This winter has been much warmer than usual. So far, the lowest temperature hasn’t gone below -15°C, and we’ve only had about a week of days between -10°C and -13°C. Throughout December and January, the daily high temperatures have often been around -1°C to 1-2°C above zero. Indoors, we have heating, and the outdoor air is fresh with low humidity, which is very friendly for someone like me who fears the cold. Winter doesn’t feel as long or difficult to endure anymore, so I feel deeply grateful to the Greatest Creator, gods, and buddhas for their protection and care.
We originally had four groups of guests booked for Christmas, all long stays of 5-7 days, reserved two months in advance. Christmas is the most important holiday here, and I had planned to create a festive atmosphere for them. In November, I purchased some ornaments, hanging decorations, glass stickers, and other festive items online, intending to decorate the space beautifully and bring holiday cheer to our guests. However, Canada Post went on strike, which lasted a month, delaying all online orders sent through the post office. Coincidentally, two of the guest groups later canceled their bookings due to changes in plans. So, we used holiday signs and wrapping paper from the dollar store and some chocolates to express a bit of our festive goodwill to the remaining guests.
For New Year’s, we enjoyed some delicious food and set off fireworks, which made us very happy. It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Canada for two years now. One major difference compared to China is that spring and summer are the most active seasons for all kinds of activities, whether work, construction, travel, or visiting friends. When spring arrives, everyone heads out, releasing the energy they’ve stored up during the long winter. Winter, on the other hand, feels like hibernation. Everything becomes very quiet, with no major events. From small animals to humans, it’s all quite similar. Of course, there are people who love outdoor sports and go skiing, ice fishing, or snowmobiling, though we’ve only heard about these activities and haven’t seen them ourselves. The leisure activities here are very different from those in China.
If not for occasional guest visits or trips to town for shopping, one could go one or two months without seeing a single outsider. Outdoor activities in winter are almost nonexistent, so being here requires the ability to endure solitude, especially in winter.
I feel that the climate also affects the energy level of the nation, including people’s thinking, mindset, motivation, and creativity. It’s said that 90% of Canada’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the US-Canada border, leaving the vast northern areas sparsely populated. In those regions, you see more nature than people. With fewer people, there’s naturally less hustle and bustle, and the scale of creativity is smaller. Perhaps this explains why the United States is more dynamic, while Canada feels relatively peaceful and calm.
Here are some photos of our life and the interior of the headquarters. Some of our dear family members may not have seen the whole picture before. Since the outdoor scenery is mostly snow and ice, I’ll share some indoor photos to provide a bit of inspiration. Waking up early to prepare breakfast has a special perk—often witnessing beautiful sunrises and morning glows. Early risers are truly rewarded by the Greatest Creator! When the golden sunlight after sunrise spills onto the large wooden walls of the dining room, it’s simply breathtaking. The light and shadow seem to dance, perfectly complementing the wooden house.
The pink Christmas cactus is blooming—light, delicate, and ethereal. The magenta Christmas cactus, on the other hand, is both charming and vibrant, with a touch of wildness. Every flower and plant has its unique beauty, just as every Celestial in Lifechanyuan has their distinct characteristics. Thinking of this, I can imagine how the Celestial Beings on the Celestial Islands Continent of the Elysium World will each shine in their own unique way!
2025-01-25
