What’s your Christmas like? Mine has always included some sort of outdoor adventure. From a very young age my parents would bring me for a snowshoe walk in the forest. I grew up in the woods in Quebec and we would never miss out on spending some time outside.
On Christmas morning my sister and I would run down the stairs to reach the Christmas tree first. There, oranges in our stockings would start the day on a sweet note along with the traditional chocolates. Every year we would go snowshoeing in the forest. We would sing carols while following my dad’s trails and carved signs directing you to different countries, “Lac emeraude” (Emerald lake) or “maison” (home). Meanwhile cold temperatures and a frozen nose would usually bring us back home. Those were good times I would never forget about.
Adulthood came and I moved away often missing out on my family’s Christmas. Living in Newfoundland and working during the holidays forced be to create my own outdoorsy Christmas away. Thus, with my friends who made up my adopted family we started going on a snowshoe/ hiking adventure around Corner Brook. After a big brunch consisting of eggs, french toasts, hash browns and fruits we would promptly dress up. Besides, the extensive holidays feasting and extra calories would keep us warm. From snowshoe trips behind Corner brook to hiking along the Bay of Islands it has always been a good time.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy the snow. Therefore put on your snowshoes and go play outside. Then spend some quality time with friends and family and stuff yourself with some great home-cooked meals. Dancing snowflakes, white covered mountains and the blue of the Bay of Islands create a magical landscape. White Christmas is what makes Canada unique and this is what I love about it.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Wildly Intrepid!
