A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to go to the town of Rosebud, Alberta to have lunch and see a play at the Rosebud Opera House. Rosebud is about half an hour from Drumheller. Just a heads up if you decide to take a road trip to Rosebud, fill up your gas tank! There isn’t a gas station in the town.
The musical that I saw was called “All is Calm the Christmas Truce of 1914.” It is based on the true story of Christmas Day 1914 at the beginning of WWI. The singing by the eight male actors was without a doubt amazing, there was no music—just a cappella voices. The words spoken were detailed accounts from soldiers that were there that day. What truly held my interest were the stories that were told, the laughter, the friendships that were formed, the sharing of food and drink, the games of soccer played by both sides, and probably the most important: they buried their dead together.
Forget your differences, forget your anger and bitterness! Think about your fellow man, woman, and child! Christmas is a time to remember with gratitude what we have been given and to bear in mind those not as fortunate as us. Think of the men in the trenches during WWI—can you even fathom what they had to endure and what they did on Christmas Day 1914? It was kind of like a miracle, in its own way.
Everyday, in some way, we are reminded of how much our family and friends mean to us, but not always do we remind them of how much we care. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it’s easy to forget to focus on what’s really important.
There are many people who are alone during the holiday season, and if you are able to do so, please invite them over! When you see that grumpy person give you a look, remember you haven’t walked in their shoes, so you don’t know what’s happening in their lives. Give them a smile and just say hi!
Of course, every year wouldn’t be the same if there wasn’t a “reminder” that safety should always come first, but for some reason during the holiday season it’s easy enough to forget! So…
· PLEASE don’t drink and drive! Wait! That also means DON’T drive any kind of off-road vehicle or sled if you’re under the influence.
· Drive to the Road Conditions! Take your time or give yourself more time and smile at that “road raged” person freaking out. Ah, who cares? Look around and enjoy the view!
· Food Safety! Don’t get food poisoning by leaving out food for long periods of time!
· Wash your hands thoroughly and often!
· Christmas trees—don’t forget real trees need water and they only live about 14 days from being brought inside, so water daily!
· Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors! Remember last year, you were reminded to check and replace!
· Never leave candles alone!
· Watch out for choking hazards for little ones—they love to put everything in their mouth!
· Shoveling sidewalks and driveways and de-icing will prevent slipping and falling! We know you hate to shovel but it keeps Grandma and Grandpa (and everyone else) safe.
· NEVER leave the cook alone! Or better yet, NEVER leave the stove unattended!
· You can’t put a grease fire out with water! Keep a lid close by that can be used to cover the pot – which will smother the fire should one start!
Above all, whatever you may decide to do, spend it healthy, happy and safe!
From Our Family to Yours…
Seasons Greetings and have a Happy Holiday or…. Merry Christmas! Felice Navidad! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Festivus! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Pagan Festivals! Happy Pongal! and finally…. Greetings to you on the very auspicious occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s glorious Jayanti!!
Northern Weldarc Ltd.
