Do you gasp when you hear a Christmas song on the radio?
Befuddled by the eggnog display at the grocery store?
Bewildered by the glow of Christmas lights at night?
You are not alone.
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only five weeks away but we are starting to get in the groove.
The Echo is kicking off its annual food and toy drive this week, which always helps to get us in the spirit. Fred is busy working on the final details of the Creemore Santa Claus Parade. The annual tree lighting and NCPS’ Breakfast with Santa are making an appearance in the community calendar… all good signs that the festive season is upon us.
We had great news this week when we learned that Donna Baylis is taking on the role of coordinator for the Creemore Community Christmas Dinner.
The dinner has become a tradition.
It has grown from 20 people the first year to almost 150 last year. It outgrew the Station on the Green so the event was moved to the Legion to make sure there would be more room at the table.
It says a lot about a community when that many people of all walks of life come together to enjoy a meal.
Diane McKay has put her heart and soul into the event, making sure that no one is left out and adding little extras for those in need.
She said the dinner is open to everyone and those who can afford it have donated toward the cause.
With a little extra funds, McKay arranged to purchase gifts for people in need who don’t have any family. Baylis will continue the tradition. If anyone knows of someone who could use a little gift at Christmas, they are asked to notify organizers.
The dinner is not just a free meal. It is a community gathering in the true spirit of Christmas. For whatever reason, people may find for better or worse, they are not surrounded by family at Christmas but there is no need to be alone.
Until then the Christmas spirit is sure to build through the coming weeks and Christmas in the Valley is sure to be a highlight.
It would be nice to have a little bit of the white stuff to make it feel a bit more festive though – some of you will disagree – there is hope.
There is snow in the forecast this weekend and according to www.willigetawhitechristmas.com, we have a 50 per cent chance of a white Christmas.