Cape Breton never ceases to amaze me - it's culture, people and places. Moving here a number of years ago I've gained a greater appreciation. I think that most Cape Bretoners feel that those "from away" see the place as backwards and stale, but those that visit are amazed by its authenticity and anyone who has spent some time here grows to appreciate what it has to offer.

I'm back visiting family and friends in Brockville, Ontario for the holiday season. To me this is the norm from which I compare other places, including the bizarre, the beautiful and disturbing. I started a list of all things I find unique and special about Cape Breton since I moved here, some of which has been written about by others lately. I've also incorporated a bit into other articles, such as the one I wrote about why Cape Breton is a great place to move to (https://capebreton.lokol.me/why-move-to-cape-breton). I thought I would tease out the Christmas stuff, as it is the season, and I've been pumped up on refined sugar and craft beer (including our very own Big Spruce Cold Remedy and a personal favourite Prohibition Pig Vanilla Bean Porter!) and I'm missing the place a little.

1. Santa's mood swings

When Santa visits Cape Breton before Christmas it can be very special. When I was in the Mayflower Mall this year it was so great how enthusiastic, kind and caring he was to the kids. He seems to treat Cape Breton children extra special, and rightly so, as they have all been especially good this year. But I remember him being at the North Sydney mall I think last year or the year before and he was really silent and evasive. Santa just wouldn't say a word. Does Santa have mood swings? We seem to put him on a pedestal but after all he is just human like us. It's possible that he was suffering from laryngitis, depression or anxiety. After all, I wouldn't be able to handle the stress of being everywhere before Christmas, managing all those elves and delivering all these presents. Thank God for Elf on the Shelf and the rich company that made them, their outfits and the likes can carry the load with their 3 year "tradition" to take the heat off of Santa. Despite the best intentions and efforts of capitalist opportunists he may still need regular therapy sessions and antidepressants like the rest of us.

2. Cape Breton Christmas candles

Ah, the candles. I don't know how or when it started, but it certainly is a craze in Cape Breton. Since I've been back to Ontario I haven't seen a single house with similar candles. These are the ones that are in all the windows of a house that set it aglow as if it had some sort of magical aura. I often wonder what the different colours say about one's personality? I had heard once that the white ones were actually more expensive than the other colours. I thought this as bizarre, but I've heard of stranger stories in Cape Breton. I tend to think there is more at play here. Perhaps something dark and sinister...

White candles- AKA the holy sanctuary

The purity of Christmas is unmatched. Everything in the house is just right. Instead of having visions of sugarplums I have visions of bleach, angels and whipped cream. A house inundated with white candles glows in the night to the envy of all of those on the block. A bit high and mighty for me but I can see how it can captivate some people.

Orange candles - AKA early Christmas blending celebration

The orange candles really bring back Halloween for me. It ties in with the likes of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frozen Halloween displays you get at Walmart, and leftover Halloween candy. Instead of artificial snow I think artificial cobwebs. It makes it really difficult for me to get into the holiday spirit, although for those that like to chase Christmas early this might be right up your alley.

Red candles - AKA Immortal Blood

When masses of red candles are presented in someone house it makes me feel like something ritualistic is underway. It evokes images of a vampire Christmas, whatever that may look like. A quick YouTube search of Vampire Christmas thankfully returned few results, somewhat restoring my faith in humanity. I was listening to an interview the other day on Christmas decorations and someone said they called 911 when they first saw these red candles in someone's house as they thought the place was burning. To me this just looks dark and sinister.

When these candles are used in moderation they look nice, mixed with different colours and arrangements. It just bothers me when there are so many and they are so overwhelming. Just my opinion and I'm just one man; one opinionated man that now realizes is putting a damper on your Christmas spirit. Moving on...

3. Fireworks

Fireworks are another thing that I'm not used to at Christmas. There must be more fireworks sold in Cape Breton than anywhere else in Canada, as they go off on Halloween, birthdays, etc. as well as during the normal Canada Day tradition. I remember celebrating my first Christmas in Cape Breton and thinking we were under attack. Fireworks are cool though, being all loud and colourful, and they make people happy. Perhaps the rest of Canada are the ones that need to get with the program. How about this for a marketing campaign - Cape Breton, the fireworks capital of the world!  

4. Vanilla Egg Nog

Scotsburn Vanilla Eggnog is to die for. I remember trying it for the first time a few years ago and I'll never have another eggnog again. I don't know why all eggnog doesn't have a vanilla focus. It's completely absent here in Ontario. I really enjoy it and I think everyone that doesn't try it or doesn't have access to it is utterly deprived. Hmmm this is the second product placement in my blog. Perhaps I should start a sponsorship program.

3. Tip's Eve, Tipsy Eve and other renditions

Okay I get this one. Have a few drinks with friends and family, but there is nothing as formal as this where I come from. I had to look up what this was all about, and like several other Cape Breton things this originated in Newfoundland as Tibb's Eve sometime in the 1950s. Tibb's is a British term referring to promiscuous women. Anyhow, there are often celebrations both private and public during a drab time of year, so how could anyone question it - right? 

4. Giving and taking

I want to leave this article on a serious note. I have never seen such a generous and caring community as the one that is in Cape Breton. People look after their own, especially at Christmas. Poverty is a very real thing, and something that needs increased attention. There are so many fundraisers going on now, with Chase the Ace being one of the big means to an end. I know a portion of the money is going to good causes, but I can't help but think that so many got caught up in the Inverness craziness that didn't have the money to spend, and this was never really talked about or considered in any meaningful way. How are these activities contributing to our poverty issues? I'm sure a lot of those families wish they had the money they spent back in their pockets this time of year with Christmas and heating costs. I think there needs to be more thought put towards these activities and how we are addressing the root causes of poverty in Cape Breton as opposed to contributing to them.

Although I am spending this holiday season in Ontario, Cape Breton is very much on my mind. It is a special place for so many reasons, and I'm proud to be part of the community. Every place has something special, but Cape Breton is home for me and I will never stop being amazed and passionate about sharing my experience living there. Have a great holiday season, forget about Donald Trump, be merry, thanks for reading and I will see you in the new year!

Chris Bellemore is a blogger from Ontario that moved to Cape Breton Island and is logging his experiences in this strange and wonderful place.

Me:
https://www.facebook.com/chris.bellemore