Get ready for it – the holidays are swiftly approaching

Southern Albertans have said farewell to ghosts, goblins and Jack-O-Lanterns for another season and have saluted the Canadian fallen and those that have served through remembrance. Next up, kith and kin prepare for Dec. 25 – those that celebrate the season. Santa Claus is coming to town! The Grinch will be trying to steal the holidays. And families will begin to decorate their homes with tinsel, mistletoe and the like. Ho ho ho. A toast to fellow southern Albertans with an egg nog or other festive libation.

It is a time when parents and kids dig out fake trees, get up on roofs to put up the annual light display and dust off the old holiday records. Some may wait to purchase a real traditional tree from a local Scouts group or other organization. Old family recipe books are found and sweets and treats are made or soon will be. ‘Tis the season to soon be jolly, merry and bright and it’s about time. We need the holidays to remember to spread good cheer.

And then there’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day too. When southern Albertans make New Year resolutions many don’t keep or do for a bit of the New Year and then give up until the next year. 2020 is just around the corner. 2019 is coming to an end and will soon be a distant memory. Wow 2020. A year that looks like something out of a 1970s or 1980s science fiction book. But here we are – only months away.

Soon, carols will be heard on the radio, in stores and everywhere – like it or not. Winter wonderlands will be accepted, now that the holiday season is approaching. Toques, mittens, sleds, hot chocolate, skates and more will be a part of the wonder that is winter. Young and old will take part in the festivities. But, of course there are those called Scrooge. And some who have lost loved ones and will have to endure another season of supposed holly jolly, when the heart hurts.

Holidays are often gone in a blink of an eye. So, it is good to cherish the holidays and just lose yourself in the good times, if one can. Chestnuts will be a roasting on open fires, while Jack Frost will be nipping at your nose. Jingle bells will be ringing and Rudolph, a red-nosed reindeer, will be flying high above housetops Christmas Eve. Fa la la la la la.

So, as the holiday season approaches swiftly, remember to take it easy and let the holiday cheer in. For some magical reason, the holidays make people do incredible things for one another. It is great to see and be a part of it. The greatest gift is being one with the holidays and sharing and being with the ones loved. Another fantastic holiday experience is a peppermint mocha from the Bucks or other coffee shop. It feels like Christmas in your mouth.

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