As we approach the week of Christmas, most everyone is in a festive mood, making plans to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. The songs on the radio remind us that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” and the beautifully decorated homes in the Hallmark movies or even on the commercials make us appreciate the beauty of the season even more. But it is not like that for everyone. Many people are homeless and spending the holidays on the streets or in a homeless shelter. Many people don’t have family nearby, or they can’t travel to see them, perhaps due to health or financial restrictions. Even if family is close, people may be estranged from their families due to disagreements, or this year due to the election results, some people have opted to cancel Christmas and other holidays with family members who voted for a different candidate than who they supported. Many people feel very lonely during the holidays, so it is no surprise that suicides and drug use increase during this time of year. While most of us are wrapping gifts or making cookies, someone may be contemplating ending their life. The most wonderful time of the year indeed!
Christmas was always a big deal in my house growing up. We didn’t get much in the way of new clothes or toys throughout the year unless we really needed something, but my parents more than made up for it on Christmas morning. I remember lying in bed early on December 25th and I could see the Christmas tree lit up. I would lie there with anticipation of all the goodies that awaited us, until finally at 5:00am my sister would come and wake everyone up. Christmas morning, and the entire holiday season are some of my best memories. My own Christmases have drastically changed over the years. Both parents are gone, and my brother and his family recently moved several states away. So it is up to my sister and me now to carry on the traditions of the season. We do our best, but it is not the same, nor should we expect that it would be. Now that our holiday is so downsized, we always try to include people that we know do not have any where to go to celebrate. We should have been doing that all along, but people and families can sometimes get caught up in their own traditions and we forget about others that may have no family or a place to go.
What are some of your favorite Christmas memories or traditions? Have you kept up with those traditions? I would love to hear in the comments below.
This next poem was written for dear friend of mine who was going through a hard time at the holidays and wasn’t up for celebrating the joys of the season. I hope these words helped. I am posting it now in case someone else needs to hear them, and maybe it will help them to realize they aren’t as alone as they may feel, and there are people around who can assist by providing a warm meal, a place to sit by a warm fire, or just by providing an open home and an open heart.
A Not So Merry Christmas
I know that these are troubling times
And you don’t feel so great.
And even though it’s Christmas time
You cannot celebrate.
For sometimes life has funny ways
Of turning upside down.
I hope it brings you comfort
Just to know that I’m around.
Please know that I am here for you
Standing by your side,
Helping you to stand up tall
And face the world with pride.
I’ve known you for so many years
And I have watched you grow
Into the kind of person that
I am honored to know.
So keep in mind this Christmas
As you’re gathered ‘round the tree
My thoughts are with you always
Even though I cannot be.
Throughout this troubled Christmas
When your thoughts are sad and blue,
I hope knowing that I’m here for you
Will help you make it through.
