Reflecting on our good fortune
For many of us, Christmas Eve often turns into a frantic last-minute rush to make sure everything is ready for the big day.
From being a turkey short of Christmas dinner to someone we forgot to put on our gift list, it’s a day for dashing to malls and convenience stores before closing time.
Each Dec. 24, we vow “next year will be different”— we won’t allow Christmas to sneak up on us and will have all the shopping, baking and meal preparation done with time to spare. Alas, life happens. However, once all the chores are finally done, Christmas Eve also affords us time for reflection. The ghosts of our individual Christmases past gather as we fondly remember past celebrations and toast family and friends who, sadly, are no longer with us.
WE ARE FORTUNATE INDEED TO BE LIVING IN THIS PROVINCE.
It’s also become something of a tradition on these pages in recent years to reflect upon our great good fortune in living in this place, far from the wars, famine and hardship so many on this Earth must endure.
No, Saskatchewan isn’t perfect — not by a long shot. We have too many individuals and families living in challenging circumstances to be complacent. Look no further for proof of that than the many charitable organizations that are busy providing a warm place to sleep for the homeless, Christmas dinner, food hampers and toys for the less fortunate.
The fact we have such need in the midst of an economic boom is deeply troubling and an indication of the work that must still be done to build a fully fair and just society.
That said, good economic times are creating much opportunity, with Saskatchewan recently celebrating 11 consecutive months as the province with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.
The chance to find a job and build a new life is why so many other Canadians and immigrants from many nations are flocking here — thousands of whom will celebrate their first Christmas in Saskatchewan. (The province’s population rose by almost 20,000 people, to 1,114,170, in the year ending Oct. 1.)
Saskatchewan citizens old and new have much to be grateful for. May we never take for granted the good fortune with which we have been blessed.
We wish all our readers a very merry Christmas.