By Kevin Marois

I want a goat for Christmas.

Yes, four legs, fur and smell. I got a goat for my dad one Christmas so I think I’d like one this year. If you can’t afford a goat, I’d settle for a couple of chickens. But we’ll talk more about that later.

This time of year is usually frenetic. Customers panicking about their cleaning. Staff not showing up because the roads are icy, and the buses aren’t running. The boiler doesn’t work because the pipes are frozen, and we just ran out of hangers. Equipment issues always seem to be bigger problems at this time of year. Customers (ours and yours) can be impatient and demanding.

Then there are the hotels and contract customers. How much did they spend this year? What size of gift/chocolates/poinsettia do you need to give them? What do they expect from you? What do you have to do to keep their business? It’s a juggling act trying to meet everyone’s expectations. You need a holiday from the stress leading up to the holiday.

The real meaning of what we are celebrating at Christmas gets lost in the frantic rush. I’d like to encourage you this year to take a few minutes to say thank you to the people who have contributed to your success. Spend a few minutes speaking to each of your staff members. Without them you wouldn’t have a business. I’m not saying just buy them chocolates or pizza. Try to actually spend a few minutes with each of them and say thank you. We have all been blessed. It is time to express our appreciation.

While you are at it, rather than buying chocolates for people who don’t really need them, why don’t you make a donation to help someone who really is in need? If you go to Samaritan’s Purse, you can buy a goat for a hungry family in Africa. There are organizations that provide drinking water to people in need. Or eye glasses, medical treatments, etc. Women’s shelters are looking for help. Food banks, shelters for homeless people – they all could use your help. Most of us don’t need any more chocolates.

We have been blessed and it is time to share that blessing with others. Take some time off and spend it with your family and think about the real meaning of Christmas.

Some places you could consider donating to:

Samaritan’s Purse (they have goats and chickens)

The Salvation Army

The Calgary Food Bank

Calgary Dream Centre

Or your favourite local charity. They’re not hard to find, and they’d really appreciate it.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The Gospel of Luke 2:11, 14

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2026.

Kevin and Paula