Sara Troy on Sara’s View of Life show, on air from November 29th
Am I getting old, or are manners becoming a lost art? Simple words like “please” and “thank you” seem to be fading from everyday life, and courtesy is rarely taught or practiced. Yet when someone takes a moment to say thank you, it reminds us that what we did mattered, that we are seen and appreciated.
Do you remember Carole King’s song: “You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart…”? A genuine smile can shift the energy in a room. A little courtesy, a heartfelt “please” or “thank you” can brighten someone’s day — including your own.
And now we’re plunging into the big, bustling Christmas season — when everyone (and yes, even their dogs) is out shopping. The crowds are loud, the shelves look picked over, and frustration rises fast. You’re normally patient… but the line feels endless, the clerk is overwhelmed, and that perfect gift seems to have vanished.
Breathe. Be patient. The season is meant to be joyful.
Courtesy can be contagious — let’s make sure we’re spreading the right kind.
When one person snaps, it ripples outward. But kindness ripples too. Here are some tips to help you keep your cool and your cheer this holiday season:
1?? Plan ahead — Don’t leave everything to the last minute. Spread your shopping over a few outings so you can look without pressure.
2?? Do your research — Flyers, catalogues, and online browsing can give you gift ideas before you go out.
3?? Ask for a list — Especially helpful with teens and tricky relatives. Choose something special from what they suggest.
4?? Shop smart — Avoid weekends if you can. Evenings during dinner hours are often quieter. Take break moments for a warm drink and a recharge.
5?? Give meaningfully — Consider donating in someone’s name or creating gift baskets for those in need. Include your children — it teaches giving from the heart.
6?? Gift cards count — Teens love post-Christmas sales. Add a small personal gift to show thoughtfulness.
7?? Gifts for spouses — Don’t buy household items as the gift. Choose something personal and treasured — jewellery, experiences, favourite music, cozy luxuries.
8?? Show love both ways — Practical gifts are great, but sprinkle in something playful, romantic, or fun.
9?? In-laws — When unsure, keep it classy and universal: good wine, a festive treat, an ornament, a family photo gift, or a lovely outing. Respect personal beliefs in your choices.
? Make it personal — Homemade or heartfelt gifts — writing, baking, painting, music — can mean more than anything purchased.
BUY LOCAL AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
When someone says, “You shouldn’t have!”
Reply: “Of course I should — you’re worth it.”
And if you receive something you don’t love?
Say: “Thank you for thinking of me — I feel very special.”
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just the gift…
It’s the gratitude, the grace, and the love behind it that people remember.
appreciated
Thats Christmas is to me
Courtesy is one of our greatest human assets. It costs nothing, yet it carries tremendous value and is always appreciated. When someone takes the time to do something thoughtful for you this season, pause and truly acknowledge the effort — the energy, the intention, and the care behind it. Be grateful that you are the one they chose to give to.
If you can’t reciprocate with material gifts, offer your time, your attention, your kindness. Time is precious — and giving it is often the most meaningful gift of all.
Gratitude is the best response.
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REMEMBER THE HOMELESS, LONELY, FORGOTTEN, GIVE A GIFT OF LOVE, FOOD, CLOTHING, TREAT, CANDY, AND RESPECT.
MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE tis-the-season-to-be-kind
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I do not belong to a church myself, as I have not yet found a church with a religion that is nurturing and looks upon people as a family, not a commodity. I look back through the centuries and see the history of religion and it terrifies me. How many wars have been in the name of religion? How many people have died in the name of religion? Even today. And why do they have to die to prove themselves to God?
We have diseases that are killing us every day and we have desperate environmental problems far bigger than the argument of whom to pray to. In the end I believe religion is used as a control factor to control those who cannot or will not take charge of their own lives and who are unable or unwilling to give to others. It is all about power and control, theirs not yours, and let us not forget about the money. Look how rich some of the churches are, they collect every week for your guilt. You will go straight to hell if you do not pay the church to forgive your sins. Forgiveness is something you have to do to yourself first and then to ask forgiveness to those you have hurt, no church can exempt you from that no matter what you pay them.
As we usher in a new age, and a new day in the US, under new leadership, there are those in our community who are perhaps sad, disappointed and confused. How could this happen? I have been asked this question many times this week. So let’s look at the bigger picture…
Jeff Nichols Midnight Special, is an excellent supernatural character study. A man (Michael Shannon) abducts a boy (Jaeden Lieberher), who possesses paranormal powers. They’re pursued by members of the cult to which they belonged. Only gradually do we realise that this is his son and he is protecting him rather than harming him. The FBI get into the act and track the boy and father with a terrible ruthlessness. When we finally meet the mother, Kirsten Dunst we come to understand the terrible burden this family has been put under. The Cult built around the boy feels robbed, but the boy with his ability to sear you alive is unique. He needs to be with his own kind but where are they? What are they? This is a human mystery that turns over your emotions at every turn with great performances from Shannon, Lieberher, Joel Edgerton (as Shannon’s friend), and Kirsten Dunst. A much undeservedly neglected film
Above average Marvel movie with brilliant special effects and wit and style. One leaves impressed not just by the magic but how skillfully they can take such a selfish prig who by learning humility (well a little) turn him into a fighter for justice. It’s a triumph of style over substance but definitely superior to many other Marvel films of late. Cumberbatch is always fun to watch.
The Revenant won Oscars but sticks in the mind for trying to be historically accurate and not politically correct with a stand out performance by Leonardo. It was illuminating reminder about life as pioneers and how little respect everyone had for the lives of others and or the environment or animals. Historical movies tends to gloss over the inconveniences of the past but perhaps we are more ready to admit to just how rapacious it all was and had very little to do with glory or justice.
+ Stranger Things on Netflix was more compelling than fifty other movies in 2016 and a welcome return to our screens for Winona as the hysterical mom. The kids were brilliant and it doesn’t matter they stole every plot from Stephen King because they were all good plots.
Charming, cute, sad and bittersweet tale of a boy forced to befriend a girl dying of leukemia.
SING – brilliant rip off of any number of Reality TV singing idol shows with singing pigs, crocs, hedgehogs, frogs. the Trailer is totally wonderful. Can’t wait to see it.
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