SENIOR SCAPE: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

December 13, 2017 · 0 Comments

By Christina Doyle

In 1897, Francis P. Church had no intention of composing a classic essay to answer a little girl’s query. Little Virginia was only eight years old, just when skepticism starts to erode one’s faith. She was informed by her friends that there was no such thing as Santa Claus. She then proceeded to ask her father this heart wrenching question, and as many parents would have responded, dad said the next best thing.
His advice was why don’t you ask the all-knowing newspaper editor of that time. She was quick to write that her father had said, if you read it in the paper then it must be so.
So, here we are, nearly one hundred Christmases later about what’s real. The sense of joy and wonderment is found in children everywhere around the world that just maybe there is such a person, who is generous and rewards those who are good. All you need to do is just believe.
This is a season of miracles of every sort. And, that there is a Santa Claus and that you have been a very good girl or boy. Have you written to Santa, well my friend, get out the hot cocoa and with great anticipation, write to the old gent about your wish for this year to come.
What would our world be like without a belief in Santa, I say, boring and uneventful? We too need hope that everything will be alright in the morning, and that our feeling of loneliness will soon be a thing of the past.
We all need hope that this Christmas will be better, be different, be filled with laughter and love. We all need hope to keep on keeping on. In the end that is all we have in this world, hope.
So, what does it look like, it’s in the face of your neighbour who needs a listening ear as they deal with a loss. They don’t want your advice, your wise words, they just need you to be there and be quiet while they shed a tear or two.
It’s in the face of that adorable kitten or puppy that loves you no matter what your faults are. It’s in the innocence of children accepting what you say to them and placing it in their hearts. So, be gentle my friends, be of a few words, remember less is more! It is in giving of one’s self for another, knowing that full well you will not be reciprocated.
In this beautiful season and most Holy of all for Christians everywhere, may you be the forgiving soul, may you be the strong shoulder to lean on, may you hold back a negative opinion of another and realize that you too are not perfect! Let’s think of forgiveness, gratitude, love and peace for this aching world. There is enough sadness and negativity to go around, please do not be part of that world.
No, Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, no, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Merry Christmas to all those who are still young at heart and a wonderful Happy Chanukah to all our Jewish readers and friends. Ho, Ho, Ho!! See you in 2018!

HAPPENINGS AT THE SENIORS’ CENTRE

HOLIDAY DATES:
The Centre will be closed Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26 and Monday, January 1. It will be open with holiday activities on December 27, 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

EBENEZER SCROOGE:
The Silver Stars will be performing Ebenezer Scrooge on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. The show time both days is 2 pm and tickets cost $5. This is a fun holiday event.