Ernest Myrand’s book is a curious little piece of historical writing. Published in 1890, it’s his attempt to reconstruct what Christmas might have been like for Jacques Cartier and his crew during their second voyage to Canada. They were wintering over at Stadacona (modern-day Quebec City) in 1535-36, a season marked by scurvy, bitter cold, and tense relations with the local Iroquois.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with characters you follow. Instead, Myrand sets the scene. He paints a picture of the small, vulnerable fort perched by the great river, surrounded by a vast, silent forest. He describes the men’s deteriorating health and their isolation. Then, he focuses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Using the brief mentions in Cartier’s own journals as a starting point, Myrand imagines the details: the saying of Mass in their makeshift chapel, the special meal they might have scraped together, the singing of old French carols that would have echoed strangely in the New World. The "story" is really about the emotional weight of that celebration—a tiny flame of familiar tradition in an overwhelming wilderness.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book for its atmosphere. Myrand isn’t just listing events; he’s trying to make you feel the chill and smell the pine boughs. He blends hard facts with thoughtful speculation, which makes history feel immediate. You get a real sense of the courage and sheer loneliness of those early explorers. The celebration he describes isn’t grand; it’s humble, probably sad, but deeply significant. It’s a moment where they clung to their identity. Reading it, you understand that this first Canadian Christmas wasn’t about presents or feasts, but about survival of the spirit.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but charming read. It’s perfect for history buffs who enjoy narrative non-fiction, or anyone in Canada curious about the origins of our holiday traditions. It’s also great for readers who like short, descriptive books that transport you to another time. Be warned: it’s an older style of writing (it was written in the 1890s, after all), so the language can feel a bit formal. But if you’re looking for a unique, contemplative piece of Canadiana to get you in a historical holiday mood, this little book is a hidden gem.