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The Kennedy clan is looking forward to reuniting in Richmond this Christmas.

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‘Home for the Holidays’ resonates with locals

By Don Fennell

Published 10:34 PST, Thu December 23, 2021

Richmondites share holiday plans, while hoping for prosperous and healthy new year ahead

Recently updated by local crooner Michael Bublé, Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a timeless holiday classic that never wears out its welcome. And its message is still as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1943.

That’s certainly true for many Richmond families, who are rejoicing at the blessing of being able to gather once more to celebrate the holidays together.

“We are lucky that our older two kids are coming home from StFX (St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia) for the break,” says educator Chris Kennedy. “We are excited that we can go back to some of our family traditions this year. Since our kids were young we would go with friends to VanDusen Gardens and on the Stanley Park Train in the days before Christmas. And on New Year's Day we always do a family 5K run. It is the only few days of the year we don't have organized sports, so it is nice to have family time without our usual commitments.”

Jody Cranston, a renowned Richmond stone and weight thrower, is looking forward to another very busy holiday season with his family.

“My beautiful wife Grace is a Christmas fanatic and has had our home decorated for the holidays since early November,” he explains. “And my 14-year-old daughter Taila will get two weeks off from school but she might be busy over the Christmas break with her acting. Taila is also really into working out so we will hit the gym a few extra times in December.”

In contrast, local nurse Victoria Groff says COVID will unfortunately kibosh—for the second straight year—the family’s annual Christmas long weekend gathering in 97 Mile House.

“It’s a crazy weekend with 16 of us in one big house, and involves skating on the frozen lake, competitive charades, and special moments between family members,” she explains. “I’m hoping instead we are still able to have a small dinner with my extended family that live in town, and Zoom hang with family out of town. It won’t be the same, but I’m thankful I can see some of them.”

Recreation leader Jared Hulme and his wife plan to spend a few days in Prince George post-Christmas with his mom—enabling her to meet her grandson Jaxton for the first time.

The trip will be Jaxton’s first plane ride, and Jared also looks forward to catching up with some old high school basketball teammates now residing in Northern B.C.

“Jax will see what a real snowfall looks like, we’ll go sledding and snowshoeing, and enjoy other winter stuff like outdoor ice skating,” Jared says. “Being a new dad has been a whirlwind but very special at the same time because I grew up without a father. I get to do all the things I dreamt of wanting as a boy with my son. I race home every day. I can’t wait for Christmas morning to see Jax open gifts and run around all jacked up from his new toys.”

The Hulmes will also mark this Christmas with other traditions, including attending a service on Christmas Eve and enjoying a small, intimate family dinner on Christmas Day.

“Like everyone, we are trying to be safe and do our part but still make the best of things,” Jared says.

Richmond School Board chair Sandra Nixon and her family also hope to be able to resume some holiday traditions this year, including attending the pantomime at Metro Theatre and catching a glimpse of the Christmas tree at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Otherwise, she says the holiday will be low-key featuring a small dinner on Christmas Day with close family.

“I am very grateful to be able to do this, as last year I wasn’t able to see my mom or sisters over the holidays,” she says.

As for ringing in the new year, Nixon says, “With the kids still at home, we’re happy to have another opportunity to make fondue and play board games together as a family. And enjoy a New Year’s Day walk at Garry Point.”