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Time for peace and goodwill STRICTLY FISH & REPTILES Last week, The Sidekick and I had a few people over for a Christmas gathering. It's an annual thing where we invite my co-workers out to Brown Farm after work, for what I call `Kick back and relax night at the Browns.' It's a simple potluck affair where we use paper plates, plastic cutlery, and plastic cups. And there's only one rule for this gathering-- no talking about work. Now the conversation probably does stray to work issues, but I give 'em credit, they usually talk about warm cozy things-- their homes, families, all the good things in life. It's not a late night thing-- the last guest was out the door by 8 p.m. Many of them had other personal commitments, kids and spouses to attend to, shopping or another gathering of some sort. Following that, The Sidekick and I worked together to tidy up and load the dishwasher then briefly moved to the living room. Sipping on a Bailey's, I surveyed the room like some imaginary monarch surveying his domain. The fire in the fireplace was mesmerizing, the flames delicately licked at the logs, while the candles on the mantle danced in a slight flicker as the air in the room moved when the furnace kicked in. The Christmas tree glowed in the room, and the numerous decorations sparkled on the boughs of the tree, reflecting the twinkle lights that adorned the tree. It certainly was a moment of peace. It didn't last long-- there were other things that needed attention, and The Sidekick and I soon had to haul ourselves out of our comfy chairs and attend to chores like throwing a load of laundry in the washer, or preparing for the next day. I felt a little sad. It occurred to me how we place so much emphasis on preparing for the celebration of Christmas, having friends and family 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 23, 2010 · BEARDED DRAGONS · GECKOS · FROGS · CRICKETS · PINKYS & FUZZYS · HEAT LAMPS, KITS, TERRARIUMS + FULL ACCESSORIES Ted Brown over, or purchasing that `perfect' gift, yet so often, we're so damned busy doing all those things, we forget to take time for that moment of `peace,' that solitude, that `me' time, when we can actually reflect upon the beauty of the season. At work the next day, I flipped through some of my old day-timers from years ago-- they all shared the same thing. Every year it seems I've run my tail off trying to make the season `perfect.' Yet did I enjoy it? Maybe, maybe not. But I do know I could always have enjoyed it a lot more if I'd taken some time to simply absorb that `glow' of Christmas. I think many of those around us have totally forgotten the reason we celebrate Christmas-- it's the birth of Christ. And whether we are Christians or not, whether we choose to celebrate Christmas as a religious celebration or social event, one thing does remain constant. That first Christmas, so many years ago, in a stable, where a small family took shelter, a baby was born, and crude shepherds visited-- the angels proclaimed so eloquently. "Peace on earth, goodwill to all men..." Take time to enjoy that `peace on earth', extend some `goodwill to all men and women,' and even squeeze in a little bit of `me' time for yourself. It doesn't take much, yet in doing so, one can savour so much magic of the season. The Sidekick joins me in wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas-- and hope all will be blessed with peace and goodwill throughout the coming year. 128 Guelph St., Georgetown 905 · 877 · 3474 Your n O e Stop Shop for Total Body Care Lu Lu Belle Health and Beauty Spa g More parkin e th at e bl la avai back of the building Manicures Pedicures Facials CHRISTMAS Waxing Total Body Care For Men and Women SPECIALS Body Treatments M Get Gifts Here! edical Aesthetics Gift Certifica tes 43 Guelph St., Unit #3, Georgetown 1 DAY LEFT LAST CHANCE! 905-702-0377 St. Alban's to host free Christmas Day dinner St. Alban's Church in Glen Williams will host a free Christmas dinner Saturday, Dec. 25, for the fourth year in a row. Everyone is welcome at 1 p.m. on Christmas Day. Transportation will be provided if needed. Call 905-877-8323 to make a no-cost reservation. Please leave your name and number. Restoring Your Health & Inner Balance In 2011 (formerly Eden Integrative Health) 5A Conestoga Drive, Ste 300, Brampton 905-455-0488 www.avitaintegrativehealth.ca Happy 95th LENA EMMERSON OPEN HOUSE Friends & Family are welcome to join us on Dec. 29th at 19 Windsor Rd., Georgetown between 1 & 7 pm. Best Wishes Only.