Here in Northeast Ohio, ’tis the season for snow, wind, ice, shorter days, longer nights and all the other reasons to hibernate until brighter, warmer days ahead. But, before hibernation begins, the hustle and bustle of the coming holidays is upon us.

The holidays don’t bring joy and good cheer for everyone. For those who have an overabundance of holiday spirit, please reach out to those you know and share some cheer to those who may be struggling this year. That small gesture or moment could be the cherished, unforgotten moment that helps get that person through this holiday. Also, keep them in mind this winter with a visit, a call or maybe just a simple card sent in the mail. The smallest of gestures help.

Under the Trumbull County Senior Levy, a program exists for snow removal for seniors, especially for those with the greatest need. Consumers that have called prior to the snow flying have been added to either a list to be serviced this season or placed on a wait list. If you are to be serviced this season, someone would have reached out and confirmed you are on the receiving “Santa” list. If you need this service, please contact Comfort Keepers at (330) 747-3541 or this office, (330) 675-7846, as this list is continually being monitored.

This service is contracted to a snow removal company through Comfort Keepers but will transition under the Trumbull County Commissioners around the beginning of February. The plan is to have a seamless transition. Keep in mind that removal only occurs once the snowfall exceeds 3 inches.

For the holidays, and to bring you joy and a smile during these chaotic weeks leading up to them, here are some holiday traditions that, personally, I am glad are not followed in current times. Maybe they are still practiced, but I am unaware of such.

Everyone has heard of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, but for Christmas celebrations in 18th-century England, men were allowed to kiss ANY woman standing under the mistletoe, and if the ladies refused, it meant bad luck. Kissing any woman might get you jail time today!

The original St. Nicholas stocking folktale sometimes is said that he left oranges instead of gold coins. Why? Putting oranges in Christmas stockings was a much more affordable tradition than a bag of gold, yet the exotic fruit still seemed a rare, indulgent treat for the winter season. I think I would rather have a bag of gold at $4,225 an ounce as opposed to the $1 orange. I do remember, though, in my youth, having an orange in the toe of my stocking each Christmas. I loved that orange but how about a Nerf ball instead? I’m sure my brother would have preferred to have a Nerf ball hit him in the head instead of an orange!

My favorite though is the bathtub carp! Our family has never done this but we are aware of it. The “carp in the bathtub” tradition is a Central European custom, especially in Poland, Czechia and Slovakia, where a live carp is kept in the bathtub for a few days before Christmas Eve dinner to cleanse its gut, ensuring a fresher, less muddy taste, It also served as a practical, prerefrigeration storage method that became a fun, symbolic experience for children. Families purchase the live fish, let it swim in clean bathwater, then prepare it (often fried and breaded) for the festive meal, with some traditions even including keeping a scale for good luck. What happens if you only have one bathroom? No showers for the few days before dinner sounds lovely.

In closing, as Steve Martin, the famous comedian, said in his 1991 “Saturday Night Live” monologue, “If I had one wish that I could wish this holiday season, it would be that all the children join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace.” Of course, since it is Steve Martin and SNL, the wishlist changes but ends with, “If I had five wishes, my fifth wish would be that all the children join hands and sing… ” with wishes one through four not so wholesome.

May joy be found this Christmas by all even if just for a small moment. Take care of your loved one, and reach out to those in need.