Stella Reddy's Story of Hope

Christmas is Coming!!

It’s hard to believe the Holidays are just a month away! I’m excited for the season, though I admit the physical aspects of it are becoming a bit overwhelming with my limitations. This year, I’ll need some help with the tree due to my hands. I haven’t started decorating yet, but I will — there’s still time. What keeps me motivated is knowing I’ll spend Christmas Eve with my oldest son and daughter-in-law, something I’m truly looking forward to.

Most of my shopping was done online this year, which makes things easier. A few packages are still on their way, and there are some items I’ll need to pick up in person. Walking around the stores can be difficult, but I still enjoy it this time of year with all the festive decorations. My mantra remains: one day, one thing, at a time.

Local Holiday Events

The City of St. John’s has some wonderful events coming up that I plan to attend — they always help me feel more connected to the season:

• Annual Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade 📅 Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm (postponement date: Sunday, December 7, 2025).
• Holiday Lights at Bowring Park 📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm  Bowring Park Duck Pond The St. John’s Lions Club will be serving free hot chocolate — don’t forget your reusable mug! The Community Food Sharing Association will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the food bank. (In case of bad weather, the event will move to Saturday, December 13, 2025. The lights will remain on display until January 7, 2026.)
• Merry & Bright Holiday Light Festival at the MUN Botanical Garden. This is always a highlight of my holidays. The Garden is beautifully decorated with lights, and exploring it with the kids brings me so much joy.

After enduring nine long years of cyberbullying from toxic tenants, I am deeply grateful to finally be in a place where I can embrace joy in my everyday life. The contrast between those dark times and the light I feel now makes each moment even more precious to me. So many beautiful moments these days!

I no longer allow their negativity to define me; instead, I celebrate the strength it took to persevere and the happiness I’ve reclaimed. Finding joy in simple things — holiday lights, family gatherings, and community events — feels like a triumph, a reminder that healing is possible and that peace can grow even after years of turmoil.

Nothing lasts forever, and better times do come! I hope you have some Holiday Events you are looking forward to as well!