It's that time of year. December. The holiday season. Christmastime. Early December is probably the best time because we haven't quite gotten sick of all the Christmas music yet.
There is no lack of photo opportunities for us here at the paper between Christmas concerts, Angel Trees, hamper programs, school plays, holiday markets, Country Christmas in Didsbury, Crazy Carstairs Christmas, and so much more. Not to mention, there's hockey, basketball, curling and other sports action aplenty.
People seem to be a little more friendly around this time. There's no shortage of people willing to step up to help out, whether it's with one of the hamper programs or people stepping up to help out with the Elks Christmas dinner or with the garland decorations for downtown Didsbury.
The holiday season is also about office parties, those fun and occasionally embarrassing annual events. Who will be dancing on the tabletops this year? Christmas is also about spending time with family and friends. Having great meals, drinks and conversations with loved ones.
The holidays also means big movies, music and other entertainment. For fans of classic rock, you'll know The Who has a new album after many, many years. Of course, now The Who are so old that instead of smashing his guitar, Pete Townsend just shakes a fist at it angrily. They don't sing about the kids being all right, they sing about back pain and the joys of oatmeal.
The big movie this Christmas is sure to be the next Star Wars one, Rise of Skywalker, which concludes the latest trilogy. Of course, anyone who has followed the Mandolorian on Disney Plus has already fallen for Baby Yoda. Sadly, it's unlikely the adorable little green guy will appear on the big screen, but we can always hope.
Christmas is also about buying presents for people you maybe haven't seen all year. That's always tough. Back when I was growing up in the 1980s we had the Sears Wish Book. I see that is making the rounds on social media. Since Sears Canada is now done, the catalogue is obviously no more. Another victim of progress as in online shopping.
Shopping in the comfort of your kitchen in your pajamas may be convenient but it makes it much tougher to circle all the items you want. It tends to mess up your computer screen.
Craig Lindsay is a reporter with the Mountain View Albertan.
