‘Tis the season for merriment, decor, parking spaces, choral music, cold weather, salty floors, Santa at the mall, lists and wrapping paper. It’s all a given, or so it would seem.

‘Tis also the season for Christmas Daddies, Toys for Tots, the Turkey Drive, White Cross Christmas, Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign…

Amidst all of the joyful sharing and family time most of us enjoy from year to year there are many people in our communities who do not experience what most of us take for granted…

Someone on your street or down the road is more than likely experiencing incredible stress, depression, loneliness or confusion. And at the same time it is interesting to observe the panic around Christmas. As we all get busier and busier with our lives it is not hard to justify the intent for the Christmas Season. It is almost like we have reserved this one time of the year for family and friends, and we end up putting all our energy into 3 weeks.

Imagine what it must be like for someone on the outside. If this (Christmas season) has become our big chance to spend time with our loved ones, then what of someone who doesn’t fit in to that window?

If I have learned anything since being elected, and if I have had my eyes opened wider, it is with those who struggle to get through the day. With those who are on the outside looking in, and worse, on the outside with no hope.

If you have the opportunity in the next couple of weeks, spread some hope around, and stop in and visit with someone in your neighbourhood. Chances are good their door will be open.