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Malcolm and Christine Brodie look forward to spending Christmas with family and friends.
Photo by Don Fennell
Christmas with the Brodies
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It's long been said that home is where the heart is, an ancient proverb that Malcolm and Christine Brodie embrace.
Amidst their busy lives, centered around serving others, the holiday season holds special meaning.
"The greatest gifts of all are the experiences we have together ever year—whenever and wherever we are at Christmas. These memories will last over many lifetimes, and have built our strong family relationships," they say.
Since 2009, when their first grandchild was born, the popular and highly-respected Richmond couple's fondest Christmas memories have been spending the holidays with their family that includes son Garrett, daughter Stephanie, and three grandchildren Kayla, Matthew and Brodie. But as the family resides both locally, in California (where Christine grew up) and Lloydminster, Sask., the location and timing of celebrating and being together has often varied.
When they are able to get together, they enjoy many holiday traditions that extend from Malcolm and Christine's own childhoods. They include new pajamas for the kids and now grandkids on Christmas Eve, reading Christmas books, and watching holiday movies together. A Christmas tree—sometimes more than one—is standard fare, with lots of food, cooking together and plenty of laughing and singing of carols as Malcolm plays the piano.
Christmas Eve also sees the family gather to make cinnamon buns from scratch, let them rise overnight, and then bake them on Christmas morning while the kids open their stockings. The family then enjoys the cinnamon buns with freshly-squeezed orange juice and coffee for breakfast.
"Celebrating with friends and family is the best gift we can give and receive," says Christine. "We are very thankful for all the memories past too, and miss those friends and family who have passed away."
Tireless contributors to their community, the Brodies have resided in Richmond since 1977. Christine has been a dedicated supporter of kids at risk as a educator in the Richmond School District, while Malcolm, a lawyer by profession, is the second-longest serving mayor of BC's fourth-largest city since winning a by-election in 2001. He was first elected to council in 1996.
The Brodies also enjoy taking in local plays, Christmas concerts and sharing many meals together, says Christine. Steadfast in their belief that giving to others and spending time volunteering is important, they enthusiastically support non-profits throughout the year who strive to make everyday life better for so many families.
"We also attend so many wonderful Richmond holiday parties and charity events for the support of others. This is the spirit of Christmas for us."
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