My mother and cousin is coming to Toronto. We went to Niagara Falls yesterday. I really unexpected that I was going to be guide for my family in foreign country. They seemed to be happy so it was fine to get in Canada.
Rainbow from Niagara
Last day of the year is first time for me. But Christmas is important event in North America if it compares with New Year event. So they call "Ending and New Year vacation" to "Christmas vacation". Before the vacation, our bosses was visiting to our clients with Christmas cards and gifts. That manners are same even though the time is difference. And to say "Merry Christmas" at the last day of office in the year is Canadian culture.
Moreover after Christmas, 26th was the boxing day when you could buy in discount price at anywhere. There are many good deals like 50% off and their shopping malls were opening early morning. Instead of that, they closed early time at Christmas. If I compare with Japan, it seems like getting new year early for a week(New Year is big event in Japan). You feel Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve. At the time, didn't know about this situation so when I joined Christmas Party with my friends, I made mistake that I couldn't get my drinks though I had to bring it because all shops were closed ;(
Christmas Tree at Eaton Centre on Boxing day
That Christmas was passing over, tomorrow is on the last of the year. Toronto also has countdown events at several places. I also is planning to join the events with my family. I am wondering when I spent new year with family before... In more ten years, I think I haven't seen the time. It makes me strange to have the thing in Canada which I haven't since 10years ago. But it would be great memory.
I could have many great experience on 2011 as I wrote on last article. My company applied for my LMO, which you need if you want to get Work Permit, before Christmas vacation and the things, which I was going to plan before getting in here, were almost done with many help by other people. On the article of same day of last year, I wrote that "Year of Rabbit" means "Jump" and that is fine for starting new things(That is traditional fortune‐telling "Eto" in Asia). As "Eto", I am glad to get 2012 in still jumping lol The result of LMO will be out on next January if it's early or next February if it's late. The "landing point" of LMO would make my destiny for 2012. The first, I just want to land in safety!
I wish you have a Happy New Year!