This Christmas, I spoke by phone with my 90-year-old cousin Jackie about her timeless decorations. Among spun cotton mushrooms and sparkling icicles, I glimpsed a century of family memories. As she described sitting by the tree with the fire glowing, I was reminded that Christmas is not just about gifts—but about stories, laughter, and gratitude.

A decades-old census find led me to Maggie Grassie’s story—her journey from 1856 Edinburgh to Canada, and a surprise heirloom connection.

Gilbert Inkster left Shetland to sail in the merchant service, then jumped ship on Vancouver Island in 1888. Read more about his journey