The holidays can be a hard time of year. There are dark, gloomy skies that can prompt a bout of blues (or Seasonal Affective Disorder). There’s an overwhelm that sometimes takes place, with festivities to plan and more to do than there is time to do it in. And then there is the abundance of the season – which brings so much joy to those who have it – and makes those who are without even more aware of the things their lives lack.
We were conscious when planning our December issue to reflect all sides of the season. From the joy and celebration of decorations and entertaining, to the organizations supporting those who are alone or without at Christmastime: I’ve enjoyed learning about it all.
Visiting the Sidney Lion’s Food Bank made me very aware of how lucky I am, and perhaps even more, that I must be grateful for it. I always miss home and my family as we head towards Christmas, but I’m focusing on the community I’m part of here and the friends who feel like extended family. Reach out and share with others this season; it doesn’t have to be much, your time, your attention, a gift or some food. You’ll get the gift of feeling good as you give back.
It’s dark and wet and cold: I’m dreaming of summer again and travel plans. How nice then to have a travel column back in the magazine, to inspire ideas of heading off on adventures (preferably in the sun!) In this first Globehopping column (pg. 51) we hear about Ted Daly’s epic walk of the Camino de Santiago. We’ll be bringing you other destinations in future months for a little armchair tourism, and maybe to inspire a trip of your own.
Oh, and in answer to Sue’s question in her First Word – watching The Muppets Christmas Carol is a holiday tradition for me! It’s wacky and irreverent; has some great songs, but the same classic Christmas tale of redemption that Dickens penned back in 1843. Michael Cain, as Scrooge (a genius bit of casting) pledges: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” And the Muppet ensemble cheers! What could be better? Merry Christmas to you all Seaside readers, “And, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”
