As 2020 comes to a close we can all breathe a sigh of relief that it is finally over.

With COVID-19 shutting down everything. With new protocols and ways to work and learn, we have all learned a lot this year about how isolation can take a toll.

Yet through all the hardship there has been great kindness. Here on the Sushine Coast the community raised over $30,000 for the Elves Club, which gives out donations to different organization on the Coast in need of help.

The Elphinstone High School Leadership class did a food drive that brought in over 4,500 items and $1,390 in cash. This is double the food that is normally donated and 9 times the amount of money usually donated. With it, over 178 individuals and families in Gibsons were serviced and some also went to the Sechelt and Pender Harbour Food Banks.

The Sunshine Coast Secret Santa helped 46 families in need. This year has been tough, but it shows that when we all pull together we can do great things.

With vaccines on the horizon, hopefully 2021 will be a year of renewal. Renewal of friendships and communities. 

Have a Wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season!

Happy New Year! 

And May 2021 Bring You All Health and Happiness!

If you get clear weather this week then you’ve hit the celestial jackpot.

Not only is there a meteor shower about to peak, but a great conjunction of planets that hasn’t been seen for 800 years—is now visible. 

Today Monday, December 21, 2020, Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer to each other than they have for nearly 400 years. It’s around 800 years since they have been so easily seen.

For the rest of December, they will appear to be super-close in the post-sunset night sky.

It’s called a “great conjunction” because Jupiter and Saturn are the two largest planets in the Solar System, and to the naked eye they’ll look like a single bright star. 

Tonight, December 21, and into the early hours of December 22 the Ursids meteor shower 2020 will also strike. So, if you go out stargazing expect to see a few shooting stars.

How, When and Where To See It

It’s being called the “Christmas Star,” but it is all about planets, not stars. The two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn will look like two bright stars that are almost touching, when seen by the naked eye. 

It will all happen just after sunset in the southwestern sky on December 21, 2020 and will take place low to the horizon. The two planets will sink below the horizon about two hours after sunset so you will need to be quick.

This is a historic sight. That we won’t see again in our lifetime. 

How, When and Where To See The Ursid Meteor Shower

Although you can see shooting stars from the Ursid meteor shower at any time between December 17-26, the peak night is December 21/22, 2020. Midnight will be the best time to get outside looking up. 

Expect to see between 5 and 10 shooting stars per hour if you have a clear, dark sky away from light pollution. Facing generally north is a good idea, though the streaks will appear longer to the east and west and they radiate out from Ursa Minor.

The Ursids meteor shower is the result of dust left in the Solar System in the wake of comet 8P Tuttle, which enters the inner Solar System every 13 years and is due back in August 2021. 

So if you are lucky enough to have clear skies tonight and in the next week get outside and do some star gazing.

This holiday season is going to look very different, and celebrating in-person is going to be limited. But don’t let 2020 steal the fun.

This year, bring people together virtually for an online Christmas Eve or Christmas Day gathering. Send out Christmas care boxes to family, with a pair of PJs, hot chocolate mix/tea/coffee and a download familiar holidays tunes, so that even though your far apart, your linked together.

Create special holiday memories — virtually and safely. Holidays are a great reminder that we are all in this together.

Look Like A Star

Instagram stars look great in their videos — by using a ring light to create a soft glow. Want to look your best when Skyping with family and friends? Get yourself a ring light — add it to your mobile device when virtually visiting for lots of fun.

The Taste of Canadian Christmas

The Nanaimo bar, invented in British Columbia in the 1970s, can be found in the freezer sections and make an easy, no-bake addition to your festive dessert platter. If your area has a Christmas treat special to it maybe add it to your care box. Or make sure your virtual guests have a similar treat to enjoy.

A Safe Self-Serve

The beauty of a single-serve beverage machine is that those in your visiting bubble can safely social distance while helping themselves to their favourite hot beverage whether it be coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Lights, Camera, Celebrate

The holidays are celebrated in many ways. During Hanukkah, candles are lit over eight days, the perfect opportunity to create a virtual candle lighting event for eight nights in a row!

Merry Christmas To All

Get the family “together” and have grandma or grandpa read, “A Night Before Christmas.” Before St. Nick comes to visit.

Santa Via The Post

Sending out your own Christmas care packages? Here are tips for packaging and for getting them to their destination on time.

* Keep the outside of parcels free of string, ribbons or cords.

* Line the inside of the package with a plastic bag to keep dampness like rain and snow away from precious gifts.

* Canada Post’s mail-by guide lists these deadlines: 

Local parcels posted by Dec. 18; 

Regional packages posted by Dec. 15  

National parcels posted by Dec. 9. *THAT'S TODAY!

But I wouldn’t wait that long if you can help it as this year is going to be a busy one for deliveries.

For all the men and women who have fought for and helped to protect the freedoms of our country, we all Thank You.

We Remember the sacrifices in life, body and spirit you have given; though we cannot attend ceremonies, assemblies or other public events this year.

We still remember those who have served in the past and those who continue to serve today.

We Will Not Forget!

With Halloween only 2 weeks away, our Halloween creativity will have to be cranked up this year. The B.C. Centre of Disease Control has released guidelines on the best way to celebrate Halloween while remaining safe and reducing the risk of exposure or transmission.

Indoor gatherings, big or small, put people at higher risk of getting COVID-19, according to the centre. Therefore, consider watching a Halloween movie or observing other traditions with your family or small social group rather than hosting a party.

Pandemic Party Rules

You should know everyone who attends, no plus ones. Don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes or vapes. Be more outside, than inside. Keep the space well-ventilated with windows open. Because hand sanitizer is flammable, be careful around open flames.

Trick-or-Treating Safely

Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out. Keep to your local neighbourhood this year; avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or indoors. Trick-or-treat in a small social group of six people or fewer. Leave space between you and other groups. Wash your hands before you go out, when you get home and before eating treats. Keep hand sanitizer with you if eating treats on the go. You don’t need to clean every treat but you should wash your hands after handling treats. Do not touch your face.

Handing Out Treats

Use tongs when handing out candy. Hand out individual treats instead of offering from a shared bowl. Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats. Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose and mouth when handing out treats. If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats which also ensure kids won’t need to touch the door or doorbell. If you’re not able to remain outside, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, and any other high-touch surface often during the Halloween night. If you are decorating, avoid props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.

For more information visit bccdc.ca.