Funny how December always brings out these thoughts, an end to the year, an end to the first half of our winter hideaway, but also the end of the shortest winter day. Like life, there are down thoughts but always uplifting ones.
(Courtesy of Judy Olson)
December is also the Christmas season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, or have other faith traditions, we all have an affinity for the same message, ‘peace on earth, good will to man.’ And of course, any celebration always includes our family and friends. They may be with us, or miles apart, but all are close in our hearts. Pictures adorn our walls, and cards and letters that arrive in the mail are proudly displayed. Today, of course Facebook, Facepage, etc. — seems like a new one everyday — bring instant gratification of up-to-date happenings and pictures from our loved ones.
What happened to anticipation? Uh oh, an obvious sign of not being a techie! I suspect we will be hanging iPads and phones on a surrealistic tree next year. Just kidding.
The ability to maintain our relationships at a long distance over these winter months is truly a blessing, and affords us the warmth of Florida as well as the warmth of friends and family. We look forward to the last weeks of December each year.
At Happy Days we have many traditions to support this. One of tradition that has both a fun and a pastoral side is the annual Christmas caroling. The Happy Days Carolers again serenaded the residents, who found themselves partially restricted to their homes. They always consist of a blend of divas, wannabes, amateurs and a few questionable once-a-year vocalists. But in the spirit of serenading our friends, somehow they always make it sound special.
We also took this opportunity to select the best decorated trailers. The winners this year were (again) Don and Sharon Rollenhagen, Roger and Helen Yerdon, and Bob and Barb Evans. I think we all need to go to after-Christmas sales and buy Christmas lights to outdo the Rollenhagens next year.
On Dec. 21, we had our annual candlelight service in the hall. Another inspiring service put on by the Happy Day’s Church. The glow of candles in the darkened hall gives us all an opportunity to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, not the glitter of flashing lights, but the birth of mankind’s Savior, Jesus.
On Christmas Day, we wrapped up the festivities with our annual Christmas dinner. More than 70 residents shared in a potluck-style dinner with hams provided by the corporate office.
It is hard to believe that another December has gone the way all good things go, quickly. The time of celebrating our individual faiths strengthened our souls, and the time maintaining our northern and Florida families was gratifying.
Now the daunting task of pushing 2014 into the record books is upon us. We take up that challenge with happy hearts, and see that a proper New Year’s Party greets 2015! Corporate, management and staff, Dan and Judy Olson and Jeremy, and all the residents of Happy Days, wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, and invite you to drop in and see us on Allen Road.
By Ian Marwick
Published January 14, 2015
