Musings

Fireworks for Halloween? A red poppy pinned on a jacket to commemorate Veteran's Day? Thanksgiving in October? Ad and I have certainly had a good taste of the Canadian holidays recently, starting with a nice little tradition we call Halloween fireworks. Normally we'd experience fireworks on New Year's Eve in The Netherlands, or on the 4th of July in the US of A. Here in BC, the kids start shooting them off in mid-October! As I write this now, in mid-November, we still hear an occasional crack here and there in the neighborhood. Veteran's Day, and the week leading up to it, saw just about every Canadian worth his or her salt wearing a curious little red and black poppy pin made of felt, on jackets, backpacks and hats.



Candian Thanksgiving fell on October 10th, from what we encountered much the same traditional meal was cooked as our neighbors down South. What IS strange is the jump from Halloween right to Christmas, with no Thanksgiving in between. Holiday decor is already adorning show windows, and seasonal ads have hit TV. Back in NL, I imagine that Sinterklaas is preparing to make his yearly trek into the harbour, to bring kids their gifts in time for December 5th, lovingly referred to as Pakjesavond (gift night).

Saw "Capote" last night. The film's got Oscar written all over it.