It has been and is our pleasure to reach out with this Blue Christmas Service. All Welcome! The service takes place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located at 4235 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo. “Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a loved one; feeling sad, sick, lonely, and anxious about the holiday season or future while others are celebrating. We want you to know you aren’t alone. When you leave the service and God’s house, our prayer is that you will feel uplifted, peaceful, comforted, and experience God’s love for you.”
Community News
Give Yourself a Gift
The holidays are a perfect opportunity to nurture yourself while giving and receiving. Amid all the hustle and bustle, give yourself the gift of time to relax and be calm. Is this difficult for you? Gift yourself a Body Code session that can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to make this season easier for you. A Certified Body Code/Emotion Code Practitioner can assist you in taking time to relax and enjoy the beauty of this season. Call today for a complimentary information session and discover how to release negative emotions that no longer serve you.
Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Don’t Forget the True Meaning
The holidays are an exciting and happy time of year for many. While we are celebrating Christmas with close friends and family, others may be apart from loved ones and feeling lonely and isolated. If you know of anyone experiencing this, please reach out to them. It can be as simple as a check-in with cookies, conversation spent over a cup of coffee, or a gift left at their door. Little gestures can make a big difference to make them feel remembered and cared for. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
Do You Have a Blurry Mind Map?
Chronic pain can be a result of a blurry mind map. Our brains have a map of our bodies: a sensory map and a motor map. The sensory map gives and receives information on sensation, and the motor map, on movement. If the map is unclear, the brain may interpret that as a threat, and one of the responses to threat is pain. You can reduce pain simply by refining your mind map. You can gently massage near the pain site or further away. You must do so with intention and concentration.
Family Treasures
The holidays are a good time to think about downsizing and who many want some of your treasures. Your children and close friends may be gathering at your home. This is the opportunity to offer items to your loved ones. Ask if they actually want and can use an item, rather than assuming they want your belongings. Make it clear that saying “no” is acceptable, as they may have different tastes and needs. You can organize items by category and handle sentimental items with care by creating scrapbooks or discussing the stories behind items to preserve their meaning. Visit our website for more downsizing tips.
The Holidays and your Teeth
The holidays are coming, with candy, Christmas cookies, and fancy drinks. Go ahead and indulge in the delicious foods of the season in moderation while still following good dental hygiene. *Don’t brush your teeth right after you eat. The acids in foods can weaken your enamel if you brush too soon. By waiting 30 minutes, your saliva will neutralize some of the acid. *Watch your sugar intake. Too much sugar can negatively affect the PH of your saliva, which helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. *Be sure to brush and floss regularly. Happy Holidays!
Motivation is Key
Motivation can change anything. When we are motivated, we feel empowered and driven to take action. It helps us set clear goals, develop actionable plans, and stay focused on achieving them. Motivate Me provides personalized support to help you reduce and quit tobacco, vaping and nicotine products through one-on-one and group support. We will empower you with the mindset, tools and encouragement you need to succeed. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of each specific individual and group. It’s time to change how you think about nicotine. Let’s get started.
Connection, Warmth and Kindness
December can be a joyful time, but for many seniors, it also brings loneliness. What they want most isn’t expensive gifts, its connection, warmth, and kindness. A simple visit, phone call, or shared meal can brighten their entire season. Many hope to feel included in family traditions, have someone to talk to, or receive help with winter tasks. Others find joy in giving back or revisiting old hobbies. This holiday season let’s remember the seniors around us. Small acts of care can make a big difference. Sometimes, the best gift is simply showing up.
Benefits of Custom-Made Orthotics
Appropriate footwear and orthotics improve stability by providing a solid foundation that enhances balance, corrects biomechanical misalignments, and supports proper posture. This integrated approach reduces strain on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back, which helps to prevent pain and injuries. Many local seniors are benefiting from custom-made orthotics. The pedorthists at Common Sense Orthotics take the time to assess your needs and custom-build the orthotics on-site from a three-dimensional model of the patient’s foot. They offer a year of free orthotic adjustments to ensure everyone gets an ideal fit. Could you benefit from orthotics? Book an assessment today!
Stay Hydrated this Holiday Season
While you are enjoying this holiday season, be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids to stay well-hydrated. Water is best. Dehydration, especially for seniors, can be dangerous, with symptoms that may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, fainting, and weakness. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it is best to match every drink with a glass of water. Drinking too many caffeinated beverages can also lead to dehydration. Try to consume high-water-content foods such as soups and fruit with delicious desserts and holiday treats to help with hydration. Happy Holidays!
