‘Tis the season

As the events of the week have shown, the world can be a scary place.

The 12 dead at the Christmas market in Berlin, the Russian ambassador shot dead in Turkey and the three shot at a mosque in Zurich are just the latest in a long list of terrible things that have taken place over the past year.

However, there are many things that have gone on to show just how great this world can be. As with any of the horrific events like those mentioned above, there are also tales of heroism and bravery, people helping complete strangers at what could be the most terrible time in their lives. And in the days to come, it is safe to say that there will be more tales of good deeds that come out of dark days such as these.

And while it is true for all 365 days of the year, this time of the year stands to remind us just how good people can be. Whether it be acting in the face of terrible events such as those that took place on Monday, all the way to doing something closer to home like volunteering for a charity or offering to shovel the snow from a neighbour’s driveway, people are, on the whole, good.

So when you see your friends or family this holiday season, rather than arguing which politician deserves a lump of coal in their stocking or which one deserves extra gifts under the tree, it makes more sense to recognize the good that people do for the community, most of whom do it not for the recognition but for the sheer goodwill of it.

And this holiday season, why not take the time to help those that need it? Why not offer a helping hand at a food bank or shelter, why not offer to help your elderly neighbour with getting the snow and ice off their walkway, why not invite someone over for dinner that doesn’t have anyone to celebrate the season with? The list goes on, and you can add to it.

This edition marks the final Oshawa Express for 2016. We will be back with a special Saturday edition on Jan. 7, 2017, where we will be taking a look back at the year that was, and we will return to regular Wednesday publications on Jan. 11.

From all of us at The Oshawa Express, no matter what you are celebrating this holiday season, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Pancha Ganapati, Winter Solstice, Festivus or anything else, have a happy holiday and a fantastic new year!