b'Preparing. (continued from page 43)HonestcommunicationwithyourlovedoneswillTHIS CHRISTMAS, SHOP ATbe more important than ever this year.Most of us have made huge concessions in our lives and have adapted to the new world order of public health mandates.We have done the crisis management thing and have gradu-ally adjusted to a less social, less busy life.Many people are working from home, commuting less often, shopping anddiningoutlessfrequently,andcocooningmore. Driveway, fence and porch visits have become precious. Wehaveexaminedourprioritiesandmadedecisions about how we want to shape our lives in the midst of this.In as much as the pandemic has been a blight and a curse, it has also provided an opportunity for re ection.I understand that it will be important for our mental health to confront our anxieties about the holidays and toFeed begin to make workable plans. Coping ahead and accept- Farm Supplies Equine ingandplanningTack & Supplies for a di erent kindHonest communication withGiftware, Clothes of holiday season isyour loved ones will be moreBirdseed, Pets my current priority.important than ever this year.and so much moreA longer-term plan includes a reward family vacation for a time when we are no longer in a public health crisis. Im fantasizing about holiday destinations and travel plans and setting aside some funds to make that happen when it is safe to do so.40 Vanedward Drive, Port PerrySome concrete items on my personal to-do list for holi- 905-985-7363accounts@ppf.cawww.ppf.caday planning include the following: Mon-Fri: 8:30-5Sat: 9-3Sun: ClosedContacting close family and friends and asking how we can safely share some holiday magic. Sending holiday cards (e-cards and regular ones).Baking two or three special holiday treats and mak-ing arrangements to drop them o .Purchasing most (if not all) gifts locally to support our struggling merchants.Contributinggenerouslytocharitiesthatsupport those in need (i.e., Operation Scugog).Focusing on the reason for the season and being re ective about what the holidays represent.Allowing myself to grieve a little for what will not happen while also acknowledging that however aw-ful this feels, it is temporary and will eventually end. I hope this is helpful to those of you who are similarly struggling to make things feel special in the midst of what is truly challenging.*(U of S counsellor offers advice on copying with hol-iday stress during the pandemic, Regina, CJME News, October7,2020,https://www.cjme.com/2020/10/07/u-of-s-counsellor-offers-advice-on-coping-with- See us for handy and holiday-stress-during-the-pandemic/). useful gifts for your*(How to Cope with Holiday Family Gatherings andAutomobile Enthusiasts!the Coronavirus Pandemic, October 8, 2020, Cleveland Clinic,https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cope-Port Perry Auto SupplyPort Perry Auto Supplywith-holiday-family-gatherings-and-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ ). 16050 Old Simcoe Rd., UnitBy local author, Lucy E.M Black,#1 Port Perry905-985-8481Special to Focus on ScugogFOCUS - DECEMBER 202045'