Christmas in the northern hemisphere is really like in the movies. It’s more than just the snow and lights – it’s a lifestyle. Even during a pandemic. People greet you on the street with Christmas wishes. One of the houses on my way to the shop (I may not drive, so I walk at night) has a loudspeaker in the yard playing soft Christmas music. Lights, Christmas wreaths and Christmas trees of all colours, sizes and shapes are everywhere. Rope lights decorate pine trees on the street to the top and I wonder how it is done. Locally there is an official Tree Lighting Ceremony, which took place online this year. Families deliver Christmas cards with beautiful family photos at each other’s doors. And then there’s Father Christmas, or Santa as he’s known here.

Santa’s treats.

Our boys received a personal video from Santa this year. This is a service that our friend Stephanie paid for – you send basic information about your children and then they record a special video and send you the link. The boys were amazed! They watched it twice each night after story time in the run-up to Christmas Eve. We left milk (chocolate Nesquik) and cookies for Santa for the first time and when they woke up on Christmas Day, there were powder footprints as proof that Santa had enjoyed it. But the most important thing was that he left a gift for each of them under the tree.

Christmas in Altona, Manitoba.

Our Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

I was unsure how I would feel about Christmas with no family close by. But because the whole province was in lockdown, even whole families who live in Altona could not gather for Christmas, so we did not feel so lonely. We decided that homemade mutton curry and naan bread would be our Christmas Eve tradition in future, and we topped it off with ice cream cones. The children opened presents from the grannies and grandpas in South Africa and played with it until late at night. Their biggest gift was three different kinds of sleighs that our friends Sarah and Owen bought for them.

Our curry and naan. Note the lack of placemats and table decorations… #FirstWorldProblems

Christmas Day spoiled us with nice weather and a blue sky. My husband made smoked ham and malva pudding and we had a nice chat with the family in South Africa on Skype. After dinner, I went for a walk to deliver Sarah’s gift and get out of the house. I breathed in the fresh winter air all the way and felt so privileged that I was allowed to celebrate Christmas in this wonderland. On the way back, I heard music and I wondered if someone else also had a speaker in their yard. But when I got closer, I realised that I was hearing Christmas carollers! I stood still and listened to the harmonies of Silent Night in English, and I wished I knew the words. In my head, I sang along in Afrikaans. I felt deeply moved without actually knowing why, and I made a mental note to find out how I can get involved with such a group as soon as we can celebrate a normal Christmas again.

Christmas Day – clear as a bell.

Buffalo Creek Nature Park. People enjoy sleigh rides on the hill and skating on the lake

Altona is experiencing a particularly moderate winter this year, which amazes even the locals. Initially, when all the snow melted, we wondered if we would have a white Christmas, but luckily everything turned into a postcard picture just in time. There was even enough snow to build a slide from our porch so that the children could try out their new sleighs. And before long our neighbours’ children came to investigate and asked if they could join in.

For a moment, it almost felt like everything in the world was in order, and it was wonderful.

Unfortunately, our lockdown has been extended by another two weeks and we really look forward to fully experiencing the town, because Altona has so much to offer, even during the cold winter. The few people we have met so far are kind and warm-hearted and sincere. Less than five months ago, it felt as if we would never see Canada; that is why I am so grateful that we have been able to live here in peace for four months now that not even the lockdown can overwhelm me. And on this high note, I can say with great relief that I have now passed my Canadian driver’s license and can legally drive a car. Now I can paint this white town red – of course within the boundaries of COVID regulations and my children’s minds.

Candyfloss clouds – the sun greets the day.