By Raven Nyman
Council meeting cancellation
The regular council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28 has been cancelled. The next scheduled Village council meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Clinton council chambers.
The holidays are almost here
December is nearly here, which means that the holidays will soon be upon us. This year there are many festive events lined up in Clinton. From decorated trees to cheery craft sales, there are many initiatives in place over the next few weeks that are sure to help brighten the community.
I encourage everyone to shop locally this Christmas, when and where they can. I’ve found it much more rewarding to spend my hard-earned money on hand-crafted items that someone else has put their own hard work and passion into creating.
These purchases can produce a story, and perhaps a special interaction, if you happen to meet the artist. It feels good to know where your gift comes from, and it’s great to support locals, too.
As we move closer to the holiday season, there are things more important than consumerism, though, and that pressure that seems to hit post-Thanksgiving, where we feel the need to spend and “out-do” one another when it comes to gifting the “best” gift.
In reality, this is all quite trivial. Many families are without a place to spend the holidays, some are without a family to share in Christmas cheer, and still more without presents to give or receive this year. Sure, the pressure to spend is on, for those of us who are privileged enough to even have that option.
I must remind my readers that any pressure you might feel to spend is imaginary. We put it on ourselves, feeding into colourful holiday commercials that perpetuate the same silly message.
This year, I hope we can all find ways to celebrate the holiday season that don’t include going into debt to show people we care about them.
Giving back is a great start. Consider filling a shoe box for someone in need, or donating a family-themed hamper or gently-used coat to a local charitable organization. Volunteering is another simple option that can help you to both give and receive your recommended dose of holiday spirit this year. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime.
However you may choose to spend your holiday season, I hope that it will be joyful.
Christmas Merchant Madness and more
A Christmas Merchant Madness event will take place on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Village of Clinton, and a Christmas Flea Market will be held the same night at As the Crow Flies, which is located at1522 Cariboo Highway.
The “Crow” is partnering with Clinton’s Communities in Bloom committee to host a new annual event: Merchant Madness. This is an evening similar to those events hosted in neighbouring communities such as 100 Mile House, where residents shop locally during an evening of extended business hours.
After back-to-back summers of wildfires, highway closures, smoke, and now mudslides, local business owners are likely thankful for the opportunity to boost their winter sales.
The Crow is offering space to any local merchants who would like to set up a table inside the building and sell their goods at this event. There will also be hot beverages and homemade treats available at the site for shoppers to enjoy while they browse.
If you would like to book a table for the Christmas Flea Market, contact Brenda Slade at (250) 640-7720.
All sorts of crafts, treats, and other creations are welcome at the sale. A number of local vendors have already been confirmed, so be sure to come out on Dec. 7 with your friends and family for a great evening of local shopping in Clinton.
And don’t forget: the following day, Clinton’s Art and Cultural Society will hold a Christmas Artisans’ Bazaar at the Clinton Legion. On Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. residents and visitors are welcome to stop by the Legion (basement) to browse and shop a wide variety of local artworks, crafts, baking, and more.
Christmas Banquet and Silent Auction ahead
The Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle will host its annual Christmas Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Clinton’s Memorial Hall. The community is invited to enjoy a complimentary evening of great food, as well as carols and a Christmas message.
The evening will feature a silent auction, with proceeds directly supporting the Kids Rock Bible Camp that takes place at Big Bar Lake each summer. The silent auction begins at 4:30 p.m.
There will also be a Christmas Candlelight Service organized by the Bethel on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
The service will take place at the Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle and will include music and a Christmas message, as well as hot apple cider and treats to follow.
DSS Christmas break
Students at David Stoddart School in Clinton have their last day of classes on Friday, Dec. 21, and are on winter break from December 22 to Jan. 6. Classes will resume in the New Year on Monday, Jan. 7.
Do you have Clinton news? Contact Raven Nyman at ravenbrookn@hotmail.com.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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