The annual Christmas parties are getting started and it is time to drag out the address book and get those Christmas letters in the mail.
Yes, we are in central BC so the recent snow is nothing new for us; however it does inspire me to want to put on the Christmas carols and the fireplace TV channel and get down to the business of enjoying the holiday season. Don't worry and don't stress over it because in less than three short weeks it will all be over for another year.
I have heard the question many times, "What do seniors want for Christmas? What can I buy for a senior who seems to have everything?" Well my friends, you don't really have to buy most seniors anything. Here are some gift giving ideas that will be welcomed and appreciated.
Give your loved ones the gift of your time and shovel their driveway - not just once but do it all winter. Give them a handmade gift card with the promise of changing the oil or washing their car or perhaps mowing their lawn all summer. How about planting a garden and then weeding it for them or just doing all the work in the flower beds? If it is easier for you to hire it done then go ahead and do just that. Send in a cleaning lady, a handyman or someone to help them sharpen up their computer skills or to do a computer tune up.
In some cases it would be a big help, and it could be a lot of fun, to do some baking or make one of their meals each week, deliver it to them and then join them in eating it all. Better yet give them a book of gift certificates to book an invitation to dinner at your place.
Speaking of gift certificates, here are a few more ideas. Think outside the box; all gifts do not have to fit inside a box that is wrapped in third world produced wrapping paper. Everyone gets their hair cut so how about gift certificates from their favorite hair salon or barber?
Here is a neat idea: How about a handful of meal coupons purchased at a local senior centre. By the time the coupons are used up you have not only supported the senior centre your loved one might be enjoying an entirely new life as a member; once that starts to happen you may have to make an appointment to see them because they will become very busy.
I checked around and I found a few more ideas for useful gifts. There are interesting and useful night lights, large button TV remotes, fancy walking canes and magnifying floor lamps that make reading this newspaper a lot easier. My favorite one is the voice activated medication reminder alarm clock. You can also use it to remind yourself of anything from what day of the week it is to an appointment date that is drawing near.
Take your loved one to a Christmas concert. The Forever Young Chorus and the Gospel Singers at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 Tenth Avenue, have joined together to present their annual family Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec.14th at 2 pm. All 70 members from both choirs will be singing together to bring you an afternoon of entertainment certain to put you in the Christmas spirit. The admission is by donation with refreshments and goodie bags for the children right after the concert.
Get yourself into the holiday mood by volunteering in your community. With the help of my friend Jo Nore at Volunteer Prince George I have a list of groups that are in need some help.
The Canadian Mental Health Association needs volunteers for their Gift of Hope campaign to put together gifts for others. If you want to be a Santa's helper call Jeannine, 250-564-8644 ext 201
The Prince George Community Foundation needs help for a family friendly event at the Civic Centre on December 20th; just phone Brenda at 250-562-7772 for all the details.
My friends at the Prince George Council of Seniors Resource Centre need volunteers immediately to help with their Christmas Hamper Project. For more information just phone 250-564-5888.
The Prince George New Hope Society is looking for new and gently used backpacks to give out to the women at their Christmas party; for more details just phone 250-562-8680.
The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is looking for volunteer kettle bell ringers; for more details phone Sharon at 250-596-HOPE (4673).
St Vincent de Paul has an urgent need for many volunteers for various projects; if you can help please phone 250-564-7871 for all the details.
A special thank you goes out to Shirley Bond for the Seventh Annual Senior Christmas Celebration at the Coast Inn of the North that took place on Monday, December 8th. The event was hosted by MLA Shirley Bond and supported by numerous community sponsors.
December birthdays that I know about: Marlene Wenschlag, Dirce Pandolfo, Bill Bosnich, Laurie Meier, Catherine Halladay, Linda Schwarz, Ivy Whitfield, Roy Whitfield, Phil Staniland, Marie Horbach, Lucy Buchanan, Rebecca Woollan, Paul Duperron, Marg McLachlan, Jean Durston, Carlos Green, Wilfred Vogt, Margaret Keibel, Harvey Clark, Gisela Maikapar, Terry Burgess, Shirley Byman, Alcide Gauthier, Erika Gregson, Liz Zwarn, Elaine Sokolowski, Marie Parker, Lucy Young, John Warner, Faye Sibley, Joan Watt, Deb Wood, Jim Doucette, Joyce Shaw, Louise Wiebe, Mary McNeil, Denise Baldock, Erika Harders, Judy Schlesier and Donalda Carson.
December anniversaries: 59 years for Jack and Avis Cook, 58 years for Alcide and Margaret Gauthier, 56 years for Aimee and Lena Dumoulin, 52 years for Malcolm and Elaine Lamb, 51 years for John and Eva Werlberger, 51 years for Roy and Shirley Green, 50 years for John and Elsie Siemens, and 48 years for Mario and Emma Mauro.
