This time of year, I’m lit up like a Christmas tree with fond memories and nostalgia. Crappy 80s Christmas decorations, the smell of a freshly cut evergreen, my mother cursing over sugar cookies and my father pouring another glass of rum while I dig into a third box of Icy Squares. Then there’s the after-taste of $2.50 White Russians at the local pub’s Boxing Day party, not to mention my parents’ disapproval in the mornings.
Anyway, I feel like every year I say, “Christmas isn’t what it used to be.” Mostly it’s true, Christmas is for kids. But today I felt that old thrill of happiness and excitement when I went to see the first annual St. John’s Mummers Parade, followed by a Christmas party at The Rooms.
My favourite was the little boy wearing a bra outside his winter jacket.
I didn’t stay long at the party as I had to brave the mall to finish up my shopping. Unfortunately I missed out on the Purity syrup and cookies.
Finally, there’s this awesome video that makes me so homesick I could cry.
Conclusion? Next year me and my comrades are definitely participating, we really regretted not doing so this year. I wish we had planned a Mummers Party here before everyone started their holidays, but alas, even the gingerbread house remains unfinished. I figure our party would involve more alcohol and the eventual shedding of clothing, however.
I’m incredibly happy that groups like this keep the Newfoundland spirit alive. Happy Mummering!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it, just the sort of crazy that goes hand in hand with a beer or 10 and a hell of a lot of laughter. If/when I make it to that part of the world it has to be during christmas time just so I can join in the festivities.
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Candice Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 6:57 am
Trust me, the festivities do NOT end with Christmas!
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White Russians! How I love thee — wouldn’t perchance be Lotties you’re writing about?
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Candice Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 6:57 am
Holy CRAP I can’t believe you mentioned Lotties! My friends and I practically live there, and I still haven’t figured out why, as the whole place smells like a toilet. So wonderful. But no, I’m referring to the pub in my hometown on the south coast…but nothing beats Lotties white russians.
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What, are icy squares??
And Your parts sound so much fun around the holidays. I’m intrigued by this mummering business, though I’m still not sure I get it… I’m glad to see your getting a bit into the holidays Candice!!
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Candice Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
*GASP! Maybe they’re a Canadian thing, they’re delicious little chocolates that are all smooth and refreshing. MMMM. You must come try this mummering business!
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I wonder who the little boy borrowed that bra from? Looks like a fun time.
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Candice Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
It looked like a training bra, big sister is probably fuming.
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You guys really dance jigs to fiddle music? I don’t know why I’ve never quite believed that when you’ve mentioned it before. Now, that is unique! Another tasty tidbit about Newfoundland.
And your memories of your typical family Christmas are heartwarmingly hilarious!
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Happy Mummering indeed! Such a crazy cool tradition. Enjoy the “dude”-ness of those $2.50 white russians too. That’s pretty baller.
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Candice Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Oh man, so awesome compared to the drinks in St. John’s. I feel like a rich person at home.
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This looks so fun! Those creepy horse costumes are amazing. I love community traditions like this!
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Candice Reply:
December 26th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Hahaha, they are creepy as HELL. One had flashing red lights for eyes. Aghh.
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Most awesome
Wish I was around for that! A friend of mine actually had a “mini mummers” party for her daughter and friends over the holidays, which was also quite entertaining to look at via pictures on facebook…
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