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by Sonja Graham The Sunday School Christrias ncert was once again an ens joyable evening for all. Following the pot luck the children did a wonderful job of entertaining us by Ken Gadsden § One week to Jo Christmas seemed so far away just a {| short time ago. And now here itis upon us. While many will be | scurrying around picking up last minute items this week, oth- ers may find themselves facing the prospects of no job, very little money and inability to buy the gifts they'd like to get for family and friends. Emotions get magnified at this time of year. Joy and ex- citement soar. Depression and loneliness plummet. Keeping on an even keel gets tough. Emotional behaviour may lead to prions at home, at social events and on the road. {You new I'd get around to that last one didn't you) Tough times exacerbate the problems of emotional beha- viour. Taking the time to recognize the state of your emotions and getting them under control prior to a flareup could elimi- nate painful aftermath. If it is the other person's emotions that are the problem then recognize that and give them some lati- tude and understanding. - If they're more inconsiderate, selfish, or greedy than they || should be, decide ahead of time whether or not you need a | collision - mental, physical or automotive. To resolve the prob- tt lem. Accept the fact that in most cases you cannot control the | actions and behaviour of others. Keep your cool! Be prepared! | Plan your approach. Don't be goaded into negative reactions. Resolve to be a survivor. It may look like a black hole &f right now but times will change. There's some light down there | if you look for it. It may not show up right away but it will if you 8 give it time. . Sounds kinda nutty but I've found that talking to myself § can help to maintain that even keel: "Well Kenny boy you're getting yourself pretty worked up. What for?" : "Do you need an accident?" "Why are you in such a hurry"? : "Are you really going to save any time by rushing so § much?" : a "Is the time saved worth the risks?" i } "Don't let that nut affect you any more than necessary" t § { : "You may be able to make a difference in this world but i ® you can't change everybody so why are you getting so bent. b out of shape trying?" 4 "Wotinell are you doing?" Etc, Etc. Quite often you're hardpressed to come up with a sensi- : ble answer and the result is to settle you down, contributing to more rational and considerate behaviour. Why not resolve 8 right now, that regardless of economic or external circum- i stances, you're going to get into the true spirit of Christmas - © "Peace On Earth, Goodwill Toward Men" and remember & "Men" in this case refers to men, women and children. : Well so far in this article references to driving have been © pretty oblique, But | think you're getting the idea - your state of || mind affects your driving. 3 So let's harken back to the Canada Safety Council's six conditions of driving and the pre-trip mental inventory that | we've been discussing over the past couple of weeks. 3 Take a few seconds to do that inventory each time you step behind the wheel. Ask yourself: - Are there any unusual conditions of light, visibility, weather, road or traffic that | can expect? - - Is my vehicle fit and ready to drive? - Am | fit to drive? Rested or tired? Calm or emotionally up- set? Free of the effects of alcohol or medications? If you get the right answers, circle check your vehicle, fas- ten your seatbelt, turn on the ignition and go. You are mentally prepared for the trip ahead. If, however you or your vehicle are not properly prepared, make alternate arrangements. Take a bus or taxi, walk or call § a friend for a ride but do not turn on that ignition. The defen- § sive driver will do everything reasonable to prevent collisions. 3 A point to remember if you have been drinking and de- cide you won't drive but will sleep it oif in your car - if you are in the vehicle along with the keys you could be charged with impaired, even though the car isn't running. So be smart. Plan ahead. If you're going to be drinking don't even come close to driving. : ¥ Well the year is coming to a close. The debates rage on: the Persian Gulf, Canadian Unity, the G.S.T., taxes, the econ- omy, the environment, landfills and on and on. It's enough to get you down, until you stop and realize this is still one of the best countries in the world and Port Perry is one of the best places in it. We're lucky to be here. The lake is pretty, sunsets § are beautiful, the air is fresh and clean {well relativelyl}, and § Queen St. is one of the most attractive main streets any- § | § where. 2 | 3 | wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the best of £ © good times in the New Year. 3 Bs, Arey all. Santa made his appearance and presented each child with a goodie bag and the chance to sit - on his knee and let him know of their wishes. Many thanks to Marg Stevens, Bonnie Reynolds, Laura Fitzsim- mons and Terry McIntyre for all their hard work with the children. Congratulations to Laura Fitz- PRR ages hat NS oa PURI PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, December 18, 1990 -- 25 simmons on the birth of a new daughter Emma Ann, born on December 8. Eleven ladies gathered at the home of Sonja Grahams for the U.C.W.'s annual Christmas pot- luck supper. After finishing the business of the evening a delicious supper was enjoyed and birthday wishes were extended to Mary hit at Myrtle Christmas concert Housego and Jessie Couper- thwaite. Many thanks to Anne Budd for the yummy cake. Christmas Eve Service at Myr- "tle Church will be held at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. From my family to all of yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming New Year. Open Christmas Eve 9 A iv FREE GIFT WRAPPING Mto 5PM; gt ceed BoxinaDay BROCK'S QUEEN ST. PORT PERRY To you, our friends and customers ... We wish a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year ... from all of us at BROCK'S