Let us share some random thoughts as 2024 takes over our lives.
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The fun factor of Christmas is definitely measured by the giggles of the children.
Our Christmas of 2023 had a child factor to increase the fun and merriment, watching her open parcels and exclaim at what was inside and her being anxious to show her new toys to the assembled grandparents and great grandparents, and of course, her very favourite great great aunt and uncle.
One gift in particular wasn’t as much fun for the three-year-old as it was for the adults in the crowd who determined that they could set up the dough and gooey, slimy stuff so she could proceed to play with her gift.
At one point, the two adult men reading from the instructions sent us into peals of laughter when the tips, meant for the child, indicated she should “ask an adult for help.”
The photos I have tell the story of the age of the children in the crowd: the three-year-old sitting there quietly on the chair while at least three adults in her family swooped in to “help” her understand how to have fun with her new gift.
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Thank you for Wanda and Louanne who once again shared their homemade Christmas pudding and sauce with their “adopted auntie and uncle.” Thank you very much ladies. Your pudding expertise is evident and appreciated.
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Thank you to friends and family members who called and sent text messages to share Christmas and New Year’s greetings with us. And just as I predicted, the greeting cards we received fill the two rows of string across the cupboard and in fact, some are doubled up on one string. Once again a card from St. Agnes School children sits in a prominent spot.
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I should stay off Facebook sites where often comments have no relationship to facts. However, I am still snoopy enough to want to know what others think about the state of our community.
During the Christmas season it was uplifting to read about the goodwill and helpfulness apparent when appeals were made for assistance for food, clothing and other essentials. This proves residents of the community care about their neighbours and strangers who might require a hand-up, rather than a hand-out.
But before long, comments on this particular site changed to condemnation of how the city is being run and how without saying so, many thought they could do a better job.
So, that means, later this year, when it is time for civic elections, there should be dozens and dozens of community-spirited citizens putting their names forward for city council, school board and of course, the mayor’s chair. And with such spirit evident, the attendance at voting polls will rise to levels of interest not seen in several past elections.
That, my friends, is my pipe dream for 2024. But oh how I wish to be proven correct in my wishful thinking.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
