Resident has memories of Christmas in several countries
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
A young boy of seven, Ivan Hamilton can recall being terribly excited about the gift he was about to give.

He and is brother and sister saved enough money to buy their parents a floor-model radio.

“We lived on a farm in Almonte,” says Ivan.

“I can clearly remember when I was seven years old. It was a very exciting day. Oh, were they surprised.”

Over the years, Ivan, now an Almonte Country Haven resident, has had his share of Christmas memories. He has spent Christmas in six countries.

After leaving the family home, marrying and settling in Carleton Place, Ivan was off to war one year later. He was a staff sergeant with the military police. He spent one Christmas during the war in London, England at a dinner for about 30 people. Being tough times, there wasn’t enough goose to go around for those gathered, he recalls.

The following year he was in Glasgow, Scotland in charge of 30 men and celebrated Christmas in a house given to the army during the war. He returned home between Christmas and New Year’s in 1945.

Ivan co-owned a farm machinery company and in 1956 started a new career in real estate. He would enter into a second marriage with a woman from Denmark and they started their own company. Upon retirement, Ivan traveled, spending Christmases in Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

He moved into the Almonte long-term care home about 18 months ago. This year he’ll spend Christmas at his niece’s home in St. Thomas.

Darlene Thibault, life enrichment co-ordinator, says there are many activities planned for the Christmas season.

“We have lots of children in with music,” says Darlene.

Residents also took part in a seasonal party and afternoon family Christmas tea. Santa Claus will visit and hand out presents on the morning of Dec. 25.