Annie’s Journal – By Annie Donelly
Hello Everyone. December includes a celebration that not everyone acknowledges but is difficult to ignore. Children, especially, need answers to the questions it generates in our multicultural society.
School children hear others talking about seeing Santa Claus at the mall and asking him for toys they hope to receive under their Christmas tree. Who is Santa Claus? What is a Christmas tree? Where do these trees come from?
Some children talk about Mary and Joseph and the birth of the baby Jesus. Others call Him Emmanuel meaning “God with us”. Who is God? Why does Jesus have two names? Is Jesus important?
The Bible tells us in 1 John chapter 4, verses 7-17:
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God – for God is love.
God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each another.
No one has seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love has been brought to full expression through us. And God has given us His spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us … So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face Him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world.”
December’s celebration of the baby Jesus being born in Bethlehem reminds us of God’s real love for us.
May we answer every child’s questions about the real love of God in his or her life. May we demonstrate the difference God’s love – brought to full expression through us – makes as we lovingly care for others in our families, in our communities and in our world. Amen.
Feeling the holiday blues? Local mental health supports can help – By Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care , Dec. 10, 2025
(PENETANG)
The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful, festive and full of fresh beginnings. But across Ontario — including right here in Simcoe County — many people experience the winter months very differently. Stress, grief, financial pressure, loneliness and reminders of past trauma can make this time of year especially difficult.
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is reminding residents that it’s completely OK if the season doesn’t feel “merry and bright.” For some, the new year may not feel like a fresh start, and long-held traditions may feel overwhelming rather than uplifting. Wanting more quiet than celebration, stepping back from gatherings, or finding that joy feels different this year are all legitimate experiences.
“We want people to know their feelings are real and valid,” said Dr. Carolyn Houding, a psychologist at Waypoint. “Reaching out for help is a sign of strength — and no one has to face these challenges alone.”
Winter weather and shorter days can intensify mental health struggles, particularly in colder regions across Central and Northern Ontario. To help residents stay safe and supported, Waypoint is sharing a list of crisis lines and community services that remain available throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
IMMEDIATE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SUPPORT (24/7)
9-8-8: Canada’s suicide prevention helpline for anyone in crisis or worried about someone else.
9-1-1: For emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
Kids Help Phone: Text 686868, call 1-800-668-6868, or visit KidsHelpPhone.ca.
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 | TTY: 1-866-863-7868.
Talk4Healing (Indigenous Women): 1-855-554-4325.
Huronia Transition Homes (Rosewood): Text 705-999-0012 (24/7) | Crisis Lines: 1-800-987-0799 (South Simcoe) | 1-800-461-1750 (North Simcoe).
NON-URGENT MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SUPPORT
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP): Free CBT-based services for adults experiencing depression, anxiety or trauma-related concerns. Visit therapyontario.ca.
Frontline Wellness: Mental health supports for health care workers and organizations. Visit waypointcentre.ca/services/frontline-wellness.
1door.ca: 24/7 online access to free counselling referrals.
Patient/Client and Family Council: Peer support at 705-526-4569.
North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub: A safe space for youth ages 12-25 seeking support for mental health, substance use, employment, education and more. Visit waypointcentre.ca/services/north-simcoe-youth-wellness-hub.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES
8-1-1: Call or visit Health811.Ontario.ca for health advice from qualified professionals.
Virtual Urgent Care Clinic: Nurse practitioner support for non-life-threatening concerns, open daily from 1-9 p.m. for residents of Central Ontario. Visit regional-virtual-urgent-care.ca.
2-1-1: Connects residents to community programs, services and local supports.
Waypoint encourages anyone who is struggling — whether during the holidays or at any time of year — to reach out.
“Support is confidential, local and available when you need it,” said Dr. Houlding. “It’s OK to ask for help.”
For more information on mental health services in Simcoe County and across Ontario, residents can connect with any of the resources listed above.
About Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is a 315-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addiction and geriatric care. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, we serve some of the most complex and disadvantaged individuals in Ontario and are the sole provider of high-secure forensic mental health services in the province.
Waypoint’s 1,300+ staff improve lives and bring hope to people with mental illness and substance use issues. The care we deliver on site, in the community and through partnerships is informed by our innovative practices and — importantly — patient voices. We are sponsored by the Catholic Health Sponsors of Ontario. Each patient’s journey is unique, and we support their recovery with compassion, dignity and inclusivity.
Waypoint staff are internationally recognized for their leadership and research, which they approach with professionalism and humility. This dedication deepens understanding of mental health and addiction, and helps to build a better future for patients, their families and care partners, staff, the community and the health care system.
Contact: Travis Mealing, Communications Officer, 705-333-2552, tmealing@waypointcentre.ca