SENIOR SCAPE

December 8, 2018 · 0 Comments

By Christina Doyle

What are the gifts of December: celebration, customs, love, family, friendship, all wrapped to give us the memories we so dearly cherish. Last year at this time I wrote about miracles; the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, the Royal son born in a stable. For some of us, these days are considered Holy. Miracles are of Spirit, not any one faith.
Miracles are for anyone who believes.
As we get older, each day is truly a gift and we notice how quickly our days go by. We reflect a lot more, walk a little slower, but still the heart yearns for yet one more day. Our days are not so rushed as they once were and that’s okay, dear readers. Despite the bitter snow and wind, at this time of year, may your hearts be filled with peace and I pray that you have been loved.
For some of us, this may mark the first Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, special holiday without your loved one. As you shed a tear and remember, know that it is but a veil that separates us from our loved ones who have passed on. We are here but a moment, but we will all be reunited with those whom we love one day.
We know that this holiday season is not at all about the gifts, it is the peace and acceptance that we have been loved and to love one another. Don’t become bitter from the trials you have endured, rather inspire another to keep going, to be the best they can be.
This holiday season give the best gift you can give, that doesn’t cost a cent. Give of yourself to another, in the strength of your shoulders to cry on, your ears that only can hear understanding, and your heart that is open to anyone who touches it.
I pray that you continue to share in the celebrations of your family traditions that you do year after year. You bring out the same dishes, sing the same old songs, you say the same prayers, the same outfit, yet your table may be set a little different this time around.
The missing loved one at the dinner table just reminds us ever so gently that we can carry on, we can still celebrate this holiday season.
Yes, it will never be the same, but then yesterday is gone and we must strive to live in the now. Be present in your mind and spirit, be content with what you have, don’t have regrets, don’t be hard on yourself, you are forgiven, and many of us still need you here.
Let your spirit burn brightly this season, despite what you may have endured, remember this day is a gift given to us all. So, celebrate it, share in laughter, it is really a wonderful life.
As Charles Dickens once said, “would that the spirit of Christmas could live within our hearts every day of the year.” So, beyond the chaos, the tinsel, the carols and the cards may your spirit be filled with peace that this season brings, and may God bless everyone.

HAPPENINGS
AT THE SENIORS CENTRE

CHRISTMAS DINNER is once again being held at the Legion on Industrial Parkway North, on Thursday, December 13. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at Reception.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS for 2019 are now being held in the front lobby. The cost is $25 for Aurora Residents and $35 for non-Aurora residents. New members are always welcome.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY tickets are on sale at Reception. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. If you want to reserve a table, a minimum of 6 people is required.
FANFARE FOR CHRISTMAS is the title of this year’s Christmas Concert by the Evergreen Choir, which will be held on Saturday, December 8 at 1:30 pm. Tickets are $5 each with children 14 and under free with a ticket.