I could write yet another variation on Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem and struggle yet again to find a rhyme for "Vixen", but I won't do that. I could just post a nice classic picture of the Jolly old man with his Caribou friends and a sleigh full of toys. I won't do that either.At this time of year, most of us are enjoying the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, picking out just the right presents and decorations or immersing ourselves in holiday baking. We rush from place to place searching for just the right thing, shop till we drop and gorge ourselves on turkey and sweets. At least most of us do.
For many people, this is a season of despair. It is a season of reminders that they have less than others or will soon be in that position. It is a season filled with memories of lost loved ones, hospital stays, and empty chairs at the dinner table. For many people, this is the most depressing time of the year. The thing is that in many cases, those people hide their crippling despair very well.
So this year, I won't decorate my website with snowflakes and write a catchy Christmas poem. I won't overtly push my Christmas joy on people who don't necessarily want it. That will be difficult because it really is my favourite time of year. I will however continue to support my local food bank and shelter with more than usual cash donations so they can multiply that into useful food, shelter, blankets, and clothing for those who need it. It is cold out there and there are more unemployed friends and neighbors than any previous year I can remember. People who were "fine" last year may be struggling to put food on the table this year.
One thing I can do as a writer, as a story teller, is to raise awareness and maybe remind people that the joyous season is not so for many. This season, perhaps the best present you can offer is a shoulder to lean on, an attentive ear to listen, a warm blanket and a friendly smile. Sometimes the people who seem happiest on the outside are disintegrating inside. At this time of year more than others, there is a greater divide and more tension for those who are struggling financially and emotionally.
That grocery store clerk who just rang through your $40 turkey, probably cannot afford one themselves and likely has to work through the holidays to pay the rent. That neighbor who puts the tree up at the last minute is grieving the loss of a family member. The college student you see at the bus stop every morning has lost hope of having any productive future. For those people Christmas time just sucks.
So my gift to all my friends and family this season is an ear, a shoulder, a hug and a warm blanket. If I reach out to you in some random way and ask how you are doing, it is because I really want to know and I really want to help, to listen, and to get you through it. If I can take the time to donate to the food bank, I can take the time to hold your hand. You are important and you are not alone.
May the peace of the season find your heart and warm it.
