Of a certain age...

The holiday season officially began here in Sisters with the lighting of the town Christmas tree in Fir Street Park the day after Thanksgiving, an event I shared with my son who was visiting from Seattle.

The sun broke through in time for the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, replete with dogs, alpacas, veterans, fire trucks, children, and Santa riding in a horse-drawn wagon.

Small Business Saturday was a good reminder to spend our holiday (and everyday) dollars locally in support of our neighbors who provide great shopping opportunities year-round.

Lighted snowflakes now adorn the downtown lampposts. Businesses and homes are wrapped in twinkling lights, illustrating our nickname of "the town of tiny lights."

All the usual traditions are in full swing. Kiwanis is camped in their trailer in the Ray's parking lot, offering See's Candies' sweet confections to help support their generous charitable efforts and service projects benefitting local residents.

The Lions Club has opened its annual fundraising Holiday Faire on East Hood Avenue and Spruce Street, offering handcrafted gifts and décor.

At Ray's Food Place, shoppers can add $20 to their grocery receipts to help purchase food for their neighbors who need a little extra help with everyday necessities. From the Giving Tree located at Ray's, residents can choose a tag for a boy or girl here in town, who may not have any presents on Christmas morning other than those provided by an anonymous caring "Santa." Purchase the gifts and take them, unwrapped, to the Sisters Fire Hall to be distributed.

Choosing that tag and finding just the right gifts to fulfill the wishes of a child is my favorite thing to do each Christmas season. Knowing that I can bring a sparkle to the eyes of a child gives me a wonderful feeling, which is the only present I need.

Find a card on the Angel Tree at Paulina Springs Books and purchase books for a child participating in SMART, Start Making A Reader Today.

From food drives in our local schools and the Ten Friends Himalayan Holiday to Christmas concerts and church services, December in Sisters is filled with activities marking this special time of year. However you observe the season, regardless of faith or belief, the end of each year is a time filled with traditions and celebrations of some kind for most of us.

There are, however, those among us who find it difficult to celebrate. A Christmas tree won't fit in a car that is providing the only shelter for a single mother and her two small children.

If not for the generosity of the community, for some there will be no food for a special meal. After using limited funds to pay for rent and utilities, there will be no presents. The excesses enjoyed by many of us are only a dim wish for others among us.

Some of our neighbors have food and shelter but are alone and lonely. They could use caring visits and conversation with a friendly neighbor.

Sisters is known for its generous community spirit when a need arises. For some, that need exists every day, not just at holiday time. Consider starting a new tradition this year. Let the donations you make now continue to be made year-round. Human need knows no season. Poverty, hunger, isolation and homelessness are always

among us.

We may not see them here in Sisters if we don't know where to look, but they are here. We have organizations like the Family Access Network that face the challenges every day. Support them and many other local organizations as they work on the frontlines to provide a hand up or a handshake.

We can all give of our time, talent, and treasure not only at holiday time but all year long, to provide some comfort, assistance and humanity to ease the burden of those in need among us.

May we spread joy and peace as we share our abundance with those who have less.