HOLIDAY REFLECTION

Where the treetops glisten and children listen…  I am hoping that everyone will enjoy the Christmas or holiday season and it makes them happy whether it is white or not.  In Canada, Christmas Day is a statutory holiday and is celebrated each and every year on December 25th no matter what day of the week.  Although the holiday is traditionally associated with Christian beliefs it has also become a time when many Canadians get together with family and friends and celebrate together, students returning home from school abroad, reconnecting with extended family when possible  and meeting up with old comrades for a toast or cheer.  
The time leading up to Christmas is often filled with parties, and shopping, and giving, and this can be a time of excitement for most. Many have traditions that are passed on from generation to generation, or new traditions started.  For some it is a difficult time, hopefully made easier by the generosity of others who have the means to help. Take the time to enjoy the beauty of the season and if you have children this is often reflected in how they see the world and the simple things they enjoy like baking cookies and playing card or board games and of course the presents are meant to be fun!
As I started to do my research for this post I realized it is one that could take months so I decided to keep it simple as its meaning is one of great debates.  Christmas has both religious and sacred historical significance but has also become a day of cultural meaning, and unfortunately sometimes highly commercialized.  For hundreds of years, Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
Post offices, banks, businesses, and schools remain closed as this holiday is recognized in all jurisdictions across Canada.  While not all employees will celebrate Christmas as they may be of a different faith or culture and celebrate other high holidays, it is nice for employees to be able to unwind on this mandatory day off.  Employers also need to be mindful of accommodation requirements and whether there is a way to provide alternate holidays to those who would prefer to take a day off at another time of year.  Some businesses actually close down for a week or two during this time of year if they can.  These holidays are meant to help everyone recharge so hopefully rest comes along with it.
I love to watch the movie White Christmas with beautiful music, good wishes and a reminder of the beauty that this magical time of year can bring.  And really it isn’t the white snow that really matters, it’s the time spent with family and friends and the happiness shared by giving to others or simply being near or thinking about those you love.  When we think about the colour white it is associated with light, goodness, innocence and purity – all in all a positive connotation.  So I’m dreaming of a White Christmas and hope everyone gets to experience it the way they want to.  And take that feeling and continue to embrace it every day in the days and years ahead.