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I recently suffered through an uncomfortable meal with a group of ‘successful‘ people. The world was a place of problems that affected their daily lives. If they could talk about themselves, they did. Did they listen to anyone else? No they didn’t.
Someone at the table said ‘I had an operation last week.’ The comment went unnoticed amid the problem of their Christmas flight to the U.S.A. (Christmas in New York), how does a chief executive face the flag, a brother‘s wedding, or finishing off before the holidays. I felt sad that this comment for support was unnoticed in this selfish gathering.
I read about Christmas and families and good and bad times at family gatherings, but there are a lot of people that don’t have a family gathering. That don’t know what a family is all about. Either they never had one, or they have forgotten about the family they had, or for some reason their family has passed away. And they are alone or alone in spirit.
Although we may not be able to ‘do‘ something or feel the need to give to this charity or that charity (so many wishing trees, so many calls), we can look closer to home, to our family and friends and be thankful if they are around us December 25th to celebrate the day.
The noise, the smiles, the meal and the presents are forms of affection that not everybody receives. Take a moment, step back and appreciate the moment. It won’t always be there. Life changes rapidly and loved ones and friends can be passing memories.
Listen to people, they have something to say. Maybe a real present is taking time to talk to your elderly grandma, uncle or auntie. Or understanding your parents valiant attempt in the kitchen, or the nicely set table if you have one. Or simply remembering the best gift is the gift of receiving. It may be not you wanted, but you are thought of.
Finally as always if you are celebrating Christmas without a loved one or friend for the first time, may their memory bring a smile to you this holiday period.
–Peter
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