Each year, as the holidays approach, we trot out stories about Father Christmas and St. Nicolas, Yule logs and mistletoe. This year I wanted to look into some of the stranger traditions of the holiday season - many of which are still practiced today in small villages and hamlets.

For each of us there is a moment when we experience an overwhelming urge to return to familial roots and relive those memories of lessons learned, places and people we once loved and still do. A particular song, photo albums, a painting, food, a bundle of personal letters, objects, and journeys serve as conduits for these recollections.

Life After Ryan's Fancy

"I'm calling you from Charlottetown and the line isn't very strong," Fergus O'Byrne says in his broad Irish accent. I'm confused. He's supposed to be visiting schools in remote parts of Labrador. "Prince Edward Island?" I ask cautiously. "No, no. Charlottetown ... in Labrador. It's on the south east coast. I'll be back in St. John's next week and I'll give you a ring then."