“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads...”

We won’t all have warm and fuzzy Christmas’s like the old classic tale as we settle in this Christmas and over the holidays – that’s a given – but we can all do our best to enjoy what we do have, and look forward to a new year filled with promise and potential.

If you’re having trouble getting into the spirit don’t stress over shopping or planning an extravagant meal... instead here’s a few suggestions from around the office and online...

• Why not take trip to Bredenbury or around your own community and enjoy the lights. If you can, maybe view them from a horse drawn sleigh ride.

• Crank up the Christmas tunes.

• Make a snowman, a snow angel, a snow fort, or go tobogganing. Let the child in you play.

• Do something nice for someone, expecting nothing in return.

• Spend time with great friends and/or family. None around? Why not volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or anywhere your presence might be valued? Share your time with someone who has no one.

• Not a lot of time to spare? Give to a charity of your choice.

• Watch one of the “oldie” but “goodie” Christmas shows.

• When the sky falls into darkness, with the orange glow of snow, and big soft flakes are softly falling under the street lights, bundle up and go for a walk.

• Get together a group and go caroling.

• Bake, or cook and invite someone over to share.

• Share a smile.

• Go skating, swimming or attend a winter festival – take advantage of some of the free holiday activities that might be going on in your area.

• Go ice fishing, knit a scarf, paint... take a little time to do whatever hobby you might enjoy.

It’s really not about what you spend or how many gifts you have under the tree, it’s about togetherness and caring, the making of memories... So wherever you may be and whatever you may do, make the best of the season...

“...Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”