Across traditions and time, there is a longing for light to brighten the darkness of winter I had a striking visual of light in darkness early one morning this month. A bright light, probably the planet Venus, shone with extraordinary clarity and pierced an otherwise black sky. Given my Christian faith and the time of…
The entertainment imperative trumps ‘authenticity’ every time People raised in North America aren’t usually exposed to the phenomenon of the Christmas pantomime. Some might even think it has something to do with mime, which it most assuredly doesn’t. But those who grew up in Britain or Ireland will have an entirely different perspective. Pantomime –…
The divisions we believe exist between us are artificial Christmas is the time of year when human beings put aside their differences and come together. It is difficult to find a truer example of this essence of our character than during the first winter of the First World War. Ordinary soldiers on both sides of…
There are many reasons why the answer is yes, but the best is that it gives us time to share with those in need The holiday season is upon us. Christmas, New Year, Hanukah Diwali, Kwanza and probably others all seem to congregate around the time of the winter solstice. Holiday lights, seasonal music and…
Retail researchers offer expert tips on how to stretch your giving budget in a Grinchy economy With every news story portending economic doom and gloom, it’s no wonder Canadians are feeling the pinch this holiday season. It seems like inflation is pushing up the price of just about everything. But the truth is there are…
The children taught me to embrace the gift of the moment For many people, Christmas is a favourite time of year, while for others, it is a time of great sadness. Many of us struggle to embrace its true meaning. It has cultural and spiritual significance in pagan and Christian traditions, but these are often…
Bing Crosby’s Silent Night is one of the best-selling records of all time Silent Night, probably the most famous Christmas carol of all, will be over 200 years old this Christmas Eve. It was first performed at the parish church in the Austrian village of Oberndorf during midnight mass on Dec. 24, 1818. And, fittingly,…
Consumerism has become a “big problem” for kids, a roadblock on their way to becoming appreciative and contented individuals
Consumerism has become a “big problem” for kids Maybe I am romanticizing when I say that the Christmas of my childhood was not about stuff. There were fewer products, less pervasive advertising and no Black Friday sales. A few pages at the back of the Sears Wish Book were the inspiration for visions of sugarplums…
Follow these simple steps and you’re sure to have a joyous Christmas every year There are many ways to make Christmas merry and memorable. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is sometimes difficult to feel the joy through the cluttered maze that has become Christmas. Through the years, Christmas has strayed too far from its original purpose and…
Our 10 tips to ensure you make a great impression Are you planning to attend your Christmas office party? I hope so. This is a great occasion to relax and have a good time – and can be a highly anticipated, positive antidote to year-end stress. But anytime you combine fun with professionalism, it can…