Our First Christmas in Canada
Till a few years back, I did not know much about Christmas, and its background. I have seen it being celebrated back home, but I had very little idea of its significance. I was born in Northern Sri Lanka and was forced to leave my birth land by the violent civil war.
After experiencing several discriminatory and inhumane injustices we landed on this beautiful country – a land for immigrants. My curiosity got the better of me and was intrigued by Christmas in Canada, and I wanted to see Santa and hear his signature laugh “Ho- Ho- Ho,” but going through the hardship of legalities before we settle down and were accepted by the system. I could not enjoy much Christmas during my earlier days. My real Christmas started last year when my daughter was born, I was holding her in my arms against my chest with happy tears on my face. I was looking at her the same way as a child would look at a present from Santa.
My daughter just started to walk and it is Christmas time. I grabbed her in my arms and went to a store and bought her a Santa hat. She was as happy as I was looking at her hat with a white furry tail bending down to one side. I was reaching to her hat to remove it, but my daughter brushed my hand. After window shopping at the mall, my daughter saw Santa and she went close to him to shake his hand. She asked me to take her picture and I did.
After I became a client of Settlement assistance and family support services, I became knowledgeable and was able to meet my settlement requirements. Now, knowing that I have firm ground to plant my roots and make a life for my family and myself, I am able to explore the possibilities and wonders of this land with my loving daughter and provide her with all that she desires. Additionally, what we received through SAFSS “Santa Fund” program was a timely gift to my child as she felt that the gifts were from Santa.