So, Here Is Christmas Again!
Dear Readers,
“U
nto us a child is born...” Those simple words announcing the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago Janice Doyle, have endured through Editor the ages to represent the season embracing late December. But what we all know is that from August in the craft stores to New Years Day on the football fields, the common theme of Christmas is commerce, and the air is full of images to make our heads spin with expectations. Surely you, too, can expect one of those happy early morning family reunions over the aroma of Folgers coffee in a beautifully decorated home! Perhaps you’d like to simplify. Keep the basic carols. Watch a few light, familiar (or Hallmark Channel) movies. Give a friend or spouse another unneeded item to unwrap. Call old friends and family. The problem is how to deal with the expectations—yours and others. (I did hear about a man who smiled as he reported that last year his wife had not asked him to get the 25 boxes of Christmas decorations from the attic. He never said a word about it—smart man!) I’m not anti-Christmas; I just believe that by having such a long, commercialized season children especially are the real losers instead of the winners, and that makes me sad.
There’s just no way to match the expectations set up by the ads and stories and visual images which surround us. It’s what makes a child keep opening gifts until there are no more and then say, “What else?” (And then he’s apt to be scolded for his attitude of ingratitude.) I am a retired middle school language arts teacher (it used to be called English class). Each year on the day before the school Christmas vacation I gave each of my classes a little talk. I explained that although movies and TV would have us believe that the Christmas season was going to be a time of perfect families, I knew that would not always be the case. I would then lower my voice to a confidential tone and say that some of them would have less-than-ideal vacations because of alcohol, drugs, shouting, arguing, neglect and loneliness in their homes. As I spoke of behaviors which happen in homes somewhere in every neighborhood, I would see faces identifying—and hurting—with my message.
My little talk with them always ended the same way: “I wish I could magically make all of your homes into the wonderfully lovely and happy places we see on TV, but I can’t. And if you experience any of this, I want you to know I am so sorry. Please know that I care. Try to be the very best person you can be, maybe even the only peacemaker in the house, no matter what.” Invariably, one little guy—who maybe hadn’t said much all year— would mutter “Thanks, Mrs. Doyle” on his way out of the room. And I remember one year a girl sat in the back saying softly through the whole talk: “Uh huh. You got it, Ms. D. Uh huh.” Let’s all promise this year to help alleviate unhappiness and suffering wherever we find it. Our world is hurting at every level and let’s each find ways to help, ways to bring peace to someone who is hurting. So, yes, here is Christmas again. Our gift to you would be what was said two thousand years ago: Peace on earth, good will to men.
Letter to the Editor
Hi there, I can’t thank you enough for the monthly editions of Lifestyles After 50. It’s very informative and has helped many people in this age category go forth in the everyday challenges in our lives.
It’s with great pleasure I go to the “Fun Fest” events and I greatly appreciate all of you and all that you do! You definitely have put a lot of fun and joy in my life and many of my friends have enjoyed participating in the many events. Thank you and God bless you all. —Ruth Peterson
Sarasota/Manatee Edition Published monthly by News Connection U.S.A., Inc General Manager Dave Tarantul dave@lifestylesafter50.com
Publisher/Director of Events & Marketing Kathy J. Beck kathy@lifestylesafter50.com Editor Janice Doyle janice@lifestylesafter50.com Office Manager Vicki Willis vicki@lifestylesafter50.com
Administrative Assistant Nancy Spencer nancy@lifestylesafter50.com Production Supervisor/Graphic Design Kim Burrell kim@lifestylesafter50.com Associate Editor/Production Assistant Tracie Schmidt tracie@lifestylesafter50.com Distribution (941) 375-6260
Advertising Sales
Sarasota/Manatee Julie Simzak: (941) 685-1676 Kelly Shirmer: (843) 568-9044
Lee/Collier and Charlotte Nancy Kuehne: (239) 822-6150 Customer Service (941) 375-6260 dave@lifestylesafter50.com
News Connection USA, Inc. P.O. Box 638 Seffner, Florida 33583-0638 (941) 375-6260 • (877) 535-3749 Fax: (941) 375-8178 www.lifestylesafter50fl.com Our other editions: Southwest Edition: Lee/Collier & Charlotte Hillsborough Edition: Hillsborough County Suncoast Edition: Pinellas/Pasco Counties Lake Edition: Lake/Marion Counties To learn more, call 1-888-670-0040
(813) 653-1988 • 1-888-670-0040 Fax: (813) 651-1989 www.lifestylesafter50fl.com
FCOA Attention Readers: The articles printed in Lifestyles After 50 do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the staff. Lifestyles After 50 endeavors to accept reliable advertising; however, we cannot be held responsible by the public for advertising claims. Lifestyles After 50 reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement. Our advertising deadline for the January 2013 issue is Dec. 15, 2012. Magazines are out by the 7th of each month. All rights reserved.
Lifestyles After 50 • December 2012 • page 4