12 Movies & 12 Songs for the 12 Days of Christmas (Even Though It's Not Yet the 12 Days of Christmas)

DECEMBER 24th, 2015

By LANA CARBON & JOHN LILIES

[John] Following our insane endeavour to watch 31 movies for 31 days of Hallowe’en, Lana decided we should watch 12 movies for the 12 days of Christmas. I did not freak out at this idea the same way I did for the 31 movies, as I figured 12 movies was entirely doable between December 1st and 25th.

For future reference, 12 movies in December is almost as difficult as 31 movies in October. We definitely did not take into account just how busy we would be this month; so I must admit at being a little happy that some of our movies were of the shorter variety and easy to fit into weeknights after a long work day.

The 12 movies for 12 days of Christmas idea is what sparked our conversation wondering about the 12 days of Christmas, that Lana spoke of in article 23.1. This plan of ours has led to some fun experiences including writing our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas that you read in article 23.2 … [Lana – On sale at a record store near you… NOT!].

While it was difficult to comment on each movie we watched in October, we decided we could speak a little bit on each of our 12 Christmas movie choices.

We would love to hear your thoughts on these movies… tweet us or comment on Facebook to let us know which of these you watched this year and which is your favourite.

With that, here we go… our own thoughts on our movie and song experiences:

Movies

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – “Charles Dickens’ Classic Holiday Story Sparkles with Humor and Whimsy in the Hands of the Always Hilarious Muppets.” [John] This is one of my favourites (huge Muppets fan) and every time I watch, I look forward to the scene with Bob Cratchit (a.k.a. Kermit) walking home with Tiny Tim on his shoulders as they sing their way home. [Lana] I quite enjoy the banter between Gonzo as Dickens and Rizzo the Rat, as they narrate through the story. It gives a different twist to the tale.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – “Yule Crack Up!” [John] I watched this for the first time in 2014, at Lana’s insistence. I may have found it a bit funnier this year but I’m likely not the fan that Lana is. [Lana] I have always wanted to take a trip down that hill on a greased up metal disc. I am always thankful that my brother is nothing like Eddie.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – “Christmas Day is in His Grasp.” [John] This is an annual must-watch for me if I want to have any semblance of the Christmas feeling. I have yet to watch the Jim Carrey version and I continue to resist. [Lana] *Breaks into You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch* I would still take the Grinch over a seasick crocodile.
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – “Capture the Spirit of Christmas with This Timeless Classic.” [John] I finally watched this for the first time in 2014 and definitely wanted to see it again this year, before trying out the re-make with Mara Wilson. I suspect Lana will have me watch the re-make next year. [Lana] As I’ve said before, the re-make of this movie is one of the few that I enjoy as much as the original. So it was really a toss-up as to which we would watch. I think I do prefer the ending of the original better.
5. Scrooged (1988) – “Bill Murray is Back Among the Ghosts. Only This Time, It’s Three Against One.” [John] I watch this because Lana loves it. (I think I just broke Lana’s heart.) [Lana] But… but… but… Bill Murray! Bobcat Goldwaith! Hilarity ensues! This is a Christmas classic! [John] Sorry… truly. Just not my kinda classic. **Lana won’t stop staring at me now… in total disbelief.**
6. A Christmas Story (1983) – “Sometimes Christmas is About Getting What You Really Want.” [John] Love. Love. Love. Every. Year. [Lana] I remember seeing kids dressed up like Randy. I felt as bad for them as I did for him. I think my dad swears the same way as Ralphy’s dad. I have always wanted, and continue to really want a leg lamp.
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – “The Most Famous Reindeer of All Time.” [John] Not Christmas without Rudolph. “I’m cude! I’m cude! She said I’m cude!!” I always say that I am a misfit of the misfits on the Island of Misfit Toys (and proud of it). [Lana] I’m just glad Santa came to his senses.
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – “A Ghoulish Tale With a Wicked Sense of Humor and Stunning Animation.” [John] My ultimate Christmas movie. Thank you Jack Skellington. [Lana] Thank you Tim Burton. You really know how to make a holiday movie. I never know whether to watch this at Christmas or at Hallowe’en, so I normally do both and then a few times in the summer.
9. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) – “If Santa Stayed Home, Why There Would Be No Christmas.” [John] I had forgotten about this one until Lana re-introduced me in 2014. I am very grateful for the reunion as I definitely do love this one a lot. [Lana] *singing* “They call me Snow Miser. Whatever I touch turns to snow in my clutch. I’m too much.” This should be called The Year With The Miser Brothers. They are the stars of the show. [John] It’s unfortunate that you don’t like this movie much, Lana. Really too bad you know nothing about it.
10. A Christmas Carol (1951) – “Charles Dickens’ Immortal Christmas Classic.” [John] For as much as I love the Muppets, if I can only watch one version of A Christmas Carol during the season, this must be it. It is definitely my favourite version, though a close friend insists I must give the Disney animated version with Jim Carrey a shot. Maybe next year. [Lana] Yes you should definitely give it a shot but Alistair Sim is the quintessential Scrooge. Just watch his face; he is truly a great actor.
11. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – “I Suppose It Would Have Been Better If I’d Never Been Born at All.” [John] We had an opportunity to see this in the theatre this year and we jumped on it! We took my aunt with us and what an incredible experience it was! So cool and special. I gained so much more out of this screening than any other time I’d watched the movie. My aunt also had a great time - what a special night for us! - and I highly recommend seeing it in the theatre any time you might have the opportunity. [Lana] If I were to watch only one Christmas movie, this is it. This has long been my absolute favourite. I almost lose it every time the community rallies around George.
12. White Christmas (1954) – “Joyous Entertainment for Every Season, Any Year.” [John] Another must for me. A dear friend introduced me to this one some years ago and it immediately became a favourite. Makes me cry every time I watch it. Technically, Lana saw this one a couple of weeks ago but as I had already retired for the night, she graciously watched it with me again (thank you!!). [Lana] I don’t know how this happened, but somehow John seems to think that I’m not fond of this movie and that he forces me to watch it with him. Sooooo not true! [John] Dude. You told me two years ago that you don’t like it and that you would watch it with me if you absolutely had to. [Lana] I don’t recall that. *snicker* Anywho… it’s got Bing! It’s got Danny! Fun times! [John] So you lied, then? Okay. [Lana] Nooooooo. [John] Oy.

[John] That marks the official 12 movies. A number of bonus movies were squeezed in, mostly by Lana though she did trick me into watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, thinking it was one of the 12. I love that movie… totally didn’t know it would be a bonus. Lana is a total trickster.

[Lana] I don’t know what you’re talking about.

[John] We also watched Black Christmas as a promise to my cousin and her husband… and I had forgotten most of it so I’m really happy we watched it. Thanks cousin!

Bonus Movies

1. A Christmas Horror Story (2015) – “You Better Watch Out.”
2. Elf (2003) – “This Holiday, Discover Your Inner Elf.”
3. Bad Santa (2003) – “He’s Very Naughty… and Not Very Nice.”
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – “Inside a Snowflake, Like the One on Your Sleeve, There Happened a Story You Must See to Believe.”
5. This Christmas (2007) – “You Can’t Exchange Family.”
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – “Happiness is Watching ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.”
7. Christmas in Connecticut (1945) – “It’s the Fun Show That’s the One Show to See!”
8. Fred Claus (2007) – “Everybody has That One Relative Who Can’t Help But Cause Problems Over the Holidays. Even Santa.”
9. Gremlins (1984) – “Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous.”
10. Trapped in Paradise (1994) – “The Story of a Town That Gave So Much…Even These Guys Couldn’t Take Anymore.”
11. Trading Places (1983) – “They’re Not Just Getting Rich…They’re Getting Even.”
12. Babes in Toyland (1934) – “1 and a ½ Hours of Laughter.”
13. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – “Experience the Miracle.”
14. The Ref (1994) – “They Might Be His Hostages But what They Are Doing to This Guy is Criminal.”
15. Four Christmases (2008) – “His Father, Her Mother, His Mother and Her Father All in One Day.”
16. The Santa Clause (1994) – “This Christmas, the Snow Hits the Fan.”
17. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – “You’ve Made it Through Halloween, Now Try to Survive Christmas.”
18. Deck the Halls (2006) – “There Glows the Neighborhood.”
19. The Family Stone (2005) – “Feel the Love.”
20. Black Christmas (1974) – “Black Christmas Will Rock You Too!”

Songs

1. Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy – Jack Black & Jason Segel [John] This felt like a nice alternative to the usual David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet – which I love dearly.
2. The Night Santa Went Crazy – Weird Al Yankovic [John] Lana is a massive Weird Al fan so this had to be included.
3. Krampus – Midnight Syndicate [John] This felt appropriate considering it was Krampusnacht and we love Midnight Syndicate.
4. Fairytale of New York – Ben Caplan and the Trondheim Soloists [John] I really love this version a lot and decided it would be nice to include.
5. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone [John] A really nice version, from Lana’s favourite movie Elf.
6. Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC [John] It’s Run DMC… what more needs to be said?
7. Marshmallow World – Bing Crosby & Ella Fitzgerald [John] Bing and Ella… just makes me so very happy.
8. Coventry Carol – Sufjan Stevens [John] My favourite carol and I think this is my favourite version.
9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Lou Rawls (away TEAM remix) [John] Love.
10. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Joey Ramone [John] Joey Ramone had to be in the list.
11. When a Child is Born – Boney M [John] If I don’t have Boney M, I don’t have Christmas.
12. The 12 Days of Christmas – Bob and Doug Mackenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) [John] This requires no explanation. [Lana] It is now time for us to take off, you hosers.

[John] Well… that’s it for our December challenge!

Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for joining us on this ride! We hope you all enjoy the holidays and we wish you all an incredible 2016!! Go on some road trips, check out some galleries and make every day an experience!

12 Days of Christmas - A Musical Perspective

DECEMBER 24th, 2015

By LANA CARBON & JOHN LILIES

Most of us have sat around a tree at Christmas time and sang (in our case, very poorly) the 12 Days of Christmas. Originally published as a chant without musical accompaniment in 1780, it wasn’t until 1909 that the English composer Frederic Austin gave us the version we know today.

I thought I would write out the song to see how close I came to the original and was shocked to see I was right for a change. It usually takes me a few times to remember the correct order of the lyrics and I wondered if I was the only one. So of course I asked John to see how close she came to the proper order. I must say, I was in for a treat.

***

12 Days – The John Version

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 5 maids a milking, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 6 swans a swimming, 5 maids a milking…

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 7 pipers piping…

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 drummers drumming…

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 ladies laughing…

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 lords a leaping…

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 bats eating pizza (I think John got a little lost at this point)…

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 bottles of vodka, 11 bats eating pizza, 10 nerds in a barn, 9 cats drinking milk, 8 puppies playing fetch, 7 hamsters running in a circle, 6 maids playing tag, 5 drummers drumming, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in my fried brain.

***

Surprisingly, these are not the right lyrics (I know, it blew my mind too).

Do you know the actual lyrics? Do you have your own version you’d like to share? Email us with your version or recollection and we may choose to share it here on the blog!

Speaking of alternative versions, many artists have recorded different takes on what kind of gift-giving occurred during these 12 days. Here are a few of the more popular (and humourous) takes on the traditional classic.

Bob and Doug Mackenzie – 12 Days of Christmas

Jeff Foxworthy – 12 Redneck Days of Christmas

Bob Rivers – 12 Pains of Christmas

Fay McKay – 12 Daze of Christmas

(As always if you have suggestions to others we should look into please just let us know in the comment section here or on our Facebook page or Twitter.)

Over the course of writing about our December theme, we became inspired and even managed to pen our own version of the song that we know you will want to sing while sitting around your fireplace this year… after imbibing in a few eggnogs perhaps.

***

The Carbon Lilies 12 Days of Christmas

On the 1st Day of Christmas my true love gave to me an article for our blog.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 4th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 5th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 6th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 7th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 8th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 elusive éclairs, 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 9th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 margaritas, 8 elusive éclairs, 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 10th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 Spooktacular people, 9 margaritas, 8 elusive éclairs, 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 11th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 art exhibits, 10 Spooktacular people, 9 margaritas, 8 elusive éclairs, 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 senile ghost hunters, 11 art exhibits, 10 Spooktacular people, 9 margaritas, 8 elusive éclairs, 7 movie passes, 6 road trip stories, 5 Haunted Walks, 4 Big Séance hoodies, 3 weeks of transcribing, 2 ponche de crème and an article for our blog.

To be totally honest, we would have loved to have recorded this to share with you all but a lack of time and any discernible singing talent whatsoever prevented that from happening. Who knows, maybe one day we can include it in our list of 12 Christmas songs.

Happy 12 Days everyone… make them musical!!

(You can email us at carbonlilies@hotmail.com)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

DECEMBER 21st, 2015

By LANA CARBON

If you have been following our social media accounts lately, you may have seen that we are watching 12 Movies and listening to 12 Songs for the 12 Days of Christmas. We started on the 1st of December to give us extra time to ensure we get all 12 movies watched in a timely fashion (a lesson we learned doing our 31 Movies and Songs for Hallowe’en), especially considering how busy this month is for us.

How did we come to the magic number of 12? Why it’s from the song of course but that got me to thinking…when are the actual 12 days of Christmas? My original thought was that they were the 12 days prior to and including the 25th…that would explain the gifts would it not? Christmas Day is the day almost everyone exchanges their gifts so it had to be the culmination of this entire gift giving goodness, right? Alternatively, it could be the first 12 days of December (a good way to start the month off with a bang) or perhaps the 12 days surrounding the winter solstice to honour the pre-Christian meaning of the season… I honestly didn’t know but my curiosity meant I would just have to find out.

As you might expect, the 12 days of Christmas are strictly Christian in nature. That made sense to me but I had no clue that the first of these days would be Christmas Day itself. I honestly thought it would have been the twelfth day. I will admit that I myself am not a devout Christian to say the least so I had no idea that there were so many days honoured between Christmas and a day called Epiphany. They represent the feast days of various saints as well as special feasts honouring other momentous occasions in the Christian faith.

Day 1: Dec. 25th Christmas Day – The birth of Jesus.

Day 2: Dec. 26th Boxing Day (A.K.A. – St. Stephen’s Day) - St. Stephen was the first Christian Martyr. He was stoned to death for foretelling the coming of Jesus. (Interesting note…this is the day that the events of the carol Good King Wenceslas occurred).

Day 3: Dec. 27th John the Apostle Day – Most trusted friend of Jesus.

Day 4: Dec. 28th Feast of Innocents – Day to honour the boys killed while Herod was looking for Baby Jesus.

Day 5: Dec. 29th St. Thomas Becket Day – While he was the Archbishop of Cantebury, St. Thomas Becket was murdered for challenging King Henry II for authority over the church.

Day 6: Dec. 30th St. Egwin of Worcester Day – I couldn’t find much on St. Egwin other than he is the Patron Saint of orphans and widows as well as Evesham Monastery (if you have more information please feel free to let me know).

Day 7: Dec. 31st New Year’s Eve (A.K.A. Pope Sylvester Day) – The Pope responsible for converting Emperor Constantine to Christianity.

Day 8: Jan. 1st New Year’s Day (A.K.A. Solemnity of Mary) – The day to honour Mary, Mother of Jesus.

Day 9: Jan. 2nd St. Basil Day – St. Basil was a key figure in the liturgy of the Christian religion making him the Patron Saint of education, monks and exorcism.

Day 10: Jan. 3rd Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus – The day to celebrate the naming of Jesus.

Day 11: Jan. 4th St. Simeon Stylites Day – St. Simeon was so dedicated to his prayers that he chose to live on a pillar for 37 years in order to avoid earthly distractions. (Alternatively, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Day – Founder of the Sisters of Charity School in the United States. She became the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools.)

Day 12: Jan. 5th Epiphany Eve (A.K.A. The Twelfth Night) – The evening before the Wise Men came to the Baby Jesus. It became tradition to add the Three Wise Men to the Nativity scene before the decorations came down the following day.

In the Tudor era, the rich would swap places with their servants for a party held in the evening of the Twelfth Night to mark the end of winter. Pipes, especially bag pipes, were played as well as games such as “Pass the Egg”, “Egg Toss” and “Snapdragon” - a dangerous game where one would pull dried fruit out of a tray of flaming brandy (Thank goodness Hasbro didn’t scoop up the rights to that one). A pea or bean would be baked into a cake and whoever found it within their share would become the Lord or Lady of “Misrule Night” and be treated like a king or queen (later a second pea or bean was added so that there would be both Lord and Lady).

Twelfth Night by Jan Steed

From what I hear, it is good to be the King. Perhaps I will never be King but I shall revel in the fact that I now know more about this wonderful time of year…and the next time someone asks you about the 12 Days of Christmas, you too will know exactly when they are… “And knowing is half the battle!” (To quote one of my favourite Saturday morning cartoons). After reading this article, send us a comment on Facebook or tweet us with the name of the cartoon if you know the one to which I am referring.

This week, we will be back with our big reveal of the 12 Movies and 12 Songs for the 12 Days of Christmas. Don’t miss out!

Black Creek Pioneer Village: Christmas by Lamplight

DECEMBER 15th, 2015

By LANA CARBON & JOHN LILIES

[Lana] In a world full of modern conveniences, it can sometimes be difficult to imagine what life was like back in the 1800’s (don’t just try to Google it, it isn’t the same). Without the internet, movies or television, so many people would be at a loss… but what if they didn’t even have electricity? It’s okay. We still have our electricity. It was only an exercise in pretending. Please don’t panic. If the scenario has you intrigued however… read on.

We wanted to do something special this year in honour of the holidays and when we saw that the Black Creek Pioneer Village was hosting their Christmas by Lamplight event on one of the days we were free to attend, we bought our tickets right away.

[John] I had attended this event once, about six or seven years ago, and had a fun time so I wanted to take Lana and share the experience with him. I knew he would truly enjoy it.

[Lana] Located in York Region, the Black Creek Pioneer Village opened its doors in 1960 as a representation of how a community would have existed in the early to mid-1800s in Southern Ontario. The farmlands of Daniel and Elizabeth Stong (the first European pioneers on the land) are the heart of the village. This includes their first home which was built in 1816 and barn, as well as their second home built in 1832; all of which having been meticulously restored. The village would also boast a blacksmith shop, a store, another home and a church. Over the next couple of decades, the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (now simply the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority) saved other historical buildings from all over Southern Ontario and transplanted them to the 30 acre Village.

The staff dress in period costumes of course, and talk about life back in that era while demonstrating their jobs (blacksmith, telegraph operator, baker, etc.) or showing how it was to try to take care of homes with such large families.

For these reasons alone, we would have gone to enjoy the old stories, sights and sounds but at this time of year, the tour is even more special. This is when the Christmas spirit invades the Village. Christmas by Lamplight is what they call those evenings where they stay open late to allow their guests to experience the Village by candlelight.

I must add at this point that John is so creative that she crafted our very own lanterns to take with us. They were light, easy to carry, looked great and received many compliments from the others enjoying the festivities. 

[John] Aw shucks. Thanks. I don’t think they were really that creative; I wanted us to have lanterns to carry like everyone else would have but our budget meant – well, low-budget lanterns, so I figured I would just make them. Nothing fancy.  

[Lana] The tinsmith was our first stop and we were given the simplest but extremely cool little decorations to be hung on the tree or, if held properly and blown on with the appropriate amount of breath, became spinners.

The Edgeley Mennonite Meeting House was our first taste of Christmas music as we walked in to hear two gentlemen playing Jingle Bells while three youngsters accompanied them with sleigh bells.

It wasn’t too much further along the pathway until we came to the bonfire with the carolers. It was at this moment that the nostalgia of simpler times washed over me. I could imagine that small town community where all the neighbours went out to share in their holiday spirit by singing together.

A couple stops later we found ourselves in the old Town Hall. I don’t think it would have been possible to cram more people inside but everyone was willing to put up with the tight quarters to make their own beaded ornaments…a souvenir from a time long past but made with those we love today.

The next homestead held great interest for us. The building itself was gorgeous…everything I would picture for a larger home of that era. The house belonged to a doctor who ran his practice from within those very walls. Here we also had the opportunity to listen as more carols were played, this time on a gorgeous piano in the sitting room. This was also the start of a new trend…holiday snacks. Just a little, only enough for a taste, but oh so good. 

[John] It was lovely watching and listening to the pianist casually entertain everyone. His music was beautiful and really filled the room with a special ambiance. I wanted to sit on the chesterfield and get cozy with a blanket and hot cup of cocoa and take it all in, watching his fingers dance over the keys.

[Lana] The next couple of buildings were too busy to stay for very long; apparently everyone loves to hear about printing presses and blacksmithing. The shoemaker’s home had become Santa’s temporary home (cobbler’s elves / Santa’s elves… I think I’m seeing the connection here) and as much as we love Santa, we thought we would give the kiddies a chance to visit with him so we moved on.

The Burwick House was the highlight of the night for us. We walked inside to the sound of old folk music. Three musicians (a guitarist, fiddler and banjo player) were playing beautiful toe-tapping tunes that we just had to stick around for. It was a heart-warming thing for me to see John’s face light up with a huge smile. 

[John] I would not hesitate to say this was my favourite house in the Village. I’m a big fan of the fiddle and, well, a fan of music. These gentlemen made me incredibly happy and I did not want to leave. It took me back a few years to my cousin’s house at Christmas, with her dad playing guitar, her brother playing the fiddle and everyone singing along. This was a fantastic part of our evening; recalling it now makes my heart smile.

[Lana] Somehow we managed to pull ourselves away and continued with our adventure. We took a quick stroll through the one classroom school and across the bridge to see the impressive Roblin Mill (the last working stone mill in the Toronto area). I really wish it had been open for us to explore. Also located in this little section of the Village was the church and minister’s home. Personally the most interesting thing that I found here was the Noah’s Ark play set. Everything from the Ark to each animal was carved out of wood. These were simple toys for the children which allowed their imagination to run free.

We backtracked then to the home stretch, as it were. The only building we had yet to visit was the Halfway House Inn, which in this case meant halfway to your destination on the other end of town. The bar area was set up for games as well. Across the hall was a huge dining area fully decked out with Christmas dinner and all the fixins. We didn’t end up going upstairs to the actual rooms, or downstairs which now houses the Black Creek Brewery (both were just far too crowded).

The next stops were the buildings which started it all…the houses of the Stong family. There was certainly a huge (figuratively and literally) difference between their first and second houses. Set up only a couple dozen feet apart you could see how prosperous they had become over those couple decades between the homes being built. I still have no idea how a family of nine could possibly have lived in a two-bedroom home. 

[John] It did make me wish I could be less dependent on material things taking up space. However, material things we do have and our books alone would fill half that house, and Lana’s DVD collection… well… suffice it say there would certainly not be room for nine people to occupy any space after the movies were added.

[Lana] Laskay’s Emporium was the true hub of the village. It was a true general store acting as everything from grocer, hardware, clothing, boots and shoes and post office. Here we made our own embossed Christmas cards and were able to send a Morse Code telegraph (which we dedicated to all our readers).

[John] It still amazes me that people could learn to be proficient in Morse Code. Being able to watch the telegraph operators translate our message into a series of choreographed taps on a little machine was mesmerizing for me. I wished we could spend more time observing the process but we did have to move along and so after retrieving our message (from the other side of the shop), we pressed on.

[Lana] With only two brief stops along the remainder of this main road at the saddle and harness shop (where we learned about the different bells used depending on how many horses were pulling your sleigh/carriage) and the firehouse with the old water pumper, we were back to where this whole adventure had begun. There was only one side road which we had yet to take and we had purposely saved it until the end. We barely re-read the sign as our pace quickened. We were on our way to get some hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts (hot cider was also available for those who enjoy that sort of thing). With hot drinks in hand, we decided we would return to the much more modern ticket area/museum/gift shop.

[John] This was Lana’s first time trying roasted chestnuts; he was not a fan. I however, quite enjoyed them and I loved the look on Lana’s face as he tried really hard to appreciate the experience of eating them. It was very entertaining and he did give it a good effort.

[Lana] We took a quick tour of the museum items (including a gingerbread replica of the entire village), picked up a souvenir postcard (as we try to do everywhere we go) and said our fond farewells to the Black Creek Pioneer Village.

[John] This was such a lovely experience and really filled me with the Christmas spirit. It was an odd feeling to roam through the Village as we did, taking in the atmosphere and seeing the employees in period costumes; while planes were flying overhead and street traffic was flowing through one of Ontario’s major universities across the street. Regardless, it was a special night for us both and I am very happy I made us lanterns to carry as it added a lot to the experience; and the light was quite welcome in some of the areas we crossed, as darkness flooded most parts.

[Lana] For anyone in the area, or who is thinking of a vacation to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), we strongly suggest a visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village any time of the year but especially during the Christmas by Lamplight festival.

(*Side note to our friends of the paranerdal nature, there is also a ghost tour in the fall nearing Hallowe’en, for those so inclined.)