The winter can be a long and dreary season. The snow and sleet, howling winds and bone chilling cold can only be a mix for a terrible day.
Even the sun, impatient with the frigid conditions, remains aloof and seemingly disappears by four o'clock, not even bothering to leave us a memo on when it'll be back.
Yet, when I look out my of?ce window, I see something strange: People walking by with huge smiles on their faces, couples holding hands and families snapping photos of each other behind a backdrop of white snow, twinkling street lights and festive cheer.
I am often baf?ed at how the cold and dark nights can be seemingly lit up by people smiling and wishing everyone "Happy Holidays."
Winter in the Heights is a special time of year, with many events and festivities taking place.
This year, the Heights Merchants Association is having its annual Light up the Heights celebration.
The celebration includes a community tree light-ing ceremony, complete with holiday music, activities, food, and a Fair in the Square market.
There will also be some very special guests at Heights Fountain Square on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
There are also great prizes to be won, with proceeds bene?ting the Burnaby Christmas Bureau. The following two Saturdays leading up to Christmas, Dec. 10 and 17, you will ?nd carollers and the jolly old soul himself, Santa Claus, strolling along Hastings Street, spreading some holiday cheer and some sweet treats.
We want to welcome you to join us this holiday season and see for yourselves how a frigid, windy and snowy day can also become a heartwarming and memorable day.
We're always looking for helping hands. If you'd like to be a volunteer at our tree-lighting ceremony, please call us at 604-294-8899.
For more event information, please visit www. burnabyheights.com/lightuptheheights.
Michael Chang was a marketing and events assistant summer student with the Heights Merchants Association.
