Tis the season

Christmas. A time of year that is full of love, giving, caring and a time for forgiveness. A time where we can reflect on Christmas's past. Remembering our children's first Christmas the look on their faces as they see the Christmas tree for the the first time and under it, gifts wrapped in bright paper, and the stockings bursting with little surprises inside. It is a wonder to watch. Fond memories right?

Sadly to say for all this is not the case. For some Christmas brings backs horrible memories. It is not all sugar plum fairies, and dancing snowmen and jolly ole Saint Nick. It is hungry bellies, homelessness, loneliness, bruises and scars both mental and physical. For many it is a time for morning the loss of loved ones deceased and those that through disagreement separates them.

Families, who through no fault of their own find themselves at the shelters for Christmas or having their names put on the list hoping that some company, group or organization will adopt their family for Christmas to help them provide the basics for a simple Christmas for their loved ones.

Christmas. As we hustle and bustle trying to get prepared for the coming festivities. We grumble at the lack of parking spaces at the mall, the line ups at the cashier, the lack of preparedness of the stores for not having exactly what WE are looking for.






Is that what Christmas is all about? Have we lost the meaning of it? Is there a meaning to it? Or have we allowed the media, marketing and the likes dictate to us what Christmas should be?

I saw the most disturbing display of what Christmas is NOT about the other day on a TV clip. It showed people displaying their displeasure with what they got for Christmas. The actual temper tantrums, the kicking and screaming and crying saying, that is not what they wanted. I was appalled. Is that what Christmas has come down to? I truly hope not.

Every year at work our unit sponsors a family for Christmas. This Christmas we sponsored a family of five. Mom, dad and their three children. I volunteered to purchase gifts for the 16 yr old girl. Having daughters myself that are around the same age, I just thought of this as buying for one of my own. It was so much fun and gave me such great pleasure. This girls will never know who provided her with these gifts and I am glad for that. I just want her to know that someone out there cares.

If we all just did one simple thing for a stranger, could you imagine the ripple effect it could have. What a Christmas that would be! One less tear, one more hug!

Merry Christmas to all.....