Snow on the ground as I write this. Who knows what will happen by Friday, but whatever colour Christmas might be, I have a suggestion for gift giving. It doesn’t matter if it’s last minute or in addition to whatever else is under the tree.
It comes from GGD#2. Her name is Tiera. She is six. A few weeks ago, when her parents asked her what she wanted from Santa, she said “Hugs.”
They were taken aback and wondered where that came from. This little person does not go short in the hug department. She is both a hugger and a hugee and has adoring adults around to hug with. Obviously she thinks hugs are a good thing.
Shortly after I heard about this, I came across a Facebook item recommending giving hugs as Christmas gifts. They are free, and one size fits all. They are also environmentally correct and can be re-gifted with a guilty-free conscience. Some Googling revealed that scientists believe hugging is a healthy activity because it gives both parties an emotional lift and it is an excellent method of communication because it gives a positive message. Another bonus is that when you give a hug, you get one back. The perfect gift.
It is interesting to note that both Pope Francis and Prime Minister Trudeau are huggers. Both are almost always pictured hugging someone. Maybe if other leaders — global and local — hugged each other once in awhile the world would be a better place.
It isn’t likely Tiera got the idea of hugs for Christmas from Facebook or TV, but she is obviously is onto something. Let’s try it.
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A full moon will light Santa on his way this year. The next time it happens will be 2034. It begins Christmas Eve and peaks early Christmas morning.
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At least two school concerts presented a Canadian version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Geese, gold nuggets (instead of rings), hockey players, pine tree instead of pear tree, etc. It was fun.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.