Cornwall ON – So as I sit in my home office, with the fire a glow, stockings full, my family sleeping and house stocked with food and holiday beverages it’s time to look at all that I have to be grateful for.
Christmas is a new holiday for me; truly only embraced since being with my wife. It’s been so commercialized and means so many things to so many people.
From a purely spiritual and religious standpoint, to one of symbolism. I think Christmas has become a beacon of hope; of simply saying we’ve made it through another year, and we’re all together.
It’s a sad time for many too. For those suffering hardships whether they be financially, spiritually; or many of the other side effects of these times. I’ve never seen so many people have to work so hard to get by.
And of course more and more of us are working during the holidays, which for those that don’t have a job I’m sure doesn’t ring as much than for those that do.
So for me I find it’s yet another time of the year to sit down and contemplate what I have to be grateful for which I’m going to do now.
First off I grateful for my health and for my family. My mom had a scare this year and thanks to two stents is with us enjoying the holiday.
All of my fur babies are well and here too, and for those of you with pets in their golden years I’m sure you can appreciate each holiday they still are around to share with you.
I’m so grateful to the friends in my life. All of them. I’m going to be spending a lot of time today calling and chatting; catching up; and listening to all the things in their lives. I, like many of you, end up with friends all over and in many cities. It’s so common today.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I have in life today; some of which I didn’t have a year or so ago. For the people I’ve met this year who’ve changed my life; some in small ways, and some in big ways.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to give and help others that I’ve had more this year than in recent ones.
And I’m grateful for all of you who are reading this now. Thank you for helping me in the task of growing this newspaper. It really is appreciated and while yes, our amazing sponsors help pay the bills; without you, our viewers there would be nothing for them to pay for.
I also want to thank all those that have helped our newspaper this year, Reg, Roger, David, Lorna, Paul, Jason, Mehmet, Chris, Kevin L, Marina, Markus, Keith, Joe, Denis, Jan, Richard, Jacquie, Vanessa, Kevin K, John, and of course my very patient wife who’s had to sacrifice while I focus so much attention and resources working the news.
I’m sure there are many more especially here in Cornwall where so many have been so open and giving and helping my small business grow.
A final note. Loneliness is something that makes the holidays so hard for so many. I bet we all can think of someone who probably will be alone for whatever reason during the holidays. If you can spare some time invite someone out or over, and let them share the blessings you may have this Christmas. I guarantee it will bring some joy and light into your holiday.
God Bless, Merry Christmas and 2011, a new Decade is less than a week away!
Jamie Gilcig – Editor, The Cornwall Free News
Merry Christmas Jamie and all the people at Cornwall Freenews.
Also a Merry Christmas a safe and eventful Holiday and a healthy New Year!
I was kind of feeling down this christmas, and stumbled over this article! I immediately felt an urgent sense of thankfulness come upon me in the strangest way. In this day and age we often take for granted the very things we should be grateful for, thanks to your appreciation for life and many blessings. Happy Holidays to all 🙂