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POLITICS AS USUAL: Dreaming of a White Christmas?

December 21, 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Alison Collins-Mrakas

Well, all the trappings of the holiday season are firmly affixed to every light standard, storefront and awning.
Christmas trees adorn every front parlour. A few of us have our Leg Lamps lit in our windows (“You’ll shoot yer eye out”, It’s a “Christmas Story” reference. If you haven’t watched this movie yet, you must. It’s a holiday tradition you’ll love).
Things look suitably festive, except there is one thing missing – one very important thing – SNOW!
It is positively balmy out there, and according to Environment Canada, we should expect temperatures in the double digits for Christmas Eve. Bah humbug!
Forgive me, but in my humble opinion, Christmas isn’t Christmas unless there’s at least a dusting of snow on the ground. Right now it’s green and warm, not even one sad little flake. And I hate it. (I am sure I will hear howls of protest but I say “pfffft!” to that!)
I take my Christmas scene very seriously. I want it to look like a postcard and get bitterly disappointed when it doesn’t. It’s not particularly rational, but it is what it is. I love snow and cold weather. Always have. Big fat flakes. Mounds of snow. Huge snowbanks. Love it!
No, I don’t drive, so of course I love snow and ice. I don’t have to navigate treacherous roadways (and frankly, me not driving is best for the safety of everyone). I walk everywhere and I love walking through our trail system when it’s all covered in snow. It looks beautiful. Right now it’s a muddy, brown mess. I say it again – bah humbug.
Of course, just two short years ago we suffered through the Christmas of the Ice Storm, so I should be grateful we don’t have that again. I don’t think anyone would like a repeat of days and days with no heat or power, but the temperature swing to Bahama-like weather is really no better.
We will have a warm, green, rainy Christmas and, truth be told, that will be just fine.
In all seriousness, we are indeed very lucky.
We have a tremendous amount to be thankful for.
We will share our holidays with friends, family and loved ones when some will be alone. We will have a few presents under the tree to open when some will have none. We will enjoy home-made cookies and a lovely turkey dinner, when some will have nothing to eat at all. We are very, very blessed.
I appreciate what I have – my family, my friends, my home, my job. I am truly very fortunate.
I try to give back through support of both local charities and the Scott Mission. It holds a special place in my heart and I support them every year. Making a donation, regardless of size, isn’t much, really, but it is something.
Part of my New Year’s resolution is to do substantially more.
With that being said, I will sign off for this year by saying I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.
Until next time, stay informed, stay involved because this is – after all – Our Town.

         

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