Christmas time can be intense. Just finding time to shop, decorate, pick up family members at the airport, make cookies, attend seasonal services or events, hosting family who've come to stay, seating family members at the table so there are no arguments, or adjusting to new grandchildren or marriage partners and other changes each year, can be tiring and emotional. And then we add in the deaths at Christmas. My Aunt Hattie died on November 27 this year, at age 97. She has been in contact with me all my life, one of the few family members who has stayed in touch and in recent years, she was the only one left of the elders in my family. Christmas is not only joyful; it carries an innate sadness as well. We mourn those we've lost more than any other time of the year. Life is not only change, it is also loss. For all of you who lost loved ones this year, please know you are in our prayers. I also hope all of us realize and feel the love of that little Christmas Eve baby, who loves us eternally.

Last evening the Naselle area sponsored a light parade with an overwhelming response from both participants and audience. Wonderful floats were presented, along with old trucks, tractors, and much more. Even with a slight rain it was great fun. Thanks to those who had the idea just a week before. Clearly the community wanted to see this happen.

The Eagle staff asked us writers to turn in our columns on Monday, meaning if you want to get something into the calendar of events, you'll have to get it to me by Monday at noon so it will make it into this week's paper.

Photo of the Week: Monitor Millworks in Monitor, Oregon sent a photo of the new windows they built for the Deep River Church ready for shipment. This is exciting. That little church means so much to this area.

CALENDAR: As you set up your calendars for the year, remember the Wahkiakum County Commissioners meet four Tuesdays a month at 9:30 a.m. Public comment is right away so if you have something you'd like to mention to them, you're welcome to speak at that time. They do not meet on the fifth Tuesday of the month if there are five Tuesdays. Visit their web site to get their Zoom information if you'd like to attend that way. I'm adding some monthly meetings to give you an idea of where you might want to participate or volunteer.

Rosburg Community Club: 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Knitting group at Naselle Lutheran: Mondays at 1.

AA meeting: Wednesdays at noon at Grays River Grange.

Grays River Fire Department: fire training on 2nd Thursday of month.

Grays River Fire Department: ambulance training on 3rd Thursday of month.

Grays River Habitat Enhancement District: 2nd Wednesday of each month at Johnson Park.

American Legion Post 111, Rosburg Hall at 7 p.m. on the 1st Monday of the month.

Johnson Park Advisory Board: Mondays at 9 a.m.

West End Food Bank: Thursday afternoons, 1-5 p.m.

Sewing classes: Tuesdays at Johnson Park, 11 to 2.

Senior Lunches Club: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at noon at Rosburg Hall.

CAP Senior Lunches, Thursdays at noon at Rosburg Hall.

Community Library and Computer Center at Johnson Park, 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Coming Events:

December 24: Christmas Eve service at Grays River Methodist Church at 5 with light refreshments afterward, and at Naselle Lutheran at 5 and at 9.

December 31: New Year's Eve Party at Johnson Park from 9-12 a.m. Bring snacks and family food, games for family and friends. Weather permitting.

January 1: 2023. New Year's Day.

January 4 and 18: Senior Lunches at Rosburg Hall at noon (second date is potluck).

January 11: Grays River Habitat Enhancement District meeting at 5:30 at Johnson Park.

January 17: Naselle/GRV School Board meeting at 6:30 in school library.

January 22: FAFF sponsored concert with Skamokawa Swamp Opera at 3 at Naselle Community Center sponsored by the Finnish American Folk Festival (FAFF) at 3.

CAP Senior Lunches: CAP/Thursday Senior Lunches are now located inside Rosburg Hall at noon.

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone, and Merry Christmas!