The Rural Voice, 1998-12, Page 51E
carols preparing the stuffing, gravy,
and hors d'oeuvres for Christmas
Day. All of these freeze just fine and
once again I've given stress a rest. I
take one night to write out
approximately 35 Christmas
greetings to friends and family from
out of town. Again I take great heart
in keeping in touch and letting these
people know I love them. Picking up
the phone to call those who've had
personal problems and sharing
greetings also heightens my sense of
caring and giving. No matter how
crazy things get, I remind myself how
fortunate we are, how much we have.
We are so very fortunate to have a
country of peace, harmony' and
plenty. If Santa brought nothing,
we'd still be ultimately fortunate.
Nearer to Christmas I plan the
table setting, press napkins, etc. My
all-time favourite table centrepiece
was probably one of the least
expensive. I placed a large -footed,
shallow fruit bowl at table's centre
upon a white linen cloth, filled it with
water and floated white star shaped
candles in it. Around the base I
positioned silver -tipped cedar
boughs. In amongst these I tucked
white votive candles and silver star
garland. Set with white china and
silverware the table was magical!
I get very excited about what
reaction friends and family will have
to gifts I've selected and the meals
I've prepared for them, rather than
worrying whether 1 get anything or
not. (Mind you the year Ward bought
me a dust buster, I wasn't exactly a
gracious recipient!)
A simple pot of mulled apple
cider, a plate of cookies and
Christmas candies along with the
scent of cinnamon candles burning
can set a lovely scene for Christmas
drop -ins. Why must it be more
complicated?
For me my gentle reader, the
holiday is all about choices. My
choice being to leave the majority of
the stress and worry behind. I look at
Christmas with child's eyes...
exciting and wondrous!
Wishing you great peace, joy and
contentment in this Festive Season!O
Patti Robertson operates Classic
Interiors in Wingham.
Spread
The
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It's Christmas in
the country. As
the spirit of the
season lights up
the world and
wraps us in its
glow, we want to
express our
appreciation to
you, our readers
and friends. We
wish you the
brightest holiday
season ever.
From Everyone at
The Rural Voice
DECEMBER 1998 47