Home For the Holidays
When many of us think about Christmas, we think about time with family, friends, and seeing the wonder in the eyes of the children in our families when they wake up on Christmas morning and all the presents under the tree. We think of good food, and music that reminds us of the years gone by when we ourselves felt the same magic in the air.
There are many others, however, who do not have the same experience. While we revel in such good times, it is good that we should remember those who don't have it so good.
The Poor
I had a discussion with a friend of mine recently that really opened my eyes. While so many people strive for the picture at the beginning of this post, there are families who struggle just to put food on the table, or to keep the lights on. The children in those families would love to simply have a pair of shoes that can keep their feet dry, or to be warm during inclement weather. Perhaps they have to live on the street, and the idea of a Christmas tree is complete foreign to them.
The reason for the Christmas season (at least for the Christians reading this post) is because God had mercy on the people of Earth and sent his son, Jesus as a gift for all mankind. This was the biggest display of charity in the history of the world. As we count our blessings, let us not forget to give to those who are in need, and help them to give something much-needed to their children. Find a local outreach who can provide things like shoes, socks, underwear, soap, gloves, coats, and food to the less fortunate. This little gesture will do more good than you realize, and it will enrich you while you do it.
Not All Families are Created Equal
Getting the family together doesn't always include peace and festivity. Many homes are broken or feuding, and family gatherings can cause additional stress. For those who have to endure this throughout the season, it means that they do not look forward to this season with hope, but rather with dread. The knowledge that being around family will result in nothing more than fighting, blame, and even more heartbreak and mistrust is very real for so many families.
These broken and dysfunctional families often lead to severe depression, and can even be the reason that some choose to end their own lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in this Newsweek article, it is a myth that suicide rates increase during the holiday season. That aside, the fact still remains that there are those who still have to go through this season having recently lost a loved one from suicide that could have been avoided.
When you are speaking with friends during the holiday season, be considerate to remember this fact. If you learn that your friends are going through struggles like this, and if you're able, consider offering them a safe environment to come to and invite them into your festivities. If you have a stable family environment, this could be the gift that ultimately saves a life.
The Lonely
You may recognize the song "Cats in the Cradle," originally written by Harry Chapin, remade in 1992 by Ugly Kid Joe. The story song talks about a parent who doesn't have time for his child while they are growing up, and later in life the adult child doesn't have time for his parent.
As sad as this song sounds, it is a reality for many of our aging parents. When distance or disfunction fracture families, there are often victims that get caught in the crossfire. Grandparents whose children feud or have moved far away may be sentenced to solitary holiday seasons.
If your location limits you from gathering with your family this year, remember to call them and remind them that they are still loved if you aren't able to go there to be with them in person. As we age, it can become very lonely, and the life we collectively live in North America can sometimes cause us to forget the people who should be most honored and revered in our lives.
However, like the song suggests, our past can sometimes condemn us to our future. The neglect that we may have experience in our childhoods may make it uncomfortable or even painful to pick up the phone and call family during the holidays. This might cause some discomfort, but it's still important to show love, even if the "like" isn't there anymore.
A time for healing
Many of us have family members who have been estranged from loved ones. Thought it may be a long time since the wounds were created, it is never too soon to begin the healing process. Yes, wounds can run very deep. Yes, this can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially when both parties blame the other for the issues being dealt with. However, our family and our friends are important to our well-being.
Now is the right time to start. Reach out to family members who you haven't spoken to in a while. Call a friend that needs to hear your voice. Go and find a group that you can support to give love and life to a perfect stranger.
Your actions today can make a huge difference in your family and your community.
Please share your stories in the comments. The rest of this community would love to hear the good you've done to your pocket of the world.
God Bless, and have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
About the Author:
JP Bachmann began his professional career in electrical automation, and transitioned into professional sales in the IT industry in 2016. He is now a national sales leader specializing in account success and company growth. JP was awarded a Business Coaching certification in 2019, and has helped to lead the Toastmasters International volunteer organization by serving as a District Director in Colorado and Wyoming from 2022 to 2023 serving 140 independent clubs and 2000 members. In 2023, JP founded TheDashLegacy.net which is devoted to enriching the personal and professional lives of those around him through continuous growth, humor, and thought leadership. JP is a professional speaker focused on Career Health, and leads workshops helping people develop career and personal goals using his own unique goalsetting method. Connect with JP by emailing him at jp@thedashlegacy.net
Comments