It’s five days to Christmas.
For most of us this week involves a mad scramble to get in last-minute shopping, or figuring out how to pack a mini van full of kids and presents to go visit grandma and grandpa.
And for those entertaining, well there’s still a turkey that needs to be selected, the unfinished Christmas baking and yes, the spare bedroom that will be occupied by uncle Conrad and aunt Jenny next week isn’t going to clean itself.
For most of us Christmas is filled with joy and love. It’s a time when family reconnects and most kids, whether naughty or nice, are spoiled rotten.
But for a segment of the population, the coming days aren’t much of a celebration.
If you’ve been reading the pages of the Westlock News for the last few months you’ll know that we’ve been covering initiatives like Santa’s Anonymous, adopt-a-family, numerous donations to the food bank, or the fire department’s ongoing food/cash drive.
It’s through these programs and initiatives that the less fortunate of our community get a chance to celebrate a modest Christmas dinner and unwrap gifts on the morning of Dec. 25.
We’re not breaking any news by stating it’s been a tough year for many of our friends and neighbours — especially if they work in the oil patch, although farmers certainly aren’t dancing a jig following a challenging harvest.
Without a doubt it’s easy to get caught up in the market-craze of the latest must-have toy, or gadget for a loved one, but the real spirit of the season is giving — especially to those who need it the most.
When folks no longer have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, or how they’ll afford to pay for heating their home after a week of -35C, they are able to focus more on their jobs, lives and family. It’s amazing how a few dollars, or a donated toy or food item, will help make someone else’s Christmas brighter.
For the majority of our readership, Christmas is the celebration of Jesus — a man who was famous for feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and supporting the poor. Follow his lead. We guarantee you’ll be a better person because of it.
