There's no time quite like Christmas for a little reminiscing. As heirloom decorations are put on display and family traditions are revived for another year, it's easy to think back through the family tree to a time long past.

The NOW did a little looking back this year, too - into the Burnaby city archives. A variety of snapshots from Christmas past in the city reveal unique moments that look not too different from Christmas present.

And this snippet, taken from the pages of the Daily Columbian on Dec. 28, 1895, takes us even further back: "A very enjoyable evening was spent on Christmas Eve, at the residence of John King, Cumberland Road, consisting of a very prettily decorated Christmas tree, (the good things on which were contributed by Mesdames Kin and Jackson), songs and recitations. The ladies contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the evening with their songs well sung. We have a walking song book in the shape of one of the young bachelors, who is quite an entertainment in himself. We also have a couple of good violinists, who did their best towards making merry by their good selections and accompaniments. The children were highly amused with Santa Claus, until some of them sank into the arms of Morpheus. The fun broke up at midnight, when the parents packed the sleeping beauties home, along with their bundles of toys, etc."

Songs, toys, decorations, trees, family and friends - the holidays of yesteryear were not so very different from those of 2012.

cmyers@burnabynow.com