More than ever it’s time
to enjoy the holiday season

Consider books as gifts, support local merchants and help out those in need

By Irwin Rapoport

December 21, 2023

As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with the recent snowfalls, we experienced a winter wonderland for a few days. Before the recent heavy rain, I was driving with a friend, and as we passed through Westmount and NDG, the combination of the Christmas lights and snow was magical.

So many Montrealers of all ages look forward to the holiday season. The Jewish community just celebrated Hanukkah, and I am very grateful that my friend Sheindl prepared some latkes for me, which were delicious. Like others, I lit the menorah for eight nights to celebrate the holiday commemorating the struggle for religious freedom.

I also gathered with some friends to celebrate the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which occurs in December. It was a stellar evening, and we honoured the holiday spirit as if we were in Rome during the Late Roman Republic, with Lucius Licinius Lucullus among us. And on December 23, just two days before Christmas, I’ll be attending a holiday party at the home of two long-time friends who, due to COVID-19, have not held their annual gathering since 2020. There are many friends I have not seen in many years, and we have much to catch up on.

With so many worrisome events taking place before our eyes, the holiday season offers us a respite from the cares of the world and gives us a chance to relax and spend time with family and friends.

The past few months have not been easy locally in Montreal, provincially, nationally, and internationally – the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and crackdowns on human rights in many parts of the world. The government of Hong Kong recently issued international bounties for ten pro-democracy leaders in exile. Their lives were already in peril, and now their situation has become even more dangerous, with Chinese government agents and allies seeking to kidnap them and send them back to China. Nor can we forget what is happening to the Tibetans and Uyghurs.

With so many worrisome events taking place before our eyes, the holiday season offers us a respite from the cares of the world and gives us a chance to relax and spend time with family and friends. We need this break more than ever.

When we celebrate the holidays, there are so many traditions that bring us joy. These traditions are the heart and soul of so many anticipated events, such as finding the perfect tree, setting it up and decorating it, putting up the outside lights and the preparation of incredible meals.

Purchasing gifts for family, good friends, and strangers is a treasured time. As readers know, the gift of reading is my go-to for holiday presents, and that remains unchanged. I am not alone in this and while books are my thing, others have their preferences. Nor is there anything wrong with handing out a variety of gifts for individuals of all ages. To each their own and the key is to remember that the gifts we give are expressions of our esteem and appreciation for relatives and friends. Gifts can range from modest to expensive, but whatever the cost, it is the fact you cared enough that matters. And don’t forget to treat yourself! Indulging in a small gift or a favourite activity will help make the season extra special.

When purchasing books, I check out local bookshops, library and church sales such as the Westmount Library’s November Book Sale, and garage sales. A book that is well-taken care can easily be shared and is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and expressions of gratitude throughout the year.

‘… whatever gifts you purchase, please consider helping out local merchants… Small businesses employ so many people, and vibrant downtowns and commercial hubs… are key to ensuring we have vibrant, exciting, warm and welcoming communities.’

As noted, I patronize local booksellers, new and used. But whatever gifts you purchase, please consider helping out local merchants. They will welcome your support, as will their employees. Small businesses employ so many people, and vibrant downtowns and commercial hubs like the Victoria Village in Westmont, the Monkland Village and Sherbrooke Street east and west of the corner of Wilson and Sherbrooke West, the Pointe-Claire Village in the West Island, and similar places in the Eastern Townships such as Knowlton, are key to ensuring we have vibrant, exciting, warm and welcoming communities.

Far too many merchants are facing increasing rents, higher operating costs, and taxes that are going up annually. It is not an easy time to own a store. You may know some merchants personally and are aware of their fine goods and services, and friends can easily recommend stores to check out at your leisure.

Some prefer to do their holiday shopping solo, but you can easily make it a fun outing with friends and family. Embrace the holiday spirit. And when you purchase gifts, please consider buying some for families and individuals in need, those who will benefit from being remembered and need a smile, and for organizations that distribute gifts to families, along with holiday food baskets that not only put food on the table but allow for a holiday feast to set aside serious concerns.

Gifts need not be new items. If one is decluttering, books, clothes, furniture, kitchen items, appliances, art, bone china cups and saucers, etc., will be appreciated by organizations that support families and individuals experiencing troubled times. Spread the goodwill and pay it forward. One never knows when they will be in a position of being the recipient of support. We can always do more to be there for family, friends, and our community.

And it’s not just about people, please think about our pets, animals in shelters, and wildlife. Cats, dogs, and other household pets also get into the holiday spirit and look forward to the celebrations. Organizations like the SPCA and smaller shelters and groups that look after animals in need of a home will benefit from your support. And of course, local wildlife appreciate gifts, be they birdseed, pieces of fruit, peanuts or other suitable leftovers you could share with them. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other creatures will be grateful for a winter feast as the temperatures get colder and wild foods become harder to find.

‘And it’s not just about people, please think about our pets, animals in shelters, and wildlife… Organizations like the SPCA and smaller shelters and groups that look after animals in need of a home will benefit from your support.’

We can also lower our environmental impact by not wrapping gifts, which can simply be handed to a recipient in plain sight or if under the tree, wrapped with pillowcases and towels and tagged. If you do receive a wrapped gift or one in a decorative bag, consider reusing the wrapping or bag. The holiday season generates large amounts of garbage that either cannot be recycled or is not recycled.

Last year, my holiday article gave a shout-out to local bookshops and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, a very timely read stressing the crucial message of looking out for one another during the Yuletide season and every day of the year. Consider reading it aloud with family and friends at gatherings before Christmas and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dickens has inspired generations of authors to spread the message of generosity and concern for our fellow human beings. Most definitely check out their novels, short stories, and poems. Before the advent of radio and television, families often staged amateur theatricals during the holidays or, if talented musically, put on concerts via the singing of songs with someone on the piano, solo performance acapella-style, or small concerts that would be the highlight of parties. If you have friends who play guitar and drums and sing, have a rock concert!

I could go on, but you get the point. So, let me conclude on this point – enjoy the holiday season, and reach out to family and friends – the gang, new and old, who you may have not seen or spoken with in years. It can be a wonderful and joyous time for so many or a lonely time for quite a few. Please consider inviting people to holiday gatherings and parties, and if you have some leftovers, bring over some holiday meals. We can all make an effort to ensure this is a merry time for all.

And with all that said, allow me to wish you a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Saturnalia, Merry Christmas, an excellent Kwanzaa, and, of course, Happy New Year!

Feature image: Leeloo Thefirst, Pexels