Holiday time is a tough time for many — 2020 is no exception

This year, more than most, Christmas eve and Christmas day might be the loneliest time of year. Gatherings are difficult still, especially for the older population. Some of the most Christmassy people I know are having a really hard time this year.

Palmer Did Well—Our little town of Palmer has surely done its’ bit for holiday cheer and celebration. Weekly fireworks and horse drawn carriages were definite crowd pleasers. And we thank all the players for putting on a beautiful season. But without the traditional gatherings and feasts, the holy days of December are not as they were. Most of us have adjusted to the restrictions that come with The Pandemic. But let’s look out for those who are the most vulnerable and lonely.

Big Thanks—The best thing is to be grateful that we are looking at major progress with the Corona Pandemic. Numbers for Palmer exposures has followed the lead of the state with highly reduced daily numbers in the last week. Although there are many ill with the virus, there are many others whom have survived it at various levels. And there are the people that have died because of the virus or other complications related to the virus. But with the vaccination, we have hope. We will never forget this year. We will always remember it as a confused year of adjustment, loss and reduced expectations. Palmer will still be a wonderful place, especially when we look back and see how we cooperated as a community.

Big Kudos—Bravo to the Palmer, Butte, Sutton and other volunteer fire departments. Bravo to the first responders and the Red Cross. Bravo to the road crews, sidewalk shovelers and tow truck drivers. Bravo to the postal employees. Bravo to the law enforcement officers and the medical staff personnel who remain always on the front line.

Big Caution— Drive slow, especially over our bridges. Walk like a penguin—small steps, well balanced and attentive. Give pedestrians a break. If you’re in a big vehicle, it won’t hurt you to stop and let walkers cross the road—they’re negotiating the elements while you’re extra cushy and warm inside your rig. Be extra safe in these difficult conditions.

Feed The Palmer Area Birds—This is a simple thing we can do safely this year. With all the cancelations of parties and gatherings, our birds are still around, looking for food. You don’t need elaborate feed stations. A bit of bread or seeds is a nice gift to share for our loyal bird friends. It is a joy to watch the birds flock and gather and eat the seed crumbs. Please make sure your cat is indoors.

This week—Our Little Farm in Palmer is having a Thursday visitation for their outdoor sanctuary. It’s off Palmer Fishhook Road and full of animals and farm loveliness. It is also a good time for a drive around Palmer to look at holiday lights. In addition to the big state fair light display, downtown and many neighborhoods have some delightful holiday lights to see. Both the reindeer farm and the muskox farm have animals and holiday cheer to share; drive by and say hello to the alaska animals.

BELL RINGING—Every year they’re standing in the doorways, smiling and ringing and collecting alms for the poor. It’s a good thing. I’ve always thought it was a crime to walk by them without donating. The problem is that many of us no longer carry cash. So I’m learning to think ahead and carry some dollars, just so I can contribute and not feel guilty. In fact, there is a lesson in this time honored tradition from the Salvation Army. Convenience and a pandemic does not excuse good behavior and good behavior involves carrying some contribution cash for the worthy red kettles. Thanks to the volunteers who are ringing the bells and doing the work.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222