For most of us, the month of December is a busy one filled with joy and happiness, meeting with friends and relatives over the holidays, reliving important milestones and happy thoughts.
Christmas is only two weeks away with 2023 not far behind.
However, for many, December is just another month filled with sadness, bittersweet memories and loneliness.
As always, this would be a good time to reflect on the positives and look forward to better days ahead. Many of us continue to struggle from paycheque to paycheque with making ends meet. Many have health issues, have recently lost a loved one, or continue to struggle mightily with anxiety and depression. Smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse continue to leave their negative mark on society.
This December let’s all pitch in and make this the best Christmas ever.
Pop over and visit your neighbour for a few minutes. Bring them some ice cream or sit down and have a coffee with them. For several years, I have delivered an amaryllis plant to select friends and neighbours. They are easy to grow and bloom well into the frigid month of January.
Let them tell you their stories. Be patient, listen to them and show a genuine interest or concern. You will be surprised at what you can learn about your neighbour.
Visit your local nursing home. You will be surprised to see how many happy faces await you. Residents there are sometimes bored and would appreciate some different company. Medical restrictions have lifted and everyone in good health is welcome to visit.
Without being asked, go out and shovel a neighbour’s driveway, or take them grocery shopping, or drive them to a needed appointment. Some people age gracefully, some not so much. Lend a helping hand whenever you can. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated.
Refrain from judging people or commenting on situations when you don’t have all the facts. Don’t lodge an opinion on social media without knowing what you are talking about. Don’t become a Negative Nelly. If you have an issue, don’t text or email your problem to them. Show some spunk and address the problem head on, either by phone call or better yet, in person.
Visit your local rink and for only a few dollars watch some great minor or senior hockey. You will run into many parents, grandparents and people you haven’t seen for quite some time. They are proud of their family and will tell you about their accomplishments.
Be sure to attend every local event that you can. The recent performances by the Moose Mountain Players and Cornerstone Theatre Group were simply amazing. There are a lot of talented people down here in southeast Saskatchewan. Embrace them, enjoy them and laugh with them.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Nobody’s happy about the cost of eating out, a litre of gas, a bag of potato chips or a head of lettuce. There’s not much you can do about it. Quit complaining. You alone cannot solve the world’s problems.
Instead of emailing or texting, phone a friend, or better yet, phone a long-lost friend. There are so many friendships that simply disappear over time due to lack of contact. Make a concerted effort and rekindle the flame. Find out what’s going on in their own little world, they will be more than happy to hear from you.
To all our readers, Merry Christmas. Please enjoy a special holiday season. I know I will.
