Lighting Candles Worldwide: Light a Candle for a Child This Christmas

No matter what holiday traditions you follow, probably the lighting of candles is among them. Why not add a new tradition and light one candle for the children on December 18^th? Christmas lore and legend is full of the happy family. From the affluent child with every holiday wish coming true, to the poor child born in a stable because there was no room in the inn, the story usually includes both parents looking on lovingly. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. All to often the division between adults results in the children losing contact with one parent, grandparents and even siblings.

Three Sides to Every Story, Inc is inviting all of us to participate in "Lighting Candles Worldwide" on December 18, 2008. Just one week before Christmas, this date was chosen because the holiday season can be the hardest for children missing their parents as well as parents missing their children. People all over the world are participating by lighting a candle at 7PM Eastern Daylight Standard Time. You can visit www.lightingcandlesworldwide.com to find the exact time in your locality. If you can do so safely, put your lighted candle in the window for all to see!

If you are a parent in this very situation, there are two other web sites you may find useful. One is www.three-sides-to-every-story.org and www.uptoparents.org. Both sites have useful steps to making the commitment to putting the child first and allow healing to the family.

Even if you are not directly involved in this situation, sadly, all of us know families that are. Holiday charity does not always have to be about giving money or even giving time. This is one holiday act of solidarity with the worlds' children that take only a moment and only a candle.