The Red Tree

When I was a young boy, my Christmas only truly started when we pulled up in front of the home of my Grandparents and I would see the big Christmas tree in front of their house. It stood over twelve feet high and was completely covered with only red lights from bottom to top. Best of all, this was a real spruce tree that they had planted before I was born which also enriched their property during the summer. I loved that tree.

The annual elation of seeing the tree usually occurred just a few days before December 25th, or even on Christmas day when we had to leave our home later or were delayed because of a snow storm. And since we were doing the long drive from either Montreal or Mississauga, that first sighting was usually after dark - making it even better!

At this point you are probably wondering why I'm writing about a tree that stood outside my grandparent's house decades ago, nothing special right? Well, I decided to do my holiday blog on this topic because the man who was responsible for this red tree, my grandfather Jean Hinse (my mother's dad), turned an astonishing 102 years of age on November 27, 2024... just a few days ago. I was not with him in Victoriaville on his birthday, but I decided to decorate our own outside tree with red lights on his birthday (see blog picture). I thought it was a good way to pay homage. 

We all have our own little (or big) traditions which provide that emotional lift to make Christmas special. Sometimes it is something shared with others, sometimes it is private. Whatever it is, I hope that you will have the chance to experience it over the coming weeks. My holiday wish to you for this year is that you also have an opportunity to create a new one! 

Enjoy the traditions, eat well, stay close to your friends and loved ones, and be kind...

Joyeuses Fêtes / Happy Holidays
dd.