We began the big countdown at Camp Mirage. With our spirits buoyed, our discussions revolved around the dates people were going home, what would be the first thing they would do or what meal they would enjoy. I was looking forward to going to the stores and picking up my children’s favourite toys. We would be spending Christmas in Bathurst. Randy, Zachary and my dad would go out shopping for a tree and then we would all decorate it together.
I strained my neck to look out the window of the plane at the wintery landscape as I landed in Fredericton. Inside the terminal, Zachary ran to me and gave me a big hug. Then I looked for Olivia, who was in Randy’s arms. I held my breath, worried that she would be upset. For a split second I thought I saw her lower lip quiver, but then her face broke into a great big grin and she held her arms out to me and said, "Mommy!" I took her into my arms and she nuzzled her face into my neck. I was home.
"A magical Christmas in Bathurst"
We had a magical Christmas in Bathurst. My parents celebrated with us and we all delighted in watching Zachery and Olivia play with their new toys. We also enjoyed long days relaxing over a big breakfast, before heading out to a pond for some skating. One crisp day, we went on a spectacular sleigh ride, complete with sleigh bells. Bundled in old fur coats, we wound our way slowly toward a tiny log cabin, where we warmed up next to a woodstove.
While I was grateful to be with my family that Christmas, I felt somewhat guilty knowing that so many soldiers were not with their families. I thought of the soldiers from Valcartier, with whom I had worked in Wainwright. They were spending Christmas in Afghanistan. I remembered the photos they had shown me of their children and spouses and thought of the void in their lives without their loved ones. I also thought of the soldiers who had died that year and the sadness and grief that must be colouring their families’ Christmas celebrations.
A photo taken on the day we went on that magical holiday sleigh ride is still prominently displayed on our fridge, and it reminds me of that Christmas. It will always have a special meaning to my family, because we know that had circumstances been different, I would have been missing from the picture.
Jennifer Russell currently works as a civilian physician at Canadian Forces Base, Gagetown. She no longer wears a uniform and there is no chance that she will be sent to Afghanistan.
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• Canadian Christmas traditions: Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without...
• The great Canadian Christmas quiz
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