In Newfoundland, when the village man greets his neighbour on the street with a “Merry Christmas!” the chances are he is standing in a snowdrift and his words ride out on puffs of vapour in the crisp air. If he looks about, he sees snow-laden trees set into a background of clean, white landscape with chimney smoke curling lazily into an azure sky; and if he listens, he hears the tinkle of sleigh bells and gleeful shouts of children sledding and ice-skating. If at night, he sees the countryside flooded with moonlight, big polished stars in the northern sky, and lamplight on the snow, reflected from a cozy room. In other words, when the village man says “Merry Christmas!” he is speaking right out of a greeting card! — Ron Pollett
When seasons change and Christmastime is upon us once again, hearts and minds turn to the people and memories that are as special to us as the holiday season itself. It is a time when old feuds are settled, old grudges lost, and all debts are paid in spirit. The child with the widest eyes and words of the wisest and most elderly gentleman tell all that Christmas lives on, and in no other place can this be seen with such delight and enthusiasm than in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Where Christmas is Christmas is a collection of cherished Christmas memories; it is an invitation to experience the distinctive, homespun, Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas. In reflecting upon the many stories and holiday customs contained in the selections in this book, you will enjoy the nostalgia of yesteryear and savour the many events which have been associated with the celebration of the Christmas season in this province.
So, turn the page and rekindle the memories and experiences of the older generation in Christmas past. These heartwarming stories will encourage readers young and old to retain all that is good and beautiful in traditions as we all continue to celebrate the unchangeable message of the Christmas season.

Frank Galgay is a prominent Newfoundland educator and author. He served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of education until his retirement in 1997. He served as a St. John’s city councillor for sixteen years until retirement in 2013. Mr. Galgay is the author and co-author of seventeen books pertaining to Newfoundland history, education, and folklore. He is married to the former Rosemary McDonald and they have four children, Colleen, Sean, Brendan, Matthew; and six grandchildren, Erin, Megan, Aidan, Madeline, Daniel, and Josie. Frank Galgay resides in St. John’s and continues to be active in his retirement.

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Michael J. McCarthy was born in St. Jacques, Fortune Bay, moving to Terrenceville at the age of five, where he attended school until grade eleven. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Ottawa, graduating with an MA. in Literature. He taught in a number of communities until his retirement in 1986. Michael McCarthy is the author of three novels and a history book. He is the co-author of several more books and has written for several magazines, as well as for radio and television. He was married to the former Ann Hamlyn, and they had two children: Michael and Karen Michael J. McCarthy passed away on October 28, 2005.

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