When the Ottawa Citizen asked its readers to share their most cherished holiday memories, the response was a treasure trove of personal stories that capture the unique spirit of Christmas in the capital. From decades-old family rituals to unforgettable gifts and humorous mishaps, these tales paint a vivid picture of local celebrations.
Cherished Ottawa Traditions: Lights, Limos, and Lasting Memories
For many, the holiday season is synonymous with the glittering spectacle of Parliament Hill. Matthew Bisson of Ottawa shared that his favourite tradition began when he was just three years old. His parents started taking him downtown on Christmas Eve to tour the Christmas lights, a custom he continues to this day. Now, he often drives downtown after Midnight Mass to admire the display, with a special fondness for the lights in Confederation Park. He even provided a photo from Christmas Eve 1990, featuring a three-year-old version of himself on the Hill.
Another reader, Barb Kerr Grant, recounted a unique tradition that started about 25 years ago. She and her husband booked a stretch limousine for their parents to tour the city's holiday lights, including Parliament Hill. She recalls the cost was a modest $50.00, champagne included. This year, the tradition evolved as they drove their grandchildren downtown. The kids were captivated by the glow of Parliament Hill, the blue lights of Confederation Square, the illuminated National Arts Centre, and the magnificent Christmas Tree in the Market. The drive home along The Queen Elizabeth Driveway offered more festive sights, though Grant noted she was initially unimpressed by a humorous radio tune about Grandma getting run over by a reindeer.
When Holiday Plans Go Awry: A Tale of a Re-gifted Tie
Not all holiday memories go according to plan, and sometimes those are the stories that last a lifetime. Douglas Cornish of Ottawa shared a humorous anecdote about a Christmas when things went slightly wrong. As a child, an older brother convinced him to wrap one of their father's own ties as a gift, assuring him, "Pa will never notice." Cornish took the bait. His father, a dentist and an Army Colonel who owned dozens of ties, received the poorly wrapped package on Christmas Day.
"That's a nice tie," his father initially smiled, providing a wave of relief. However, he then took a closer look and exclaimed, "Hey, wait a minute. That looks like one of my ties. Ya – that is one of my ties!" After a seemingly eternal pause where Cornish turned red, his father burst into loud laughter, followed by his mother and all five children. Cornish's own laughter was more from relief. He now looks back on the memory with fond appreciation for the family's good-natured reaction.
The Gift That Kept on Giving: An Unexpected Triathlon Registration
Sometimes the best presents are the ones that challenge us. One reader recounted receiving what they consider the best present ever in December 2002. Upon returning from a holiday, they discovered a co-worker—an Ironman triathlete himself—had signed them up for the sprint distance at the May Somersault Early Bird Triathlon. This was a significant step up from the reader's two previous "Try-a-Tri" events. The co-worker had decided it was time for them to "try a little harder," and had generously purchased the registration as a gift.
These collected stories from Ottawa Citizen readers offer a heartfelt glimpse into the personal rituals, unexpected joys, and shared laughter that define the holiday season for many families in the region. They underscore how traditions evolve across generations while the core spirit of community and celebration remains a constant beacon, much like the Christmas lights on Parliament Hill itself.
