A friend emailed me a link to an article “Getting Through the Holidays” that offered good suggestions about planning your holiday celebration while grieving the loss of a close friend or family member. The suggestions are actually good for planning a holiday gathering, whether you are grieving or not.
When I was a child each holiday was a new experience that unfolded before me through the effort of parents, family and friends. As a young adult, some of the wonder of the holidays persisted as I took on the role as host or active participant.
But in time that experience changed. I looked back on past holidays and could pick those that were most special. I think to myself, “Thanksgiving 1986 was the best. Uncle Tim surprised us with his visit.” Or, “Christmas 1996 was the best. We all handmade our gifts and it was so much fun.”
To some degree holidays can cease to be new experiences but productions that are expected to surpass previous productions. But they don’t. Times change. Siblings marry and move and begin traditions with in-laws. Adulthood sometimes exposes cracks in what seemed to be the perfect family. The rift with Uncle Fred grows beyond healing and inviting him to the holiday table is just too painful. And people die.
For 20 something years, a special friend always joined us for Thanksgiving, but after his father died, he took on more responsibilities to care for his mother. He’s tied up with her on Thanksgiving.
I plan to be with my mother this Christmas. Dad died several years ago and his absence will leave a hole in the experience. But knowing that and planning can help make it a positive remembrance, a positive piece of normal grieving’ rather than a dark cloud hanging over the celebration.
I need to look at each holiday as new, like a child. And as an adult I do that by being aware of my expectations and manage them with realistic planning. Maybe 1996 will remain the best Christmas ever, but that doesn’t mean 2010 can’t be special in its own way. Who knows who may surprise us with a last minute visit?
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for the support and many kind words for our work at the Chamber. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
-- Bob Bamberg
Chamber office Christmas schedule: This office will close at 12 noon on Christmas Eve and not reopen until Monday, Jan. 3. It is traditionally one of the slowest weeks of the year. If you should have a matter of concern that can't be delayed until Jan. 3, feel free to contact me on my cell at 336-200-2468.
Only a few days left: December is coming to a close and so is the opportunity to help the Wellness Center secure their Raise the Roof grant. So remember to vote every day through Dec. 31 to help raise money to replace the canvas and vinyl cover over their pool with an insulated roof.
Since this campaign started we've moved up from 382, to 82 and lower but we need to get into the TOP TEN! Keep it up Alleghany. Tell your friends to vote. Please follow the link below and vote each day.
http://www.refresheverything.com/raisetheroof
http://www.refresheverything.com/raisetheroof
Help Save A Pet: Take your old cell phones and ink cartridges to the Carolina West/Bark Wireless store in Trojan Village Shopping Center, Sparta, and they will cash them in for money to give to the Save a Pet Foundation. Just take them by and drop them in the box. Also the Save A Pet drawing for their raffle will be Saturday at Buxton Abbey. Get your tickets and grab some of the bargains at Buxton. Saturday is their last official open day.
Last minute gift idea
Rebecca Todd, massage therapist at Holistic Health and Wellness, is offering special package deals and Christmas gift certificates. What a great Christmas present! Gift certificates are available for massages: 30 minutes $30; 60 minutes $55; and 90 minutes $80. Gift certificates are also available for the following packages: 5-30 minutes massage $100; 5-60 minute massages $200; and 10-60 minute massage $400. Questions: call 336-)200-2213 or 336-372-1666.
From now through Christmas
Don't miss these holiday treats. High Country Lights' display, synchronized to music, will dazzle you. Santa visits every Saturday and Christmas Eve. Click to learn more. Our own Alleghany Historical Museum is open and admission is free. Check it out. Haven't got your tree yet, there is still time. Check our list of farms. Don't forget the Crouse House Pickers every Monday and the Jubilee Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Rebecca Todd, massage therapist at Holistic Health and Wellness, is offering special package deals and Christmas gift certificates. What a great Christmas present! Gift certificates are available for massages: 30 minutes $30; 60 minutes $55; and 90 minutes $80. Gift certificates are also available for the following packages: 5-30 minutes massage $100; 5-60 minute massages $200; and 10-60 minute massage $400. Questions: call 336-)200-2213 or 336-372-1666.
From now through Christmas
Don't miss these holiday treats. High Country Lights' display, synchronized to music, will dazzle you. Santa visits every Saturday and Christmas Eve. Click to learn more. Our own Alleghany Historical Museum is open and admission is free. Check it out. Haven't got your tree yet, there is still time. Check our list of farms. Don't forget the Crouse House Pickers every Monday and the Jubilee Tuesdays and Saturdays.
For more details on programs, click on the links where offered.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
Everyone is invited to the final Community Advent Service of this holiday season at Sparta United Methodist Church and followed by a light lunch.
Everyone is invited to the final Community Advent Service of this holiday season at Sparta United Methodist Church and followed by a light lunch.
First Baptist Church in Sparta will offer a Special Communion Service at 6p. 336-372-8446
Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24
Sparta Presbyterian Church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service beginning at 5p.
Sparta United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service beginning at 6p.
Christ Episcopal Church will hold an 11p Lesson in Carols at their Christmas Eve Service followed by Holy Communion.
Sunday, Dec. 26
Join a New River State Park ranger for this informative program about Appalachian Evergreens.
Saturday, Dec. 31
Big New Year's Celebration with the live music supper and a 2011 breakfast at the Silver Dollar Music Park.
River Rock Grill rings in the new year, sponsored by Carolina West Wireless and the 21 Wireless store in Trojan Village Shopping Center.
Ring in the 2011 with New Year's Dinner at Davis Bourne.
Enjoy a 5-course meal and complimentary Champagne or wine to ring in the New Year at Nikolas.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Come to listen or come to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 8p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the courthouse. 336-372-4591
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6p. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 336-372-5473
>> Silver Dollar Music Park: Line dance lessons every Monday 6-8:30p. Supper served at 6p and lessons at 7p. Get both for $12; just a lesson or just a meal for $7. Check the website calendar. 336-372-6874
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>>Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with large squares illustrating quilt patterns and add interest to a driving tour of the countryside. Drop by Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>>Driving Loops: Brochures for three driving loops of the Alleghany countryside are available at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center. Each loop is about a leisurely hour's drive and includes information on historic points along the way. The Chamber office is in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Alleghany Historical Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to experience local history and to see the new displays, 7 North Main Street, Sparta.
Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for our Calendar. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.
Bob Bamberg
Executive Director
Alleghany Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
Director@Sparta-NC.com
Sparta-NC.com
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