Fa La La La Love

Well the holiday season is upon us and we have been thrown into the hustle and bustle that is all part of it! Like most people, I have mixed emotions at this time of the year. Things that usually annoy me, totally frustrate me. Things that usually amuse me, can send me into fits of laughter. And yes, things that genuinely touch me and usually elicit a sigh or compassionate comment can bring torrents of tears and uncontrollable dismay. Everything is bigger at this time of the year! And stress is rampant!

Traditions, family, relationships and good will are all top of mind, so it's not hard to see why emotions can run amuck. In our home, we celebrate Christmas. Shopping can be difficult and expensive. Decorating can be time consuming and stressful. Wrapping is tedious, and baking ... well who has time to bake anymore? Weather can make it hard to get around. The tree stand never works the way it's supposed to, and the lights work fine until you put them on the tree!

But even with all of that, Christmas has always been a magical time of the year for me. Growing up in family that was both dysfunctional and poor, my mom tried extra hard to make this a time of abundance - lots of food, music, decorations and of course, presents. And in the spirit of tradition, I tried to do the same for my children as they were growing up.

Now in their late 30's with kids of their own, my children still get visited by the Pajama Elf on Christmas Eve, still find their stockings stuffed with goodies like chocolate initials, PEZ and of course that fresh orange that sits in the toe of the stocking, smelling sweet and reminding me of the days when I was a child and my mom would tell us stories of her own poor childhood. Gifts are always plentiful and the aroma of gingerbread from the freshly baked (if somewhat wobbly) candied cottage permeates the house.

On Christmas' past, we would get together with sisters, nieces, nephews, grams and mom to share turkey dinner, gifts, memories and laughter. But over the years things have changed. Grams and Mom have passed away. The old fir tree that used to stand regally by the front door awaiting guests, dressed to kill, with a spicy aroma that filled the room, has been replaced with an artificial replica that rotates in musical splendor. The sisters' families have grown, as has mine. The house this year will be filled with the sweet sounds of grandchildren experiencing their first memories of the season - memories that will include dinner with Mom and Dad, Gramma and Grampa, aunts, uncles, cousins, an abundance of food, music, decoration, presents, and of course - love!

After all, isn't that really what this holiday season represents? Whatever your traditions, culture, or religion, love is a common bond. Spending time with family, friends and those less fortunate shouldn't need a reason, but since we have one, let's use it to reach out to one another. It has been my experience, that whether in business or other parts of our lives, what goes around comes around. Share a little joy, compassion, tolerance and goodwill this holiday season, and see what happens.

And, in the traditional spirit of the holiday season, I'd like to take this time to express my gratitude to the mentors, facilitators, workshop providers, sponsors, supporters and volunteers who make my job so much more rewarding by their generosity. To the City of Barrie and MEDI staffers - Thank you so much! I appreciate your time and efforts! To Nancy Hanson and April Sackfield - Thanks just isn't enough! To all our supporters - Thank you! We couldn't do what we do without your help! Bless you all for the giving that you do all year long! Wishing you Health, Hope and Happiness for the New Year!

Terri Plaxton Smith,
Manager and Business Consultant
Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre