Spreading holiday cheer
while thinking of others
Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching, let’s make the most of these wonderful days
By Irwin Rapoport
November 28, 2024
Montreal is finally receiving some snow and, with Christmas and Hanukkah only weeks away and Saturnalia celebrations set to begin in mid-December, this seems to be an appropriate time to pen my annual holiday message. So, without further ado, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, and have a wild and crazy Saturnalia!
The holidays are more than simply giving gifts, they are a celebration of being human and being grateful for family and friends. The festive season is an excellent opportunity to renew and strengthen cherished bonds.
Everyone enjoys receiving gifts and many enjoy shopping for presents, seeking that perfect token to express one’s appreciation of an individual. Children eagerly delight in finding gifts under the tree. It is part of the magic that makes the holiday season something to look forward to.
The holidays are more than simply giving gifts, they are a celebration of being human and being grateful for family and friends.
As regular readers know, I like to give books – there are so many subjects to choose from. While I prefer books, there are a multitude of options. It is not the price of a present that counts, rather it is receiving an item that says “I care about you, please enjoy.” For example, I collect bone china and once a friend gave me a “Made in Occupied Japan” teacup and saucer. I certainly did not expect it and was delighted. My friend was in the zone with that choice.
Between now and December 24, we have plenty of time to find that perfect item. Local merchants, whether in Montreal, the West Island, the Eastern Townships, or other parts of Quebec would appreciate your business. With the snow, Christmas lights and decorations, and the holiday spirit, it is the perfect time to re-explore local neighbourhoods and visit some new to you. You may like to shop alone, but why not make an expedition of it with family and friends? Visit downtown, the Victoria Village in Westmount, and Knowlton in the Townships. Expect to be surprised by the variety of options.
As noted, the holidays are more than simply exchanging presents. They are about being grateful for the good things in our lives and pausing to remember them. With so much tragedy in our midst – internationally and locally – we tend to forget what makes life worth living. In addition to gifts, why not include a thoughtful Christmas card highlighting the past year’s events and recalling memories of special moments? This personal touch will be welcomed. Memories can be fleeting, however, we have so many to choose from and these can include when a couple first met or sealed the deal with a marriage proposal. Children will appreciate references to moments when they made breakfast for their parents or drew them pictures, reminding them of their accomplishments and how proud they were of them.
In fact, why not issue a challenge to write meaningful holiday cards? When certain gifts no longer have meaning, rereading a holiday message will transport the reader to when the card was written. This can be priceless and one need not wait until the holidays to write heartfelt messages and express thanks for simply being there and caring.
‘With the snow, Christmas lights and decorations, and the holiday spirit, it is the perfect time to re-explore local neighbourhoods and visit some new to you.’
Writing such cards will also benefit the sender, reinforcing why friendships are valuable. Consider writing a card to yourself to remind you of how things are going, of successes and disappointments, and list goals you are keen to attain in the next few years. And of course, call those you have not spoken with in a while. Spread the Christmas cheer!
In keeping with the season’s spirit, let us consider how we can help those who are less fortunate. Many churches and organizations prepare holiday food baskets and provide gifts for children. They would appreciate donations, as would hospitals, especially the Montreal Children’s and St. Justine’s Hospitals. We can all make an effort, be it large or small.
With all that said, don’t forget to take in every moment and enjoy it. Holiday parties will soon begin and then come the family celebrations – dinners and various gatherings. Montreal West has many streets adorned with Christmas lights, making for a delightful stroll at night. Participate in the annual Christmas bird count, take the kids tobogganing at Beaver Lake or the hill section along Parc Avenue, or just go outside for walks.
And thus, I conclude with the following message: Have a most splendid holiday, take it all in, and spread the holiday cheer. The many problems in our lives will still be there after the holidays. The Christmas season allows us to reflect and be of good cheer. Dive in!
Feature image: Knowlton Midnight Madness Christmas Market, courtesy of Eastern Townships Tourism
Other articles by Irwin Rapoport
Other recent articles in WestmountMag.ca
Irwin Rapoport is a freelance journalist with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Concordia University.
With so much madness violence and destruction in our world, it is time for peacefull reflection. Yes we have much to be thankful for, and reaching out to friends and family is the finest gift we can give.
This is the best time to think of those less fortunate, the lonely, those crippled by personal demons, refugies and those living in countries ravaged by war. Irwin is right, this is the season to reach out, and to consider others, including the animals we share this world with.