The future is not set in stone

 This is a time when forgiveness, love, and hope shine brightest, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties that life may bring. For many, it is a season filled with high expectations for the future, and while it can be joyful, it can also feel heavy for those who see only darkness ahead. Yet, this season offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rediscover the light that resides within each of us.

During the holidays, you may find yourself thinking about what gifts you can give to your loved ones, especially your grandchildren. Perhaps the most enduring gift you can offer is teaching them to love the world—not just its beauty and joy but also its imperfections and struggles. This kind of love is a powerful legacy, shaping their ability to find hope and meaning even in challenging times.

When I feel the weight of defeat, despair, or the sense of "So-what-ness," I draw inspiration from those around me who face tremendous hardships. I think of friends battling chronic pain or devastating illness who, despite their struggles, continue to affirm life with courage and grace. Their resilience reminds me that if they can hold onto hope, there must be something worth affirming in this world.

The meaning of life is not handed to us; it is something we create for ourselves. Each of us must determine what gives our lives purpose and significance. And at the heart of it all lies love—the love we feel, the love we share, and the love we nurture. What and whom we love shapes our days and our dreams, becoming the foundation of a meaningful existence.

Let us remember, especially during this season, that the future is not set in stone. It is a canvas, ready to be shaped by the love we give today, the aspirations we dare to hold, and the courage we summon to nurture what matters most. Change is inevitable—it often comes unbidden and unforeseen. But when love is our compass, we can embrace change with open hearts, confident in our ability to create a brighter, more compassionate tomorrow.

Kindness Eases Change

 I’ve seen how much power kindness holds, especially during times of change. Retirement often brings new beginnings, but it can also come with significant transitions—shifting routines, changing roles, or even redefining relationships. It’s during these times that kindness becomes an anchor, offering stability and warmth not only to us but also to those we love.

Kindness is the universal language of love, and it has an incredible way of softening life’s transitions. When we take a moment to express our care and love to family and friends, it reminds everyone involved of the deep bonds that hold us together, no matter how life evolves. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, or small acts of generosity, kindness creates a ripple effect of connection and reassurance.

Change can be unsettling, not just for you but for your loved ones too. A kind word or gesture during this time can provide a sense of security and remind your family of the enduring love that sustains you all. It’s not always about grand displays—it’s the simple moments that speak volumes.

The following are gifts of love that show you care, bridging the gap between generations and keeping relationships strong. A phone call to share a fond memory. A note telling someone what they mean to you. An offer to teach your grandchild something you’re passionate about.

Your acts of kindness become a part of your legacy. They demonstrate how much you value your family and friends, setting an example for how they might express love and care in their own lives. These gestures help solidify the bonds that hold families together, creating memories your loved ones will carry forward.

Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Share your stories, your wisdom, and your time. By doing so, you’re not just easing the changes in your own life but also helping your family navigate their own journeys. In offering kindness, you strengthen connections and remind everyone that, no matter the changes ahead, love remains constant.

In the end, kindness isn’t just a gift you give to others—it’s a gift you give yourself. It brings joy, reinforces relationships, and ensures that as life changes, you and your loved ones remain grounded in what truly matters.

You are loved and needed

During the holidays, it’s easy for some people to feel disconnected or doubt their place in the world. But there’s something we can learn from dogs wagging their tails or cats purring, even when life hasn’t been kind to them. They seem to know deep down that they’re loved, needed, and capable of making a difference just by being themselves.

This is a powerful truth for all of us, though sometimes people forget it. Life’s challenges, disappointments, or feelings of isolation can cloud that awareness. But like those animals who instinctively trust that brighter moments are always possible, we, too, are surrounded by opportunities to change things for the better—not just for ourselves, but for others.

Your presence matters.
During the holidays, your kindness, a warm smile, a thoughtful gesture, or even just your company can brighten someone else’s day in ways you might not realize. Whether it’s reaching out to a lonely neighbour, spending time with family, or volunteering for those in need, every action, no matter how small, ripples outward.

You are loved and needed.
Holidays remind us of the importance of connection. Someone, somewhere, needs your presence—your unique energy and love—to feel whole. It could be a close friend, a stranger you haven’t met yet, or even a pet who looks to you for comfort and joy.

Life can change fantastically in an instant.
Just like a wagging tail or a purring cat, you hold the potential to spark joy and healing. Your actions can help others remember their worth, just as you can rediscover your own. Together, we make the world warmer, brighter, and better—not just during the holidays, but all year round.

So, as you celebrate or reflect on this season, remember that you’re part of something bigger. You’re not just loved—you’re needed. And by embracing that truth, you can inspire hope in others and yourself.

 

Holiday scams and fraud

The spirit of the holidays is a time of giving for most but, for scammers, it is a time of taking. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre highlights the most popular holiday scams so that you can recognize, reject, report and be merry. For more information go to this link: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2021/11/holiday-fetes-eng.htm

Counterfeit merchandise

Counterfeiters can easily create websites that look like legitimate manufacturers and offer products at a huge discount. Look out for huge and flashy discount ads that direct you to websites that look like legitimate manufacturers. If you do receive any inferior/counterfeit products, they could pose significant health risks.

Selling goods and services online

When buying and selling online, both buyers and sellers need to be aware that not all offers are trustworthy. Be suspicious of customers offering to pay more than the asking price. Fraudsters will also target anyone selling a vehicle online; make sure to use reputable websites if a vehicle history report is required.

Charity scams

Charity/donation scams involve any false, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. Refuse high pressure requests for donations, ask for written information about the charity and do your own research. Remember to always ask the solicitor for the charitable tax number and confirm their registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or by phone at 1-800-267-2384.

Crypto investment scams

Fraudsters are using social media and fraudulent websites to lure Canadians into crypto investments. Prior to investing, ask for information on the investment. Verify if the company is registered by using the National Registration Tool.

Romance scams

Watch out for people entering a relationship with you for the purpose of taking your money or personal information. The fraudsters play on your emotions to get you to send them money for various, convincing reasons. They will say anything in order to gain your trust. Never send money to someone you have never met!

Cellphone promo and internet service provider scam

If you are looking to purchase a new cellphone this holiday season, don't fall for an incoming call claiming to be from your service provider. Fraudsters will claim to be a well-known service provider offering to gift you with a new cellphone and discounted plan. Always find the official phone number for your service provider and make the call yourself.

Online shopping

Fraudsters pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for items that do not exist. The listing price for almost any item (e.g. event ticket, rental, vehicle, puppy) is usually too good to be true. Research before you buy. Whenever possible, exchange goods in person or use your credit card for payment.

Phishing emails and texts

You may receive messages claiming to be from a recognizable source (e.g. financial institution, telecommunications company, service provider, shipping company) asking you to submit or confirm your information. They may even include a malicious link.

Secret Santa

You may have noticed multiple gift exchange posts on your social media feeds. This may seem like a fun activity where you only have to send one gift and receive multiples in return. Unfortunately, this exchange collects some of your personal information and also hides a pyramid scheme where only those on the top profit. Pyramid schemes are illegal.

Prize notifications

You may receive a letter or a call saying that you've won a trip, cash or a car, for example. You will be asked to confirm your personal information and then cover a few fees before your winnings can be delivered. Remember: If you didn't enter a contest or raffle, you can't win. In Canada, you would never be required to pay fees in advance.

Emergency

Is a supposed loved one reaching out to you because they need money now and you're the only one they trust to keep it a secret? Make sure it's actually them first by calling them from your contact list.

Gift cards

When buying gift cards in-store, make sure they haven't been tampered with by comparing others in stock and checking for a secondary fraudulent barcode that could have been added to the back of the gift card. They should also be considered like cash; once they are exchanged, it is unlikely that you are getting your money back. No legitimate business or organization will request a gift care for payment.

Identity theft and fraud

Fraudsters love a good shopping spree; especially when they're using someone else's name and money. Contact your financial institutions and credit bureaus, Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada, as soon as you notice:

a.    Suspicious activity on your financial statement/s

b.    Unauthorized activity on your credit report

c.    Letters approving or declining credit applications you did not authorize

d.    Re-routed mail

e.    Bills from service providers you do not use

Shipping Fraud

Fraudsters will impersonate legitimate shipping companies and send you unsolicited text messages or emails asking for your personal and payment information because your package can't be delivered, or it's being held for payment. Keep track of the packages you are expecting and don't respond or provide any information if you are not sure what the package is.