The Holidays and Christmas are upon us once again. This is the time of year when we when as a whole catch the holiday cheer and becomes more giving. We begin to reflect on what we have and how fortunate we are. The family gathers for the holiday meals and exchanging of gifts. Whatever kind of celebration we have and whatever we may call it whether its Hannuka, Kwanza or Christmas. It is a time of reflection upon the past year and looking forward to the next year.
As I am writing this I am listening to Christmas music sung by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, from the United Kingdom. I am reflecting upon all that has happened to me over the last few years. I truly have a lot to be grateful for. Even though my parents and sister have abandoned me for being who I am and for being in a same-sex relationship I have a whole other side of my family and friends who accept me for who I am without reservation.
I am also reminded of how fortunate I am that I have a job to be able to live in a place of my own with a roof over my head and stay warm. Fortunate that I am able to purchase food to eat and stay healthy. I am reminded that at any moment I could be in the same situation and each day is a blessing.
While I am reminded of all of my blessings of having a loving extended and all the other blessings in my life. I am also reminded that there are others who do not have what I do and often times we only remember to be kind to those less fortunate at this time of year. I am also reminded that we should treat our fellow human beings with respect and kindness all year round. Everyone deserves to be treated as we would want to be treated regardless of race, skin color, sexual orientation or any other reason.
Why do we only think of others during the holidays? Let us continue this spirit of giving and kindness year-round. There are a great many ways that we can do this. Volunteer work at the local soup kitchens, donate food items to food pantries or donate your used clothing to local hospitals or other appropriate agencies. Here is one such list with information clothing donation list. Local churches are another great place to donate clothing to as well. Here is a list of local food pantries where you can donate food.
Another idea is to invite someone over for a holiday meal and make them feel at home. When we are surrounded by our family we often forget that there are people out there that have no one to share the holidays with. This is an especially hard time of the year for people who have no family or who were abanded by their own family or lost a loved one.
Have a happy holiday and Merry Christmas to everyone. May your holidays be blessed and have a happy prosperous new year.
Comments