Have a happy, hectic holiday

Robin Goldsworthy

Barely two weeks away is the big day, Christmas, and I’m ashamed to say that I’m almost having palpitations as I realize how quickly it’s approaching.

I say ashamed because, as it is every year, Christmas is on Dec. 25 (though there was discussion here in the office to change the day, but that’s another column) and I feel unprepared.

Why does this seem to happen every year? It’s not as if I didn’t know that this day was coming. However, I do feel compelled to offer some excuses as to why I feel caught in the holiday cross hairs once again.

First off, it’s hard to get into the holly-jolly spirit of the season when every time I turn on the radio or television news, I am told that, basically, California is ready to go belly-up. We’re broke, poor, strapped. Hold onto your cash, folks, ’cause there’s no more coming your way. It doesn’t help when you wake up Monday morning, as I did, to hear that your parent company (Tribune, which owns the L.A. Times which owns – gulp – the Valley Sun newspapers) has filed for Chapter 11. I am assured by the Powers That Be that all is well and it’s OK to cash my paycheck after all. Business as usual, folks. But it doesn’t do much to foster a light-hearted spirit.

On a more positive note, the official holiday season kick-off, the Montrose Christmas Parade, was a huge success with so many CV Sun readers on hand to wish us happy holidays as we traveled down Honolulu Avenue in my son’s truck, which was properly decked out.

There are so many activities to help bolster the holiday spirit, as long as you don’t get overwhelmed. CVHS is hosting its first-ever talent show tonight and the winter instrumental concert next Friday (you can find information on both in the Schools section). Santa is due to visit Lincoln Elementary tonight, too.

Tomorrow, Saturday, is the annual Holiday Tour of Homes benefiting CVHS Prom Plus, the post prom event for CV seniors and their guests (for tickets and other information, see the article on page 24).

Next Monday, the Historical Society is extending a public invitation to its holiday potluck at the Woman’s Club. All they ask that you bring is a dish to share and mementos from years past.

Maintaining a regular schedule is woven among these great events. Going to work, doing the laundry, buying groceries — life’s regular activities aren’t allowed to be put on hold as we focus our attention on holiday happenings.

But just as my head is about to spin off my shoulders, I remember that the one for whom Christmas is celebrated (oh, is she really going to say it?) is not pushing me to do one thing. That’s right: Jesus Christ, the reason for the season, isn’t rubbing his palms together, waiting for birthday treats. In what I have found to be customary fashion, the good Lord quietly waits for me to set the time aside to heave a sigh and turn my attention to the one who deserves so much of my attention. And while I seem to fail miserably in achieving this, I don’t feel chastised, but welcome.

Which makes me the recipient of the best gift of all.

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If you want to have your Christmas spirit renewed, I invite you to learn about the White Envelope Project at www.whiteenvelopeproject.org.

The project is based on what is reportedly a true story about a man who hated the commercialism of Christmas and how he and his family discovered their giving spirit. Their story and the tradition they started which is now shared around the nation is inspiring and a wonderful way to remember how fortunate we are.

ROBIN GOLDSWORTHY is the city editor of the Crescenta Valley Sun. She can be reached at Robin.Goldsworthy@latimes.com or at (818) 790-8774, ext. 14.