A friendly Christmas reminder.

[garybeck]

Last edited Sun Dec 24, 2017, 04:15 AM - Edit history (1)

Just a friendly Christmas reminder, that for some people, Christmas is not always a happy time.


Not everyone is sitting by the fire with their loving family, opening presents.

Some people are alone the whole day.

Some people have lost loved ones in the last year who would/should be there with them.

Some people are on the street.

Some people do have a family sitting by the fire opening presents, but they are unable to be there with them.

Some people do have a family sitting by the fire opening presents, but they are not invited.

Some people don't have a family at all.

Some people don't have money for presents.

Some people feel like everyone else is doing all those fun family together things. Everyone except them.

For some people, they see all the touching, happy Christmas commercials every time they turn on the TV. And they hear the Christmas music every time they're in the store. And the sports announcers talk about it during the football games. It's everywhere. And it reminds them of the past, when they had reason to be happy at this time of year too. And they just can't wait for it to be over.

Some people can't wait for Christmas. Some people can't wait for Christmas to be over. And it's not because they are a scrooge. It's because they have a valid reason to be sad at this time of year.

Our society has created an atmosphere where you are "supposed" to be happy and with family, and if you're not, well, there is something wrong with you.

I would venture to say that there are more sad people on Christmas than we realize. People who have a real valid reason to be sad or lonely.


I invite you to take a moment and think... you probably know someone who is recently divorced... or has lost a loved one recently... or has no family... or they're just single... or has any of many valid reasons to be sad or lonely on Monday, when most everyone else is having a great time. Maybe you want to drop them a line... you don't have to invite them over for your sacred family time opening presents, but maybe you could invite them over for a cup of coffee later in the afternoon, or a hike, or something simple. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it would make to someone who would otherwise be alone the entire day, to have just one thing to do that day, that involves being with other people. Even if it's just meeting a friend for a cup of coffee. It could be the best gift you gave the entire year.

Even if you just call and check in with them and let them know you're thinking about them.

That person you call, it could be you some day.

I don't want to put a downer on this day which is a happy time for most, and I'm sorry if I did. If you are one of the lucky ones, please enjoy this time to the fullest and appreciate how lucky you are.

While busy celebrating and enjoying, it is easy to forget that there are some people on the outside looking in.

Or maybe you are one of those people. If you are, here is a big virtual ((((((HUG))))))).

Peace to you and yours.

[JimGinPA]

1. K&R

[thbobby]

2. Thank you

[smirkymonkey]

3. Thank you for your post. It was very thoughtful and a good reminder for us to

think about people in our lives for whom it might make a big difference if we just reached out to them - even if it's just to wish them Happy Holidays and tell them that we are thinking of them.

I am in Maine at my sister's house, but they invited over some friends of theirs - a couple and their children and the husband's father. The husband just lost his mother and his father just lost his wife a month ago so my sister and her husband and my parents who are up visiting thought it would be nice to have them over to help get their minds of things. They stayed pretty late and they left in good spirits, so I think they appreciated the invite.

I will be making a lot of phone calls during the holiday week and trying to get together w/ people who live near me. I know a lot of people who have lost loved ones in the last year so I appreciate your reminder to reach out to them to let them know that you care and are thinking of them.

[garybeck]

8. thank you

[Paka]

4. K&R

A very lovely thoughtful post. I've been that lonely lost soul a number of times.

[bdtrppr6]

5. well said

very touching.

blessed be.

[grantcart]

6. very nice

[Duppers]

7. Thank you!

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. I love this post.

[garybeck]

10. thanks. i hope

you are with someone you care about tomorrow

[Pacifist Patriot]

11. I am most fortunate indeed!

[lucca18]

12. Beautiful Post

Thank you for your wise thoughts.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up with what is going on in our lives, we fail to reach out, to give, and help others.

Peace & Merry Christmas

[SCantiGOP]

13. But, but, but

This isn’t what we want to hear during this Holy Season. We want empty platitudes and tax cuts and we’ll drop a dollar - hell, we’ll drop $5 - in the red bucket and feel like we’re the best damned Christian around..... because actually acting like a Christ-ian is too much trouble.

Thanks for the post. It’s nice to be around people, even if it’s on-line, who really care.

[Lifelong Protester]

14. Thanks for the caring!

[JI7]

15. people have said this can be even worse or more painful during Mother's/Father's Days