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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-12-21, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1990. Opinion Peace at Christmas A year ago at Christmas the hope for Peace on Earth seemed so much closer. The tensions between the Soviet Union and the West had been reduced so much as Michel Gorbachev turned his country’s attention inward to try to solve its massive economic problems. The Berlin wall was coming down. Eastern Europe was steamrollering to­ ward freedom for the first time in 40 years. If anybody could have looked ahead at this year and heard that Germany had been reunified, that the Soviets and the U.S. were destroying missiles and that they would actually be on the same side of an issue at the United Nations, we would think there was a chance for world peace at last. But like another generation that fought a “war to end all wars’’, we have learned that it’s hard to rid the world of war. This Christmas Canadian armed for­ ces stand closer to being at war than at any time in 40 years. Our war ships and jet fighters could be called upon to defend them­ selves at any moment and might be involved in trying to drive Iraqi troops out of Kuwait at any time after the January 15 deadline for withdrawal set by the United States. Peace on earth is almost as ephemeral as the fairy tale phrase about people living “happily ever after’’. There is always somebody crazy enough or greedy enough to want his neighbour’s territory and risk war to get it. There seems little chance that we’ll ever achieve a lasting peace. Christmas gifts Everybody should be in the giving mood at Christmas and so in the spirit of the season the following gifts are offered. To those who are recipients, please, don’t bother to feel you have to return the favour. To Prime Minister Mulroney: a giant bottle of sincerity pills. These might help counteract the little twitch that comes at the corner of your mouth whenever you’re trying to say phrases like “sacred trust’’ or trying to appear properly outraged over the latest antics of Liberal senators. Certainly Irish wit can be welcomed now and then but frankly, Brian, people just can’t tell when you’re speaking from the heart and when you’re just putting us on again. ToHuronM.P.P. Paul Klopp, a map of the government complex in Toronto. Otherwise we just may lose our young member of the legislature as he tries to find his way around the mammoth bureaucracy of the provincial government. To Huron County Council, quick action in getting a new Huron County landfill opened. With the size of the report from each succeeding stage of the Waste Management Master plan increasing, we may fill every dump we now have just disposing of the study reports. To Jean Chretien, may your advisers all decide to go back to private business or desert to the Block Quebecois. It’s not that we wishyou ill. On the contrary, these image makers, who keep trying to make over all politicians after they become leaders, are not doing you any good. The thing that made you popular was that you seemed to be speaking rom the heart. Your advisers are trying to make you seem more calm and reasoned and it just makes you look wishy washy. Most people would rather have somebody not so polished who seems sincere (see above comments about Brian Mulroney). To Toronto Maple Leaf fans, a fast forward button to make this reason go by as quickly as possible. Not only will it get the pain over vith sooner but it will bring ball season sooner so that people can get (o see the new Blue Jays team in operation. By the Maitland in winter The Short of it Mom gets more excited about Christmas than kids BY BONNIE GROPP On Christmas Day there’s always been one thing I can count on. As surely as my 16-year-old will be talking on the phone when she’s home, or everyone needs the washroom when I’m in it, I am guaranteed Christmas morning is the one time I can get up and enjoy some peace and quiet. The irony is, it’s the one morning I don’t want it. My family is not unlike most at this time of year. Everyone is excited at the prospect of Christ­ mas and busy with the activities that are part of their festive season. My two youngest talk of little else but the anticipated arrival of Santa. Adding to the excitement we also have birthdays to celebrate at our house. The result of all the socializing and eager awaiting that precedes holidays inevitably results in less sleep. Each night it takes longer for my youngest to settle down as visions of sugar plums, Barbie Dolls, and Ninja Turtles dance through their heads, while every morning just after first light they’re downstairs playing the nosiest game they can. The lack of sleep seems to have little effect. (On them that is; I’m exhausted). If anything they have more energy.than ever. But, like the sprinter who starts off at a rolling boil only to find he has run out of steam before the finish line, my kids have simmered dry by Christmas morning. I have been a mother for almost two decades and not one of my four children has ever come in and jumped on my bed waking me with the announcement that Santa was here. Of course, the fact that I’m usually awake myself by 5:30 that day may have a bit to do with it. Unlike my offspring, regardless of how tired or burnt out I am, I’m ready to start Christmas day bright and early. When I relentlessly try to convince my husband that normal kids would be awake by now he calmly reminds me that the sooner the day begins the sooner it will all be over. Resigned, that no help is coming from that corner, I take myself off in solitude to try to appreciate the moment. It has always been my practice to plan the Christmas meal so the turkey must begin cooking the night before. With its delectable aroma, warming the house and awakening my senses, I grab a cup of coffee, turn on the Christmas lights then curl up by the window to gaze at the early morning peaceful­ ness. I remember a nice bonus a few years ago, when a green Christmas was expected, but it snowed during the night. There is not a better surprise than to waken and see everything wrapped in fluffy, glistening snow on Christ­ mas morning. Fortunately, my brother-in-law was visiting at our house that year and he kept me from rushing upstairs to wake everyone with the news. I don’t think I’ll have a problem this year, however, waiting for their day to begin. I treasure every Christmas, but this is The one I wish I could hold in the palm of my hand for just a little longer. Our family, has, as all do, come to a time of transition. Next year, my eldest is planning to attend univer­ sity (I presume he means as a student) so he won’t be home for a lot of the traditional events. His sister will be following shortly after. My youngest are growing up faster every year and it won’t be long before Christmas won’t have quite the same magic. So this year, when I’m waiting for the games to begin, I think I’ll take a few minutes to indulge myself in some sentimental nos- taliga. I’ll run a mental home video of special Christmases past and imagine those yet to come. Because my family hates it when I get drippy, I’ll thank them in my mind for the times we have had and reflect on how fortunate I am to have them. And then as the brightness of the morning breaks through the early silence, I don’t care what time it is, I am going upstairs to wake everyone and tell them that Santa was here. The Citizen P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. NOM 1H0 Phone 523-4792 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $20.50/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.] ($40.00 Foreign], Advertising is accepted.on the condition that in'the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Serving Brussels, Blyth, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough, Walton and surrounding townships. Editor & Publisher, Keith Roulston Advertising Manager, Dave Williams (*CNA BLUE j RIBBON AWARD 1990 Production Manager, Jill Roulston Second Class Mail Registration No. 6968