REFLECTIVE MOMENTS Merry Christmas in verse and prose

’Tis once again a few days before Christmas and all through the streets shoppers are looking for gifts and greeting friends that they meet.

Retailers are keeping their shelves stocked up to the top in hopes the cash registers will keep ringing, refusing to stop.

Church nativities are in place and carols have been rehearsed as young choirs blend all voices, so proud their buttons might burst.

Christmas decorations are up on homes, enticing drivers to stop and stare but those lights put up by the city are a bit ragged and earn many a glare.

Boxes of Japanese oranges have been consumed with delight, a tribute to long-time growers who get the taste just right.

Bake sales at churches, in school gyms and neighborhood halls have offered tarts with raisins, and cookies from vendors’ stalls.

Store-bought carrot puddings and doughy Christmas cake don’t have much appeal but homemade takes so long to make.

Christmas cards have been mailed to friends far away and near, the one time in 12 months that we contact those we hold most dear.

The turkey parts have been bought, and the dressing recipe found in preparation for the Christmas meal, to be eaten round and round.

Christmas Eve guests will drop by to share eggnog and good wishes with Housemate allowed to open one gift, after he has done all the dishes.

And now it is time to say to family, old friends and strangers we might meet, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, isn’t this season such a treat

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As the Christmas greeting cards come in, it is a pleasure to see familiar signatures and to read about the events that have shaped the year for the writers. Unfortunately some cards are missing this year — death, aging and illness take their toll and sadness at these circumstances sometimes takes away the joy of the season.

And some friends have turned their backs on the traditional style of Christmas cards and have embraced the cards that come via Facebook, Messenger, and e-mail. However the greetings arrive, we are happy to be remembered and thankful that our names are still on the greeting lists of friends and family.

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Over the course of the holiday season numerous house parties, office gatherings and receptions will take place. The message regarding those events is simple: please don’t drink and drive. The campaigns by SGI and police departments are designed to get that message to individuals who insist on getting behind the wheel. In doing so they endanger not only their own lives but also the lives of anyone who gets in their path. Having a designated driver, calling a friend or ordering a taxi will keep inebriated folks off city streets and highways. Think about it.

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Thanks to the many agencies in Moose Jaw that work so hard this time of year to ensure everyone has a chance to celebrate Christmas with gifts, food and warm mitts, scarves and toques. Community support makes this work successful every Christmas.

Have a wonderful Christmas time, however you choose to celebrate.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net