I had a fun Christmas experience last night. It was so fun that I almost forgot I was in Canada. Paul’s family and I went to this place called Butchart Gardens where, during the summer, acres of beautiful flowers grow. During winter, they completely light it up–turning it into an amazing winter wonderland.
When we first entered, there was an ice skating rink. I felt like I was in Charlie Brown’s Christmas. So precious that people like to do that for fun. Ice skating is the most effective way to torture me. I’m always interested in watching (with narrowed eyes) how graceful people can be on two blades.
Butchart Gardens was better than I thought it would be, to be completely honest. I thought it was just going to be a bunch of trees wrapped in lights that you walk around for hours. Instead, there was a 12 Days of Christmas theme. So as you walked, you would spot a partridge in a pear tree, 2 turtle doves, and so on. It definitely gave me a sense of purpose. Kind of like I was collecting each line of the song. Anything that involves collecting makes me feel like life is worth living. Beanie Babies and Pokemon ruled my world at one point in my life.
I would have to say that my favorite “Day of Christmas” that they depicted was 5 golden rings. Unlike the others, the rings were lit up and floating in a pond. I liked that. 
Paul and I rode on a carosel that was in the middle of the park. I think his parents were wondering why their 30 year old son was riding on a merry-go-round. It was really fun for me because I got to ride on the giraffe after pushing some kids out of the way. Only the strongest survive. Sorry I’m not sorry.
When we were leaving the gardens, I realized that we missed 12 drummers drumming. But I stopped caring after about 10 seconds. There were so many dogs there that I had trouble concentrating on anything else. I often make a bee-line for every dog that I spot. I like to think that in another life, I was a dog. I would’ve been the best companion anyone could’ve had.
More importantly, on the way out we got hot apple cider and signed the guest book below some German folks. Paul wrote “Lovin’ it up!” in the space where you’re supposed to write how much Butchard Gardens changed your life. “Lovin’ it up!” sufficed.
As we were driving out of the parking lot, we drove under 12 drummers drumming–how clever! I kind of guessed that we would though. Because I’m so smart.
The only thing that’s slightly off-putting about the whole experience is that everyone is singing 12 Days of Christmas. This one woman in particular was awful. I wanted so badly to give her the stink eye, but it was too dark to be effective.
Lily In Canada 