Christmas kindness is the best gift of all

The first day of the 12th month is dawning. In 31 days, we’ll celebrate the arrival of a new year, but between now and then, there’s much Christmas to be celebrated. This time of year, we all wish, or pretend, that life is a Hallmark holiday movie. But alas, life is seldom tied so neatly in a pretty, happy-ending bow. The holidays do bring out the best in people … generous hearts, helping hands and wishing strangers Merry Christmas. We seem to pause a little longer to watch snow falling or smile at the sight of a child sitting on Santa’s lap. Christmas songs on the radio also bring a smile.

What I wish is that we could and would remember this feeling of good will toward our fellow man and practice kindness in March and June and September, every day of every month.

An often copied quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind,” is so very true. This time of year can be exceptionally challenging for so many for hundreds of reasons.

The best gift you can give is a smile to a stranger and extending a bit of grace to those who might need a little bit of Christmas hope. Be kind. Always.

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We're living in a real-life snow globe, and this weekend, local communities will be turning on the Christmas lights in spectacular fashion. First up is the Post Falls WinterFest and Plaza Market on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Santa’s ETA is 6:15 p.m.

Hayden Chamber’s second Outdoor European Christmas Market on Friday (4 to 9 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) in McIntire Family Park. On Saturday, the Christmas Lights parade starts at 5 p.m., tree lighting at the park immediately following.

Post Falls Chamber’s Tiny Tree Festival at Red Lion Templin's 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Rathdrum’s lighted vehicle parade on Saturday at 6 p.m. on their historic Main Street.

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The Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene presents a free performance of "The Messiah" with orchestra, chorus and soloists Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at NIC’s Schuler Performing Arts Center.

If you’ve sung the Messiah and would like to join in on the sing-along, there are scores available. You can participate by showing up at 2 p.m. for a short rehearsal prior to the performance.

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The Main Street Thanksgiving Black Olives on Fingers Challenge 2022 winner is Lynn Kohl of Post Falls. She sent me a photo of a dozen members of her family of all ages around the table proudly sporting 10 olive-clad digits each. Winning!

Andrea Fulks is the undisputed champion of Black Friday shopping. Since she was a teen, Andrea has turned day after Thanksgiving shopping into an Olympic sport. This year, she began at 5 a.m. and tapped out at 9 p.m. In between she and her friend, Christine Gookin, 37 stores were visited in their Black Friday outing. With at least one stop at home to unload her treasures before heading out again, there were two breaks to carb-load.

While I admire Andrea’s stamina and enthusiasm, I did absolutely zero Black Friday shopping. Ho! Ho! Ho!

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Having attended every one of Ellen Travolta’s special Christmas shows at The Coeur d’Alene Resort for more than a decade, I can tell you this year’s performance is a delight. So fun, festive and intimate, if you’ve never been, treat yourself! Call 765-4000 to see if there are any tickets available.

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Happy Birthday today Kevin Ekness, Larry Quimby, Carol Kreighbaum, Raine Solberg, Carolyn Walker, Shirley Thagard, Kevin Krieg and Cindy Scinto take another trip around the sun on the last day of the month. The first day of December Chris Pappas, Marge Chadderdon, Jay Bremner, Emily Castle and Connie Price. On Friday Brandi Hague-Little, Lois Holom and Wally Adams mark their special day. On Saturday Joyce Ekness, Carol Fairhurst, Sandra King, Brittany Teverbaugh, Norbert Vedder and Jennifer Keefe open their presents. Carrie Ward, Bob Brooke, Tina McWhorter, Bayley Brooks, Dirk Fredekind, Doug Shevalier and Barry Corigilano celebrate on Sunday. Jennifer McGrath, Sharlene Scott, Marna Bateman and Annette Barstow were born Dec. 5. On Tuesday Kathy McDowell, Melanie Chun, Jocelyn Stott, Jennifer Hawkins and Kylie Allen celebrate.

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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press. More Main Street blog is at http://moremainstreet.blogspot.com. Kerri can be reached at mainstreet@cdapress.com.