Tis the Season to be Jolly
“Tis the season to be jolly”…this often used or overused quote is an all too familiar part of our human DNA especially at that time of year. With the winding down of classes and last minute corrections being applied to the overwhelming amount of exams, combined with those irrevocable words of holiday wisdom we so tacitly administered to our students. We pat ourselves on the back (and rightly so) for surviving another semester. I understand all too well the relief and jubilation that comes with knowing “I’m done.”
December 10 of this year was our Annual SAFA/AUPE Christmas party, the intent behind this annual event is to bring as many of our association members together for some upscale nosh, a few libations and the ever awaited vocal exultations of “I’d done…finally”, to each other. Handshakes, slaps on the back, sincere hugs and promises of getting together in the New Year are all the more familiar and welcomed gestures of our festival event. Old arguments, out of place comments, petty differences and unintentional sarcastic connotations are soon forgotten and disposed of as we engage in the surroundings of our festive location and our colleagues at arms.
This year it would appear that there was a larger turn out of people at our Christmas Party than previous years, could this possible be a sign that the atmosphere at the institution is changing, do we really believe that we as a faculty are actually being listened to!!…well so long as no Grinch steals that belief it looks like 2015 could be the pessimistic revival we have been anxiously waiting for.
So let us all take the time to enjoy our festive break, embrace our families and loved ones near or far. Indulge in the copious assortment of seasonal goodies and complain about it later. Wish the belligerent neighbor next door a Merry Christmas, give a prayer of thanks to whoever you maker may be for the abundant resources we share, pray for peace, and finally keep safe and be kind to one another. Natale hilare et annum faustum.
James McWilliams
SAFA President