I started to think of holidays and how we think of them.  It’s funny how your age makes you think.  As a kid my favourite was Christmas, I mean who would hate Christmas and all the toys.  Ironically enough it’s still one of my favourites.  Needless to say it is not for anything other than people slowing down and friends and family appreciating each other and taking the time to show it.

New Year’s Eve would be a blast as a kid as I could eat as much junk as I wanted.  In College and in my twenties it was a great party.  Today it is just another day.

Remembrance Day, I always understood as a child or so, I thought.  As I get older and learned more I began to truly understand the sacrifices these men and women made and hope my kids start appreciating their efforts as well.  I don’t think my children quite get it, but one day I hope they grow and learn as I did how lucky we are to be in Canada.

You knew you were going back to school when Labour Day approached.  On Main Street, in Hamilton, it meant a parade.  It was cool because of the bands and the different novelties they threw out.  As I got older I started understanding the rationale for the day; in support of the Union our country was being built.  As of today, with labour unions working, I have reverted back to this holiday being as the weekend before my kids go back to school.

Canada Day has always been special in my heart.  From the beginning of summer or going to the beach with friends, it was always a blast.  In the last 10 years, it has meant something greater, an appreciation of my country.  Our Canada flags come out of our house with pride.

Victoria Day may be the holiday I totally did not grasp.  For us, it was May 2-4.  We could start camping.  I don’t camp anymore so it just has meant nothing in terms of memories or excitement.  I do not see this changing.

Today, we have a relatively new holiday, Family Day.  It only started in 2007 in Ontario.  This year is the first year I reflected upon the holiday.  My daughter is back from university and the whole family is together.  They are all watching the 40^th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.  We are not doing anything special, but we ate together and are enjoying a night together.  Maybe it is because I am getting older, but I can appreciate this holiday and hope it brings good memories.  Yes, it’s Family Day and it is a good holiday.

Robert Floris is an independent mortgage agent with Mortgage Architects.