ARCHIVED BLOGS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER IS A TIME FOR US TO CELEBRATE
The festive season for Christians and Jews this year begins the third week in December. The Santa Clause parade has already made it’s way down Dundas Street to the delight of parents and their children.
Christians begin to adorn their houses with Christmas lights and Jews light their Menorah candles that shine in the front windows of their homes. It is a time for the coming together to share the warmth of families.
The children are drawn from near and far off destinations. It is the time of the year that people do not want to be alone. The sage, Pliny the Elder, taught us that:”home is where the heart is”; it is the time of returning to one’s roots. You can take the man/women out of the country but with time there is a need to return home.
Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, lasts eight days (December 21-28th) with the lighting of candles/singing and of course enjoying good food and wine. The delicious aroma of potato latkes fried in vegetable oil served with sour cream/apple sauce fills the air in a Jewish home.
The Christian Yuletide table is filled with turkey and stuffing washed down with glasses of good cheer. Every one is invited to gather around the Christmas tree to sing their favourite carols.
It is sure hard for the children to go to sleep knowing that Santa in his magical sled pulled by his reindeer are on their way. He has read his mail and his bags of goodies have been filled by the elves with presents for the whole family.
Every mother knows that the secret formula to not gaining weight after eating the fattening food is oh so simple: you can eat/chew anything you want but be careful not to swallow.
It seems that family, good food and congeniality welcomes us back home to spend time with our families in December.
The Christmas festive season starts the third week in December. Tune to any radio station and you will hear the sounds of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
The malls are filled to capacity with shoppers buying gifts for their friends and family. There are the prevailing questions: will mom be pleased with her perfume? Dad with his socks and ties?
The four weeks before Christmas are the busiest time of the year for our merchants. I wager that a very large percentage of their business is done in the thirty days prior to the end of the year.
It is not the price that counts but rather the thought. Someone has taken the time to care and share.
Times are changing but for most Jewish families gift giving revolves around the children. Books, chocolates Chanukah gelt (money) are given to the youngsters for being good students. Adults do not expect to receive presents.
The festive season is the time to recognize our letter carriers who brave the elements to deliver the mail.
Please don’t forget those who drop of your London Free Press in the wee hours of the morning to enjoy with your coffee. There are school/bus drivers, crossing guards and a host of others to say thank you with a token of our appreciation.
Please share your good fortune with a contribution to the United Way, Children’s Hospitality or the charity of your choice. Giving a little for a just cause is returned in kind ten fold.
We are truly blessed to reside in London Ontario. The Forest City is a clean, multi culture/racial safe place to raise our families.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the sincere sentiments of: “Peace on Earth Goodwill to men” last the whole year long.
Pause for a moment to embrace your family and wish them a good year filled with health and happiness.
Take the time to thank your Creator and extend a selfless greeting to your fellow man.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
Len Lesser