As I write this, there is snow on the ground, but it’s some days before Christmas, so it will probably melt. I’m hoping it won’t. I grew up in a coastal fishing village and can’t remember ever having a snowy Christmas. We hoped for sunshine because it usually rained. Any snow we had mostly came in January. I didn’t get into the White Christmas thing until I came to the Cariboo.
With or without snow, Christmastime is supposed to be a time of peace and love, caring and sharing. Even if it’s short-lived, the Christmas spirit can prove we can love our neighbours, be kind to strangers and persons of other cultures, and behave like nice people. The world certainly needs some Christmas spirit and some nice people. I don’t want to worry or even think about the world’s troubles until after the Christmas break. I really don’t want to worry about them at all. I’d rather be worrying about the snow.
I hope everybody had a happy Christmas focused on family, friends and the good things in your lives. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the Christmas break , and have a Happy New Year’s Day and a happy 2025.
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A Christmas Story
In 1914, the First World War had started, but soldiers on the western front declared a truce for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the British heard the German soldiers singing carols and they joined in. It ended with both sides crossing the battlefield that separated their trenches and spending Christmas Day together. The “enemies” exchanged gifts and had a good time, but their senior officers put an end to it. The next day they were shooting at each other again. A veteran (who was there) told me this story, and said it really changed his attitude to war.
