As the calendar flips to December, we enter the most eagerly anticipated holiday season of the year with Christmas and New Years only several weeks away. Not as if we needed to be reminded! The bombardment of Christmas advertising seems to arrive earlier every year. And, if your family is like mine, it does not offend, as it reminds us of this special day just a little bit sooner.
It is amazing to think of all the traditions we have we have to anticipate Christmas and also the New Year. Consider just “food” traditions. For some, this time of year launches a frenzy of Christmas cookie baking, making candy or even fruit cake (not a favorite of some but I love it!) And only a week after the Christmas dinner extravaganza we are on to planning the New Year’s Eve Party!
Another dimension is Christmas shopping with the retail industry’s exhausting efforts to get our attention with their sales promotions and extended hours – all to accommodate our well- intended passion to purchase the perfect Christmas gifts we want to share with family and friends. In a similar vein we have the special tradition of sharing Christmas cards, greetings and family letters. All bring joy in the sharing and receiving.
Have I mentioned Christmas decorations yet? Yes, another reminder of the holidays that helps build the anticipation for Christmas is the enjoyment of the unique styles, family traditions and favorite ornaments which adorn our homes and other spaces. And a New Year related décor item is the arrival of calendars to help keep us organized for the coming year. Isn’t the special 60th Anniversary Tel Hai Calendar spectacular?
Finally, we anticipate the spiritual significance of Christmas through inspirational concerts, advent services, caroling or simply reading the Christmas story. An effective way to cope with the stress and busyness of the season is to take time as the familiar carol says to “let every heart prepare Him room” through these types of activities.
As we look ahead to 2016, at Tel Hai we have so much to anticipate. We will celebrate 60 years of service through a year-long series of special recognition events commemorating our Diamond Jubilee (and already scheduled for you in the 60th Anniversary Calendar!) We will look forward to welcoming our new Bay Tree Court cottages neighbors through the spring months and also begin to enjoy the new hillside amenities (tennis court, clubhouse, amphitheater, event lawn and gardens) later in the summer.
Whether through Christmas or in the New Year 2016, may you find joy in anticipation. Alexander Shulgin said it well, “Some part of me can’t wait to see what life’s going to come up with next!”
Joe Swartz
President & CEO
Tel Hai Retirement Community
