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The two most important events that herald the beginning of the Christmas seasons are — to me at least — the Santa Claus Parade and the Swedish Christmas Fair. They happen to be on the same weekend, and the parade is much closer, so it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I started attending the Fair. And now both are musts.

The Swedish Christmas Fair speaks to my Danish roots — there’s so much we share. They sell Swedish food, much of which is similar or the same as in Denmark. And there is the annual performance that combines folk dancing with Lucia and a bunch of cute Swedish children singing cute Swedish Christmas songs.

What is Lucia, you ask? Every year on 13 December, young women dress up in white long dresses, put candles in one girl’s hair (she’s the Lucia bride), and walk around in various places singing this beautiful song. It gives me shivers, every time I hear it.

Ken and I were all set to meet at Harbourfront. And then winter arrived.

On Friday, it was sunny and 18°C (64°F). On Sunday, there were high winds and snow squalls. I looked out that the weather and thought about staying at home, taking care of my apparently fragile health.

And then I said f*ck it. Winter’s here, there’s going to be a lot more of this, so let’s see how it goes.

It was very cold. Very, very cold. But the warmth of the Lucia and being surrounded by my almost-peeps more than made up for it.

As I was coming home, I met the mounted police that lead the Santa Claus Parade. So instead of going home, I decided to go check things out.

But before I get started on the wonders of the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, I have to say something. To all the adults who muscled their way to the front so they could take endless photos and videos to post on Facebook and in so doing block the view of children (and people in wheelchairs): you suck. Seriously, what’s wrong with you??

Okay, I’m done now.

It was cold. It was very, very, very cold. You can see how windy it was in this photo

But it was also a lot of fun.

Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday next year!

I loved the colours brightening up a grey and blustery day

My favourite band: The U of T Engineers

And then, just as I thought my toes were going to fall off with the cold, he was there. He’s got new reindeer, which are beautiful. But I worry about what happened to the old ones and hope they’re enjoying a happy retirement.

Christmas time is here…