What’s your favorite Christmas memory?

Memories, The laughter, the food, the family moments that never fade.

As December deepens, our homes begin to fill with more than just decorations; they fill with echoes. The scent of a particular spice, the first notes of a beloved carol, the soft glow of the tree in the corner—each one has a secret power. They are keys, unlocking a treasure chest we all carry within us: the priceless, irreplaceable collection of our Christmas memories.

Today, let’s take a quiet moment away from the to-do lists and simply unwrap these treasures. Let’s hold them in our hands, not with a sense of longing for days gone by, but with a heart full of gratitude for the joy that has shaped our lives. For these memories are not just photographs fading in an album; they are the very heartbeat of the holiday, alive and vibrant, ready to fill our present with the same warmth they held in our past.

Close your eyes. Let your mind drift back. What do you see?

Perhaps it’s not a perfectly posed picture, but a beautifully imperfect moment. The year the dog pulled the turkey off the table, leading not to tears, but to helpless, side-splitting laughter. The chaotic, glitter-filled joy of making homemade ornaments with little hands, the floor a mess but your heart so full. The magical, wide-eyed belief in Santa, the careful leaving out of cookies and milk, and the sheer, uncontainable wonder of Christmas morning.

Maybe your memory is quieter. The feeling of your own mother’s hand on your forehead as you drifted off to sleep on Christmas Eve. The sound of your father’s voice, a little off-key, leading the family in "Silent Night." The weight of a handmade sweater from a loved one, perhaps a little itchy, but woven with so much love that you wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

These are the real gifts. They were never under the tree. They were in the laughter that made your sides ache, in the shared smiles across a crowded room, in the comforting squeeze of a hand. They are the moments that, when we recall them, still have the power to make us smile, or shed a happy tear, even decades later.

Now, here is the most beautiful part of these unwrapped memories: they are not meant to be kept in a vault. They are meant to be shared. Your stories are a legacy, a tangible piece of love you can offer to your family and friends.

When you tell your grandson about the simple, single orange you found in your stocking and how it was the most cherished gift, you are giving him a lesson in gratitude. When you describe to your granddaughter the thrill of receiving her mother’s first doll, you are connecting her to her history in a way no textbook ever could. When you share the story of how you and your spouse spent your first Christmas together in a tiny apartment with a table-top tree, you are giving your family the gift of their own origin story.

This sharing is not just reminiscing; it is an act of love. It bridges generations. It lets the young know that the magic of Christmas has never been about the price tag, but about the people. It reassures them that the love they feel today is part of a long, beautiful, and unbroken chain.

So, this holiday, let’s be intentional about unwrapping our memories. As you bake those familiar cookies, tell the story of who taught you the recipe. As you hang a particular ornament, share its history. As you gather around the table, ask everyone, young and old, to share their own favorite memory.

In doing so, you are doing more than just remembering. You are weaving the golden threads of your past into the vibrant tapestry of the present. You are proving that the best parts of those Christmases long ago are not lost; they are alive in every tradition you uphold, every story you tell, and every new memory you help create.

The laughter, the love, the light, it all lives on in you. And by sharing it, you become the very magician of the season, ensuring that the most precious gifts are the ones that are passed down, hand to hand and heart to heart, forever.

The first blanket of snow, whispers “Christmas is coming.”

Did you see it this morning? That soft, white glow that seeped through the window blinds, painting the familiar world outside in a new, quiet light. The first snowfall has arrived, and with it, a profound and gentle peace that seems to settle over everything, the rooftops, the bare branches of the trees, and most importantly, over our own busy hearts.

In our younger years, a snowfall might have meant shoveling and delays. But now, from our well-earned vantage point, we can appreciate it for what it truly is: a gift. It’s nature’s way of pressing the pause button, of inviting us to slow down, to stay in, and to simply watch as the world is transformed into a silent, sparkling masterpiece.

It’s a visual lullaby, a “hush” for the soul.

Take a moment and look outside. Watch the flakes, each one a tiny, unique work of art, dancing their way down from the sky. There’s no rush, no hurry. They take their time, finding their perfect resting place. There’s a profound lesson in that for all of us, isn’t there? A reminder that not everything needs to be a race. That beauty often unfolds in its own sweet time.

The usual noises of the world are muffled. The distant hum of traffic fades, and the chatter of the day grows soft. In its place is a deep, comfortable silence. This is the perfect time to put the kettle on, to wrap your hands around a warm mug of cocoa or tea, and to just be. To watch the cardinal, a brilliant splash of red against the white, perched on a fence post. To see the tracks of a squirrel, a tiny story written across the yard. This quiet observation is a form of meditation, a way to reconnect with the simple, steady rhythm of the natural world.

A fresh snowfall is like a blank page, and it has a wonderful way of turning our minds into a canvas for memory. Does the sight of it take you back?

Perhaps it brings back the sheer, unbridled joy of childhood, the thrill of waking up to a "snow day," the weight of woolen mittens, the sound of squeaky boots on packed powder, and the triumphant creation of a lopsided snowman with a carrot nose and coal-button eyes.

Or maybe it reminds you of later years, of helping your own children bundle up until they could barely waddle, their laughter echoing in the crisp air as they sledded down a nearby hill. You can almost feel the warmth of coming inside afterward, cheeks flushed, to peel off damp layers and warm up with a bowl of soup by the radiator, the smell of wet wool mittens drying filling the room.

These memories aren’t ghosts of Christmases past; they are the very foundation of our joy in the present. They are proof of a life well-lived, filled with love and laughter. The first snowfall gently dusts off these precious moments and presents them to us once more, inviting us to smile at the journey.

This first blanket of snow does more than just beautify the landscape; it prepares our hearts. It’s the opening act for the season of light and love. Just as the snow covers the brown, sleeping earth, it encourages us to let a layer of peace cover any of our own worries or weariness. It whispers that it’s okay to rest, to be still, to embrace the cozy comforts of home.

It’s the perfect backdrop for the warm, golden lights that will soon twinkle in windows. It’s the reason why coming in from the cold feels so wonderful, and why gathering with loved ones feels so sacred. This peaceful blanket sets the stage for the joy to come, making the warmth inside our homes, and our hearts, feel all the more special.

So, today, let’s accept the invitation. Let’s not see the snow as an inconvenience, but as a beautiful, temporary gift. Let’s enjoy the quiet it brings, the memories it stirs, and the peaceful promise it holds. Christmas is coming, and the world, dressed in its finest white, is here to remind us that magic is quietly, gently, falling all around us.

December! The month of light, laughter, and love. Let’s make it magical.

December can be a magical month. So rather that post about retirement I will take the month to change formats and talk about how we remember December tI hope to post about the Scents, Sounds, and joys of the Season. I hope that my posts celebrate the simple joys that bring warmth to winter’s heart.

There’s a certain whisper in the air as the calendar turns to its final page, isn’t there? The world outside may be growing cooler and the nights longer, but December arrives with a promise, a promise of light in the darkness, warmth in the chill, and a gentle, persistent magic that asks only that we open our hearts to it.

For many of us, the holidays can feel different than they did in years past. The frantic pace, the long shopping lists, the pressure to create a "perfect" day. it can overshadow the simple joy. But this year, let’s make a pact. Let’s gently sweep away the stress and recapture the true enchantment of the season. The magic isn't found in a perfectly wrapped present; it’s tucked into the quiet moments, the familiar scents, and the love we share.

So, how do we find it? We begin by engaging our senses, the very gateways to memory and joy.

Close your eyes for a moment. What does December smell like to you?

Perhaps it’s the sharp, sweet scent of a fresh-cut pine tree filling the living room. Maybe it’s the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and cloves simmering on the stovetop. Or it could be the buttery richness of shortbread cookies, baked from a recipe passed down through generations.

These scents are more than just pleasant; they are time machines. They have the power to transport us back to childhood Christmases, to the bustling kitchens of our mothers and grandmothers, to moments of pure, uncomplicated happiness. This December, lean into those scents. Bake those cookies, even if it's just one small batch. Light a cinnamon-scented candle. Let the fragrance of the season be your constant, comforting companion.

The soundtrack of December is a symphony of joy. It’s the familiar, beloved carols that we know by heart, the ones we can sing even if our voices are a little quieter now. It’s the rustle of wrapping paper, the clink of glasses raised in a toast, and the cherished, perhaps slightly scratchy, recording of a favorite holiday special playing in the background.

But the most beautiful sound? It’s the sound of connection. It’s the laughter shared over a cup of tea with an old friend. It’s the voice of a faraway loved one on the phone, hearing the smile in their words. It’s the simple, wonderful sound of a story being told. Make time for these sounds. Put on that music, call that friend, share those stories. Your laughter is a light that the world needs.

The holidays, at their core, are about love. And love is a verb; it’s something we do. The magic of this season multiplies when we give it away.

Your love doesn’t need to be a grand, extravagant gesture. Its power is in its sincerity.

• It’s in the warmth of a handwritten card, a tangible piece of you sent through the mail.
• It’s in the offering to share a simple meal with a neighbor who might be feeling lonely.
• It’s in the patience of listening to a child’s excited, rambling story.
• It’s in the soft glow of a candle lit in the window, a silent welcome to all who pass by.

These acts of kindness create ripples. They connect us, reminding us that we are part of a community, a family, a shared human experience. In giving love, we often find we receive it tenfold.

This December, let’s be intentional. Let’s move a little slower, breathe a little deeper, and hold onto the moments that truly matter. Let the twinkling lights remind you of the stars, constant and beautiful. Let the laughter of loved ones be your favorite carol. Let the love you give and receive be the greatest gift under any tree.

The magic is here, waiting patiently in the quiet of a snowy morning, the warmth of a shared memory, and the gentle rhythm of a grateful heart. Let’s welcome it together.

Welcome, December. Let’s make it magical.

Five Quick Pension Check-In Tips

Over the last three posts I have taken a quick look at pensions in Canada  JJust a reminder an a word of caution, I am not a financial planner or an expert in finance, these are my thoughts based on some research and life experience. Take my views with a grain of salt, and do your own research, and talk to your own financial advisor  before you make any changes or moves. So in summary, here is a quick check list for you..

1. Read your annual statement.

Look for your plan’s funding level (for defined-benefit plans) or your account balance trend (for defined-contribution plans). A steady or improving number is a good sign.

2. Visit official sources.
Check your plan’s website or annual report, not social media. Large plans like OMERS, HOOPP, or Teachers’ publish clear updates on performance and stability.

3. Track your CPP online.
Sign in to My Service Canada Account to view your Canada Pension Plan contributions and future benefit estimates. It’s quick, secure, and updated regularly.

4. Ask questions.
If something on your statement is unclear, contact your plan administrator. You’re entitled to straightforward answers about your pension.

5. Take the long view.
Pensions are built for decades, not days. Market dips happen, but well-managed plans are designed to recover and grow over time.

Stay informed, stay confident,  your pension is working for you!