 2005-12
Winter is upon us once again, with the fresh snow and cold temperatures that we spend the rest of the year trying to forget, or bragging about. Those who migrate south are already gone, leaving the magic of the season to the rest of us.
It does seem a magical season in many ways. The magic is not as obvious as that in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" but just as dramatic in its own way. Neighbours spend hours putting up coloured lights to cheer their fellows and defy the darkness. It seems the lights go up earlier and earlier each year, and I think that's great. When it gets dark so early in the day, it is cheerful and warming to see the bright colours lighting up the long nights. If you get the chance to hop on one of the many bus tours that visit the areas displaying exceptional Christmas lights, go along and enjoy them. Some folks, with incredible imagination, patience, and energy really make a beautiful display for their community to enjoy their gift to us. After all, it is not the people inside the brightly lit house who get to see it - it's the rest of us.
Other gifts are not as obvious, but just as warming. Many, many, many pairs of hands appear out of nowhere to do the work of serving the special seasonal meals offered by groups like the Salvation Army. Others are busy preparing the Christmas lunches and dinners at each and every senior center, supporting the bake sales and fund raisers, driving folks to and from their winter appointments, supervising the kettles for the Salvation Army, and much more! They appear out of nowhere, get the work done, and vanish again until next year, just like Santa's elves. It seems that the spirit of Santa Claus is alive and well in our part of the world.
Snuggled down under our winter cloudbank, warmed by all the colourful lights, we're doing ok. It reminds me of the lovely children's classic by Doctor Seuss, "Horton Hears a Who'. I can imagine plane loads of people flying over our fluffy white ceiling and calling down into the clouds, 'Are you there?"
Like the 'Whos' in Horton's story we could all get together and call back to them 'We are here, we are here!" But, we don't have time! Too much to do.
Luncheons, special coffee breaks, visits with friends, card games, pool, dancing, or just quiet conversations, we are out with friends and neighbours…visiting, or being visited. Some of us will be singing in the special choir services, while other will be found in the audience, enjoying the voices of family and friends. Keeping busy is the key. With years of winter experience behind us, we know the importance of 'getting out' and doing something.
The energetic ones are out on the ski hills, down hill or cross country, snow shoes or sleigh rides, there is lots going on up on top. And, up on top is often above the clouds and in the sunshine. If the children and grandchildren are heading for the ski hill, go along for the ride. If you haven't been 'up top' for a few years, you'll be amazed at what you find. There are little towns up there now, complete with coffee bars, good restaurants, great shopping, pubs, ice skating rinks, places for toboggans…. Take your camera and go exploring. Then, when you are ready to sit down, find a good spot with a view of the slope where they teach beginners how to snowboard. I promise you that you will soon be weeping with laughter. There is no funnier sight than a beginner learning this 'simple' sport. The little ones only fall a few inches, so they just bounce back up again and try some more. Within a few hours they are ready to go. With adults, it takes a little longer. They fall a lot farther, and they don't bounce well at all. Trying to get back up while both feet are strapped to a long piece of wood can break the heart of the toughest among us. We can all empathize with their pain, sympathize with their bruises, but it is impossible not to laugh. Even as we admire their courage and determination we can enjoy our coffee and cake and be grateful it isn't us out there, doing face plants and pratfalls. I feel that as we spent years entertaining them with bedtime stories and holidays, now it's their turn to make us laugh - and they do! Trust me on this.
World Vision is offering another special piece of magic this year. With just a simple phone call you can make a chicken, a cow or a goat appear half a world away, changing the life of a family forever, If you are not comfortable with agriculture you can send money for a school uniform, mandatory in most third world countries. No uniform, no schooling. Rather than giving Aunt Emily yet another scented candle, or Uncle George one more tie, give them a card crediting them with a gift in their name to a family that will remember it for a lifetime.
However you plan to spend this holiday season, set aside an hour here and there for friends, especially if they are homebound. Your company is the best gift of all.
From all of the staff at the Seniors CHOICE, stay safe, enjoy the holiday, and may the New Year be good to us all! |
