Hammertime
While we are enjoying this rather balmy December, most of us are also very busy getting ready for Christmas, with last minute shopping as well as setting up the guest list and making final preparations for that most glorious Dec. 25 feast. Of course, for those of us who have been blessed to become grandparents, our once full and bustling nest may have mellowed just a little, as our children, one by one, have spread their wings and gotten on with their exciting new lives, which we all hope will be full of successes and the same parental bliss and adventures that we have endured and enjoyed.
Over the festive season, all of us can only hope that we will all be able to get together for a few days, whether it is at the old homestead where it all started, at the homes of our offspring or assorted relatives, or on a few days of sneak away holidays. Unfortunately, some of our extended flock and friends may not be able to make it, but hopefully we have all been able to make arrangements to welcome them into our living room by phone, facebook, Skype or whatever else that will bring them closer to their families.
What really makes my wife and I feel just a little younger and full of joy is when those rambunctious grandchildren and their parents, no matter how old they are, can gather together on Christmas morning to open gifts, turn the house upside down while sharing the joy. It doesn’t matter if they get us up a little early, and the only rule is that they have to eat some of grammas’ ‘breakfast surprise’ before invading the tree. Isn’t it great to sit back in our favourite chair and watch our younger generation rip the paper and open up all their treasures, while in between the oooohs and aaaahs and screams, they always take a ‘time out’ to hand out gifts to the ‘old folks’ in the happy crowd. After the morning mayhem has calmed down, dare we suggest that the ‘little duffers’ go take a nap after they have wolfed down their grilled cheese and chips lunch, while the teens will rush off to their rooms to listen to music or phone a friend, and the adults will clean up the carnage, followed by a ‘hot toddy’ or a taste of fresh air.
Whatever the case, thank goodness that our ‘nests’ will never stay empty for too long, because wherever we may be for the jolly celebration, this season is always a great time to get together with friends and neighbours, as well as dropping in to visit those who may be in hospital, or are unable to get out over the holidays. We should also take a little time to spend a little quality time with our pets, making sure that they are warm and comfy, and have a few of their own treats to nibble on.
The staff Christmas party
I am sure that most of the annual staff Christmas parties are likely now only a faint but fun memory, but there will still be lots of great family functions and activities indoors and outdoors all the way to the big bash on New Year’s Eve. Even though most of us really stood out at the work bash, especially at glow bowling, karaoke, charades and next to the punch bowl, hopefully we impressed the boss, and that 2015 will be a great year around the office or the shop? Whatever outing we may choose to attend, if we plan to get a little to jolly, we should make sure to have a designated driver, arrange for a sleepover, or call our congenial local taxi for a safe ride home.
Help needed for Community dinner
The Ponoka and district Community Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25 at the Kinsmen Community Centre has now become a festive tradition and a warm and friendly afternoon for families and individuals of all ages who wish to join in where all are welcome. At the gala 2014 event, host Bob and Deb Hepp and 60 jolly volunteers played host to over 230 guests, who were treated to a delightful day of camaraderie, entertainment, games, gifts, and of course a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as well as lots of goodies to take home.
The annual festive event is made possible through the kind and generous donations of turkeys, food, treats, gifts, and funds by businesses, families, and individuals from throughout the community and districts. Many volunteers are also needed to join in and help make this community Christmas party a success for everyone who takes part. Bob Hepp stressed that a lot of support is still needed to make it all happen, with those wishing to volunteer asked to call Val at 403-783-8799 or Carla at 403-783-4078, while donations can be dropped off at the Servus Credit Union, the Ponoka Rising Sun Club House, or contact Mr. Hepp at 403-783-6165. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and care so that all of us can enjoy the celebration of Christmas together, and also have a great week of love, joy, and easy shopping, all of you.