Eulalee Thompson

Dear Readers,

Distractions - there are many - but for our health's sake, we absolutely should find enjoyment in this season of Christmas, and without the guilt. The ritual of Advent and Christmastime is a respite, breaking the sameness of daily routine. My Christmastime rituals are in high gear - 'de-cluttering' physical space and mind, making guest lists and preparing menus. But, I have omitted to tell you of my most important ritual - packaging items of clothing and food for others who are in need. It is a decision to share 'peace, love and happiness'.

Speaking of sharing, I couldn't help but have a good laugh while editing Rosalee Brown's article (see C3). The handsome young man sitting next to her on the aeroplane flight back home the other day wouldn't leave her in peace, but what a disappointment it was that he couldn't even complete the immigration forms - he could hardly read or write. You see, in the real world today, beauty, unaccompanied by brains, has little currency, and that goes for women and men; brawn is just a passing fancy.

But Rosalee isn't only in 'catastrophic mode' about the state of our boys; out of this experience and, in the spirit of sharing at Christmas, she has the kernel of an idea which each of us could adopt. Her idea is to regularly invite a needy boy to a meal. I really like the idea and I am highlighting it for you readers in the hope that it will catch on; maybe we can start a movement. It's just something that we can do to effect change. Belly-aching and talking about 'the country mash up' is just wasted energy.

I've always loved dining out (or in, for that matter) because a meal is more than a meal. It's a relaxed setting to commune with people, to pass on important values and standards of behaviour, to serve the people you care about and to make people feel loved and special. The table top dressings all have their special place and use and this is not an elitist idea - it's about inculcating in young ones the order of things and ways of being. You don't get that perspective eating out of a box or rummaging in the garbage bins; so if you have a dinner table, start nurturing at least one needy boy (or girl) this Christmas. If you like the idea, drop me a line and let's start a movement.

Enjoy our Special Christmas Edition; our theme is peace, love and happiness. From the health team, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com