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Simply Living: Finding
Holiday Joy
Though
you'd never believe it from the balmy weather of the
last few days, a quick glance at the calendar proves it
— it's December. Packed malls, downtowns festooned
with lights and trees strapped on car tops signal that
the seasonal shopping frenzy has indeed begun. But is
there a way to enjoy the holidays and still live simply?
No, I'm not talking about wrapping
packages with recycled newspaper or making ornaments out
of egg cartons (I'll leave that to Martha Stewart). I'm
talking about finding joy in the simple pleasures of the
season.
Take music for instance. This time of year, the Valley
resounds with some of the most soul-stirring music ever
created, played by musicians and sung by choruses large
and small. You can hear the wonderful Greenfield High
School Select Chorus under the direction of Paul Calcari
on December 12th in a free Mid-Week Music event at All
Souls. On December 15th, glory in the magnificent Haydn
Creation as performed by the Pioneer Valley Symphony
Orchestra & Chorus. Surround yourself with the
poignant strains of the archguitar in a benefit concert
presented by Rural Renaissance on December 16th in
Shelburne Falls. Participate in one of the many town
carol sings, like the free event being held by the
American Guild of Organists this Saturday at Christ
Church Cathedral in Springfield. Give — or receive —
the gift of song this season. It will make you smile and
bring you peace.
Or take shopping. Instead of hitting the mall, why not
buy handcrafted gifts at a holiday fair? Discover
seasonal treasures galore this Saturday at the annual
All Souls Holiday Fair in Greenfield. Check out the
Amherst Farmers' Market and Craft Fair, being held
through December 15 at the Red Barn at Hampshire College
in South Amherst. Venture out to Worthington Town Hall
for the Hilltown Artisans Guild Holiday Celebration Sale
on Dec. 8-9. Take in the South Hadley Falls Holiday
Craft Fair (also this Saturday) at United Methodist
Church. Support your local artisans and crafters. You'll
feel good about it and so will they.
There are so many ways to enjoy the holidays and still
tread lightly on the Earth. Bake cookies. Reconnect with
old friends. Spend time with family. Offer your talents
to a Valley organization. Serve food at a community
meal. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa
or the Winter Solstice, take some time this season to
reaffirm what really counts — life, love and
community. The Valley, and indeed the world, will be a
better place for it.
(Back
to Simply Living)
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