Westmount creates that holiday feeling

Strolling along Sherbrooke Street and Greene Avenue, I am always delighted to encounter the friendliness of the shopkeepers and we greet each other with a special fondness. It is not everywhere in the city that someone can feel such an authentic connection. Westmount is extraordinary not only for its location and architectural beauty, but also for its embracing character.

Around holiday time this camaraderie intensifies with contagious and spirited warmth. Stores display collection bins for the needy, schools assemble non-perishable items for those unable to afford a proper Christmas, church events are planned and synagogues initiate Hanukkah parties. By November, the activity is in full gear and yearly, Westmount blossoms with goodwill.

The personal sentiments of holiday and what they truly mean tend to alter throughout a person’s development, and I have frequently contemplated how much my values have transformed along with me. Some of the issues that I had once deemed significant no longer are and the ones I was so oblivious to seem to mean so much. Although my recent hopes for this time of year have become simpler, they are in fact, harder to obtain.

Childhood projects a fantasy world spelling wonderment and endless possibilities. As the teenage years emerge along with a newfound identity, religion may not have as much significance. During this time there can be an assertion of independence towards freethinking and a rejection of values that were indoctrinated by parents. With this introspection, teens may challenge the rituals and commitments of religion. But once children marry and have their own families, the holidays tend to regain meaning, as there is a need for their young ones to experience what they once cherished. Parents and grandparents focus on reuniting, as many loved ones may reside far from home. The perspectives of every generation alter with growth but hopefully they remain channeled towards important values.

Beyond the annual merchandising, and decorating, religious overtones still ring vibrantly clear. Synagogues in the area are arranging for the Hanukkah festivities, which commence on Tuesday, Dec. 4 until Wednesday evening, Dec. 12. Each year, the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue holds a community-wide candle lighting on Dec. 5 at outside Westmount City Hall. Back at the synagogue, the celebration continues with games, refreshments and latkes.

In addition, on Friday, Dec. 7, this synagogue hosts a Hanukkah Shabbat dinner for its members. Temple Emanu-El Beth Shalom will be having their special Hanukkah dinner organized by their Sisterhood and Brotherhood but reservations are essential at 514-343-0447. On Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the children’s party will take place with candle lighting, latkes, and dreidle spinning.

Westmount Baptist Church on Roslyn and Sherbrooke are setting their holiday scene by welcoming the entire community. On Sunday, Dec. 9, there will be a joint Christmas/Hanukkah concert featuring the Montreal McGill Suzuki Group directed by Dr. Alfred Garson and accompanied by Yoko Sayeki. On Sunday, Dec. 16, the children of the Sunday school will participate in Christmas vespers and refreshments will be served. To culminate the spirit of the year, on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., there will be a candle lighting service to rejoice another Christmas season.

Experiences influence our perceptions and through them we should earnestly try to sift out trivialities. Frequently, I cannot conceive how much I have personally changed concerning my position on rituals and heritage. At this time in my life, during holiday time, there is always this great focus on making each year more exceptional. But of course everything revolves around the family, as that is what really makes this time a true celebration and Westmount represents the ideal locale to make holiday dreams come true.