by Deborah Rogers –
At what point do you start to get your jingle on? I have friends who set up their tree in mid-November every year; but I also have friends who don’t decorate theirs until December 24th. It’s typical to hear: “it starts earlier every year,” but for the Seaside team, the festive season does start early! We were thinking about decorations and celebrations several months ago. Our December issue is always a special one to put together, with the whole team involved finding the stories and photographs that will put you in the holiday mood and help you brighten up your home.
As a balance to the glitter and excess we always try to find some stories that connect with the more fundamental message of Christmas and the holidays. Getting the opportunity to go “Behind the Scenes” at children’s charity CFAX Santas Anonymous (pg 28) made an impact on me. I hadn’t understood the extent of the need that exists in our community before I spoke with their Executive Director. Christine explained how in 2020 they provided gifts to 2,267 children; when I interviewed her at the end of October this year, they had reached their capacity (something that has never happened before) with 2,750 children on the list. With their phenomenal team of volunteers in place, and the support of greater Victoria’s generous community, those children will each get three personalized gifts come December 25, and their families will have food to cover the school break too.
Reverend Partridge, who I interviewed for this month’s “Peninsula Voices,” (pg 46) mentioned that there are 14 different days in December where various religions mark a special celebration. Adding light to the dark days of winter is a tradition that can be traced back to pagan times. It seems to me that it doesn’t matter how you choose to do that. If you want to decorate from top to bottom weeks before Christmas – go for it! If you prefer to choose moderate gifts, or no gifts, but to use the holiday for quiet reflection or reaching out to others – that’s wonderful too.
All the best this holiday season, from all of us to all of you.
Our apologies – the phone number given for Bill Morgan was incorrect in our October issue West Coast Gardener column. The correct # is 250-652-7720.
