(Facebook/Laura Alexander)

By Angie Rolheiser

Moe Christmas message

Hope spreads throughout the province ahead of the holiday season

Dec 18, 2020 | 4:39 PM

Although Christmas holidays will be different this year, we still have hope.

Hope was the message a Melfort nurse decided to spread in the community with lights on a balcony at the hospital and that has spread across the province.

Premier Scott Moe mentioned Laura Alexander’s ‘Hope movement’ in his Christmas message earlier this week.

“I was happy that he was able to speak about some positive things, not only the things that I did, but things that other people did around the province to help bring some joy,” Alexander said. “With all of the things that have happened this year, it was nice to hear about reactions and how others contributed positively to their communities.”

In North Battleford, lights were also placed on top of the hospital, for example.

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Also in Melfort, Al Jardine of the Northern Lights Woodcarvers did a snow sculpture in the front yard of Alexander’s facility administrator that also reads ‘hope.’

Snow carving in Melfort by Al Jardine. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

“I thought that was really special,” Alexander said. “Unity and support are so important especially for us healthcare frontline workers.”

In Moe’s message, he spoke to the importance of abiding by the public health guidelines to control the spread of the virus to protect one another.

“I know it’s disappointing,” Moe said. “We all want to get together with family and friends during the holidays. But we are doing this for one Christmas only.”

The vaccination program is being rolled out in the months to come but precautions need to be followed in the meantime according to Moe.

“Better days are ahead in Saskatchewan,” he said. “Life will return to normal and in a year’s time we will come together again, to enjoy the holidays the way we should, the way we always have.”

Alexander agreed that the message of hope has definitely been amplified a bit more with the arrival of the vaccine in Saskatchewan. We just need to remain diligent over the Christmas season and in the coming months.

“Knowing that there is something available that can potentially prevent the spread of COVID-19 is super exciting,” Alexander said. “I’m hoping that the majority of the province will get it and we can see less people get sick and less deaths.”

For the most part, she believes that most people are receptive to getting the vaccine.

“It makes it hard to convince people about the effectiveness of the vaccine versus the possible side effects or whatever they are seeing on Dr. Google,” Alexander said.

As for gathering for the holidays, Alexander wanted to remind everyone that we are all in this together.

“I know it’s hard and I understand as a mom, wife, sister, and daughter, it is extremely difficult to not get together with family,” Alexander said. “I’ve had the talks with my children about our choice to isolate from our families, it’s not easy.”

It shouldn’t just be healthcare workers that are making these efforts according to Alexander.

“I guess we can’t exactly change what other people are doing but we know what we are doing is best for our family, friends, teachers, and people in our community,” Alexander said.

However, Alexander reiterated the premier’s message that it is just for this year and it will make next Christmas that much more special.

“I feel like you grow more from the difficult things you have experienced in your life so by going through these hard times, you will appreciate the little things a bit more,” Alexander said.

The public is reminded to do their best to social distance, wear a mask, and wash hands frequently.

A suggestion from Alexander is to drop off presents if possible, wave through the window and not hug or share a meal this holiday season.

“It’s tough but it will make a difference in overwhelming our healthcare system,” Alexander said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser