I don’t know about you, but I am back in full mask mode. I know, I know, there’s no mask mandate as such, but Ontario’s top doctor, Kieran Moore, has strongly recommended a return to masking as Ontarians face a trifecta of viruses – RSV, flu and, of course, that other one, the dreaded “C” word.
It’s hard to believe, but we’re now in our third winter holiday season under the watchful eye of the pandemic. Even two-time Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour winner, and Leaside Life columnist, Terry Fallis sounds a little less buoyant this month as he searches for the proverbial silver lining: “We can all still enjoy family and friends even if it means rooting around in both nostrils with a cotton swab before the warm embraces begin.”
Like him, I’ve been poked and prodded way too many times for my liking…yet I still got Covid. Has it gotten you yet?
So, what are people to do to enjoy the ho-ho-ho-holidays? Going back into full hermit crab mode no longer seems an option, or at least not the best option. I like Terry’s advice: “I think the key to navigating this strange new world without losing our collective marbles is to accept that Covid and its offspring may well be with us for a long time to come, and not to hang our hopes on a final and definitive eradication of this pernicious virus.”
Being outdoors as much as possible still seems to be a good strategy to enjoy the holidays. Did you know that in past years Leaside held an annual Yuletide lights competition? A panel of qualified judges roamed the neighbourhood in search of the sparkliest decorations. Ted DeWelles tells us more in his heritage column.
While that contest ended decades ago, I like the idea of walking Leaside to admire the lights and colours of the holiday season, both at homes and shops. The vibrant displays help to dispel some of the Covid gloom. May your season be bright!
