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Groceries Are Getting Pricier Again: How Canadians Can Save

  Groceries Are Getting Pricier Again: How Canadians Can Save If your grocery bill feels heavier lately, you're not imagining it. Food prices in Canada have jumped significantly in 2026 , and families across the country are feeling the squeeze at checkout. According to recent data, vegetables and meat are each up more than 9% year-over-year, and the average family of four is projected to spend about $994 more on groceries in 2026 than in 2025 . For many households, that's nearly $1,000 in extra food costs they weren't expecting. But here's the good news: you don't have to accept higher grocery bills as inevitable . With the right strategies and a bit of planning, you can fight back against inflation and keep your food budget in check. We've compiled the most practical, actionable tips that work for Canadian households right now. The Reality Check: Canada's inflation rate hit 2.4% in June, with food prices leading the way. Ontario is experiencing the highest...

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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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