Seven family members of young Alan Kurdi, the boy whose body washed ashore on a beach in Turkey in September, could be landing in Canada by Christmas, according to a relative in B.C.

Coquitlam resident Tima Kurdi said her brother Mohammed, his wife and the couple’s five children have all progressed quickly through the refugee selection process, and she’s awaiting a phone call to find out when they’ll be arriving.

All of them will be joining Kurdi in her home, meaning there will be 10 people all sleeping under one roof. Asked how she feels about the prospect of such a full house, Kurdi said it brings her nothing but joy.

“I’m so happy that finally I can give them the life that they deserve,” Kurdi said.

For the last three years, the couple’s children have been unable to attend school, Kurdi said, and have instead had to work to help their family get by.

“The kids, they have to go to school,” she said. “They have to be living their life as kids.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has approved their application, but Kurdi said there are still safety checks to complete.

She couldn’t say whether Mohammed’s application was specifically fast-tracked, but said Canada seems to be “going very fast with everybody in general” to meet its pledge to settle 25,000 refugees by February.

She’s also hopeful her brother and his family will be among the 10,000 people the federal government expects to welcome by year’s end.

For the time being, however, Alan’s father Abdullah has chosen to stay overseas.

Abdullah Kurdi tragically lost both his sons and his wife when the boat they were using to cross from Turkey to Greece capsized. A heartbreaking image of Alan’s body sent shockwaves across the world, and drove home the realities of the refugee crises to many in Canada.

Tima Kurdi said since the tragedy, her brother has told her he no longer wants to join her in B.C. because his life “doesn’t mean anything” without his wife and kids.

“I have to respect that and give him the time. When he’s ready I will apply for him,” she said. “I’m not going to leave him alone.”

She also said that as terrible as their family’s loss has been, it has inspired a lot of good.

“It's saved thousands of refugees in general, so it's beautiful to see that," Kurdi said.