bay Roberts and area I see houses decorated and trees decorated and lit. Is this because everyone likes the warm cozy feeling we all get this time of year or is it that they like all the chores and preparations over and done with before the Christmas rush is upon them? Maybe it is a bit of both, the malls get so crowded and the lines are so long this time of year AND the weather has been so mild they would be fools not to take the opportunity to decorate their lawns in the comfort of the current temperatures. For whatever the reason, it is very evident that Christmas is indeed right around the corner.

The Bay Roberts Festival of Lights

Planning for this year’s festival has almost concluded, most of the preparations are ongoing and will be finished (with any luck) on Friday. The launch of the biggest Christmas Festival in Newfoundland and Labrador will take place this Monday at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex. Last year saw thousands of people from all over the region gather for our largest opening ceremonies/tree lighting in the history of Bay Roberts. For those of you who could not make it please take the time to get out and witness this community event, please make the effort, you will not be disappointed.

Some of the special features of the opening are the Illumination Parade, a night time parade of children and bright floats that make their way from Amalgamated Academy to the Complex, the children love it and it is a sight to see. Other attractions of course are the school choirs, a visit from Santa, family fireworks and last but certainly not least is the lighting of the Christmas Park. Our park is unique and one of only a few in Atlantic Canada. Click on the youtube link for a closer look at the park as well, for a look back at a past Festival of Lights check out or visit www.bayroberts.com for a full events list for Christmas 2008.

In the coming weeks I will be writing blogs on Advent ,the Christmas season, Tibb’s Eve and the Christmas Song top ten (Newfoundland addition) Once again I will be looking for your input into the greatest Newfoundland Christmas songs of all time.

One last note

Last week I traveled to Springdale for meetings with the Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Developers Association. The meetings were productive and educational (of course) but what made the event amazing were the accommodations. Some of the lucky ones of the association got to stay at the Riverview Inn

Riverview Inn, Spingdale

This is a 4 ½ star facility nestled on the banks of the Indian River in scenic Green Bay, Springdale Newfoundland. I researched the Inn before travelling there to ensure the stay will be a pleasant one. That was an understatement, from the moment I drove up the quaint roadway to my first site of the building I knew I was in for a treat. The rooms were huge and tastefully decorated with modern yet rustic appeal, the customer service of Danny and Susan was fantastic, from the min I arrived I was called by my first name and was told that they saved my dinner for me as I arrived a little late. I was also pleasantly surprised with their food, both meals were wonderful, it was easy to tell they were made from scratch, their desserts were also made “in house” and were delicious. It has all the amenities needed for meeting or events and I would recommend it highly for your next trip to the Springdale area. Thanks Todd for reserving my room!! To take a look at this gem of a facility or to book a getaway, visit: www.riverwoodinn.ca

Thanks

Ron

 

 

Old Christmas Day and the Mummers (Jannies)

Hey all!!! Happy Old Christmas Day to you and your families.  Even though the day might be met with a sense of melancholy for some, and I guess for some it comes and goes with out evening knowing, which is sad. Old Christmas Day for me is a day to soak the last little bit of the Christmas season so I will have plenty for the rest of the year. Traditions in Newfoundland and Labrador are huge, and some of which includes the visitation of the Mummers or in certain areas are called Jannies. It is a huge part of our culture and has probably been brought to us from our English and Irish ancestors. In this blog I will talk about the Jannies and as well the history of Old Christmas Day according to my research.

 Mummers (Jannies)   

Mummers have been a huge part of Newfoundland culture for a very long time. I can remember the anticipation of the bang on the door, sometimes I was so afraid as I did not know who was coming, but we knew soon enough the visit would mean singing and music for a short time, it was a great way to go to sleep, after we stole a look to try to see who there were. Mr. Andy Short and group were the most anticipated group of mummers, I use to be so nervous, but excited at the same time, I would almost jump out of my skin when I saw the hobby horse, it was frightening, I was not sure if it was going to get me. I would love to see it again, maybe the family still has it somewhere.

The mummer movement is celebrated all over the world, each country celebrates it in many different was. The largest celebration is probably in Philadelphia, they have a huge mummers parade with thousands of dollars of prizes, there is a great deal of info on their site http://mummers.com. Apparently the practice of mummers goes back of over 400 BC.

During my research I found over 14 countries that celebrate some form mummering.

I am hoping that Bay Roberts will actually host a festival based on mummers, I think Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates it best!!

 Old Christmas Day Old Christmas Day is celebrated in many ways, parties, mummers visitations, and of course church. The date in the church calendar is the day of Epiphany whish is a Greek word meaning appearance; it is the night that the Wisemen witnessed Jesus for the first time.“ The observance of Epiphany actually goes back farther than the observance of Christmas. It was known to have been celebrated before 194 AD, while the observance of the Nativity, in the form of Christmas, did not actually catch on until the 4th century AD.” (http://www.telliquah.com/OldXmas.htm )”

Please take a look at the above link, I found it amazing as the history of the day was new news for me.

I love everything about the season and I love Old Christmas Day, thank you so much for reading my Christmas blogs and I hope you read and pass on my other blogs throughout the year.

God Bless

Ron

   

Finding Christmas

Christmas can be easy to find during its approach, its sights, sounds and the smells. The one thing that disturbs me is that once the initial day is over the allurement subsides, leaving a void in the season, maybe because of the blatant commercialism that is attached to the season.   I have always been taxed with finding Christmas after December 25th; it can be difficult, especially when most (if not all) the radio stations have forgotten about the Christmas songs, I HATE THAT!!!!

I make sure I have my VCR on and cd’s ready to take me through the festive season.  Tonight I found some old radio audio files. Most were back in the 30’ and 40’s; if you are interested in getting some please email me I would be happy to forward this to you.

Every evening we play some of the shows we taped or show what I purchased on E-Bay or even what Santa brought for our children.

I always make sure we play Christmas music in our house for the twelve days of Christmas, as well as read storybooks. I think my brother and sister in law Ray and Kathy Noel had the greatest impact in my life regarding embracing the season. When visiting their home or babysitting for them, Lisa and I were met with the sounds of Christmas; the sounds of Tennessee Ernie Ford, Burl Ives and Jim Reeves were heard all over the house, for the full twelve days of Christmas!!!. It was a wondrous feeling and I will not forget it.

It is up to us the keep the spirit alive, to make the season special, to go sliding, to have a pj party with neighbors, watch movies, play games, to cook festive food. We need to keep it a magical time of year. I am currently watching what is my favorite seasonal  movie “The Sound of Music” (I know it is not Christmas, but it is my favorite that is shown this time of year)

I want everyone to find and enjoy the season of Christmas, to actually keep it in your heart.  If inclined to do so, email radio stations to ask to keep Christmas music going for the full season, yes including January 6^th. If they decide to not to do so, tell them there are plenty who will fill the void.

I hope you all find Christmas .

Please have a Happy New Year and be careful with those fireworks!!!

Ron

 

Christmas, Doyle’s Lane and the Bog

I can remember a time in my youth when cold nights and walks were the norm and anticipation of visitations of the Jannies was prevalent. I remember inhaling the Christmas air of Riverhead and walking the streets till we joined our friends in Doyle’s Lane, fires flickering, voices carrying the seasons news drifting in the air, the feeling of the season keeping a smile on our faces.  Those days in my memory were cold and clear, and we enjoyed them so much, the crunch of the snow and the smell of the smoky chimneys are still engrained in my mind with each visitation to the place of my youth.

We gathered regardless of age. It was a time to be together in our small town, the flickering lights of the fire dancing across our face as we decided the evening’s events. We all knew it was cold enough to go to the bog, to slide across the ice to celebrate the Christmas season and to be warmed by the fire on the hill. I remember Cyril Jordan, Ronnie Hickey, Danny White, Chris and Terry Miller and others sipping the forbidden brew that seemed to help in a difficult time for one of our friends. It is a time I will not forget, and would never wish to, it was an age of innocence an age of true friendship; for me a true meaning of the season of Christmas.

I can remember an evening we met some Jannies by Dick Doran’s house. They were just getting started, of course urging us to join them. But at the time we had plans made and wished all good night, watching their silhouette go smaller and smaller as they left us.  We had an evening to spend at the bog.

For some reason, I do not think today’s youth visit our special winter place, and it is indeed a pity as it is a place in my mind I will always remember.

If the weather is cool enough, please visit Riverhead and the bog, have a skate, and if you listen closely, you still might hear our laughter and think of the good times we had.

 God Bless.

Final decorations and TIBBS EVE!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I was not sure if I would get the opportunity to post another blog, especially since I did post one a short while ago. Well, I just finished decorating my house and my buddy Perry’s, I guess as you can see from the picture we did take a chance to warm up and talk about the season. I really look forward to decorating every year since I came to Coley’s Point, Bay Roberts.

While finishing the lights, I mentioned to Perry about our custom in Riverhead, Hr. Grace to celebrate “Tibb’s Eve” which is tomorrow (December 23^rd). Historically, it is a observance that has been around for a great deal of time, for me growing up in rural Newfoundland I think of it with deep affection as my grandfather Arthur Hurdle instilled the significance of the day to us.

In the Newfoundland Dictionary there is a long explanation to what “Tibb’s Eve” is, but as I read through it I do see where is originated as it pertains to my Grandfather. If interested, please read the following link http://www.heritage.nf.ca/dictionary/azindex/pages/5010.html

For my family and my grandfather, it was a day of sampling the brew that was seldom present during the rest of the year. For “Pop” we would take him to the liquor store, and of course would go back to the homestead and sample the purchase. My wife Lisa just purchased new glasses for Christmas entertaining, some of which were small 4 oz glasses. My grandfather would call them “Legion Glasses” and would give us a “grog “or a “dram” of what ever he had to toast Tibb’s Eve. I never knew the total meaning, but I did love spending time with him and Nan. They are now gone for years, but I will never forget this tradition and I will enjoy keeping it alive. One part of the tradition that I have not stopped and those of my brothers that are still around still do it, we go to his grave side on Christmas Eve and toast to him and our family members who are now gone. I love it, it is a major part of Christmas, it is a calming place, I find it fulfilling and I will do it for as long as I can, and it is a part of Christmas for me.

For those of you who have not heard of Tibb’s Eve, please learn of it, have fun with it:; it is part of our heritage and part of our family.

Take Care

Ron