A6 Thursday, December 23, 2021
Cowichan Valley Citizen
http://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Opinion OUR VIEW
OTHER VIEWS
Too much Xmas? M
ost of us look forward to this time of year. Christmas carols, Christmas trees, events packed into every weekend, the lights, the food, the shopping and on and on. But like a kid anticipating their birthday, sometimes it can become overwhelming, to the point where we find that during some of these things we’re supposed to enjoy we feel merely uncomfortable or even let down. Sometimes we can feel obligated to try to pack in every event or tradition that we’ve ever enjoyed during the holiday season, plus the new things that look like fun. More is better, right? You’ve enjoyed these things in the past, so they should give you a warm and happy feeling again, goes the logic. But we can take on too much, especially this time of year, leading to us barely remembering the holidays, let alone enjoying them. It can be really difficult, but sometimes truly celebrating the season can mean paring down your to-do list. If there are too many great things on the list, they can quickly become not so great. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, you’re not alone. Try just stopping for a few minutes to re-evaluate what you’ve got planned and how you’re feeling about it. If it feels more like an obligation than like fun, maybe consider crossing it off this year’s list. It’s also a good idea to not put pressure on those around you to enjoy Christmas, or else. This time of year can be hard for some people who may not have jolly memories, or may be struggling with their present-day circumstances. Acknowledging this and letting people feel how they feel is important. They may already feel out of step because of the constant messages about how we’re all supposed to be merry and bright. You don’t want to add to that. You may be able to help by just being willing to lend an ear. If you need support you can find resources at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/ content/mental-health-support-in-bc/mood-and-anxiety, and https://www2. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-support-in-bc » We want to hear from you. Send comments to editor@cowichanvalleycitizen.com. Letters must include daytime phone number and hometown.
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Editor’s note: In last week’s Cowichan Valley Citizen Shelley Cook contributed a letter to the editor titled “Building support, building community, and building collective will.” Shelley Cook is the executive director of the Cowichan Housing Association.
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Save big cedar on 1st Street in Duncan On my way to the airport to catch a flight to San Miguel when I received some disturbing news. The caller said that the giant cedar on First Street near Jubilee was going to be cut down as the developer’s arborist claims it’s hollow inside. The new tree bylaw allows for large trees to be removed if they are considered hazardous. If in fact it is actually hollow, I don’t believe that necessarily constitutes a danger. The lifeblood of a tree flows through the cambium which is in the outside layer just inside the bark.
Bamboo,which can be stronger than steel, is hollow. In many parts of the world bamboo is used for scaffolding for tall building construction. One of the largest trees in Western Australia is the red tingle. The inside of these trees is more flammable than the outside and after a forest fire all that often remains is the shell of the trunk plus the canopy. I went inside one that resembled a cathedral with a black, vaulted ceiling. They continue to thrive for decades. The cedar on First has already been topped so there is no chance of it blowing over. It will just require selective pruning periodically to manage the weight on the lateral limbs. Before developers start to build they like a clean slate. All vegetation and soil are removed. When the building nears completion, if you are curious as to where the gardens will go, just watch where all the construction rubble gets dumped. That will be the garden. I’ve observed this numerous times and once again after
the condo was built on Second Street a few years ago. The landscaper was planting maple trees directly on top of chunks of asphalt and concrete in about 10 inches of soil. After taking photos I questioned whether he felt those trees would prosper. He seemed perplexed and insulted that I would question his planting technique. He thought briefly, smiled and then cordially replied. “Don’t worry sir, I’m only planting trees with short roots.” According to Peter Dinter, on his CBC gardening program, the average lifespan for newly planted trees in harsh urban environments is eight years. The elderly are very vulnerable in our culture. Be it trees, buildings or people. The future of this magnificent arboreal giant should be respectfully safeguarded. Alas, I fear that it will be gone by the time I return to Duncan. I already feel sadness and shame. Alan Shivas Duncan