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Do you believe in Santa ?
of year. People are smiling and wishing each other Merry Christmas, giving to charities, and people going out of their way to see friends and family. Maybe that’s the true meaning of Santa.” There are many different accounts of who the real Santa is and where he comes from. St. Nick, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas all have different origins. St. Nicholas was a fourth century saint, Santa Claus’ modern name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaus, and Father Christmas is the traditional British name for the figure associatedwithChristmas. No matter where the name may come from, they all have something in common. Each represents peace, joy, love, community and culture, something everyone can use not only at this time of year. Christmas spirit throughout the year Baxter said she tries her best to keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. “How can you say, when all that happens, that there is noSanta?”askedBaxter.“Imay not have eve- rything, but I do have everything I need and I share what I can and teach my children to do the same. Christmas isn’t just a day, but a fee- ling within that can be kept throughout the year if only we try.”In Charles Dickens classic tale‘A Christmas Carol’, Ebenezer Scrooge says “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”
DIANE HUNTER DIANE.HUNTER@EAP.ON.CA
VANKLEEK HILL | For many people, Santa Claus is for children and nothingmore. They believe Santa is just a misleading, commer- cial opportunity. For others, Santa is a belief that all things are inherently good, especial- ly at this time of year. If you believe, then it is real. Santa is about the need to forgive and be forgiven, to spend time with loved ones, and to share our good fortune with those not quite so fortunate. Sara Baxter runs her own communications business and is a single mom to three boys. She often struggles to make ends meet but is always willing to lend a helping hand. Baxter believes in the spirit of Christmas and that old St. Nick is alive and well in the hearts of those who believe. “When my kids were younger, they used to ask if Santa was real,” said Baxter. “It was easier then.When they got older, it was a little more difficult to convince them. Now, what I tell them is the guy in the red suit sym- bolizes what Santa really means. The real gifts of Christmas come to you, but not necessarily under the tree.” Baxter believes that Christmas is about spending time with family and sharing wha- tever wealth is available. “If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see the magic of Christmas all around,” Baxter explained. “Look at all the things that happen, especially at this time
Photo Diane Hunter
A young boy is in awe of the big man handing him a candy cane at the Vankleek Hill Christmas Market.
The Hawkesbury Curling Club Turkey Bonspiel
The Pierre Ferguson rink won the annual Turkey Bonspiel at the Hawkesbury Cur- ling Club, on November 29. Ten teams took part in the five-day event, which was followed by a turkey dinner. Fer- guson was joined by Dianne Arbuckle (third), Shirley Knox (second) and Sylvie Thompson (lead). The club hosted its se- cond annual Chili Cook-off Saturday.
PLAZA HAWKESBURY
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450-460 Hwy 17, Hawkesbury, ON
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