The Holidays-Family & Strangers

The holidays are finally here, and now is the time to show Christmas spirit. This is the time of year when everyone comes together. Families from near and far are gathering round a big feast, and sharing stories of the past. Friends are enjoying each other's company in hope's that their friendship will continue to last. It's a special time when everyone puts their differences behind them, and comes to one another with open arms. But what about those who don't have families to gather with, and share wonderful stories and a healthy meal? What do they do, and why?

While we are all enjoying the sights of lights and Christmas trees, the wonderful aromas of the holidays, and each others company, there are people out there who are a lot more unfortunate then us. What about the children in nursing homes, the people living on the streets, and even the elderly in nursing homes? Don't they get to enjoy Christmas too? They should, just because they don't have family surrounding them or presents to open doesn't mean that they don't deserve to enjoy the holidays. Have you ever sat out on your front or back porch, and just look around your neighborhood? Maybe you don't know all your neighbors, but I'm sure that there's at least one who is always lonely during the holidays...doesn't it occur to you that this person could be losing their holiday spirit because they don't have anyone to share it with?

There's a lot that we can do to show a little Christmas spirit to these people. You could go to the nursing home or even the orphanage and sing carols to them, maybe take them something to eat, and something warm to wrap themselves up in. The kids would love to have a toy I'm sure, if you have some to spare, but more than anything they'd just like to be shown some love, instead of being left out. It's not their fault they're in that predictament. And for the homeless, show them some cheer. Greet them as if they were just another person, because really they are. Offer them some food or maybe a dollar or two. That would make their day, to be able to get something to eat, or even find shelter where they can get off their feet.

Most people look down on those who are less fortunate than themselves, and it's wrong. So they may have made a few mistakes in their live, or their parents couldn't take care of them for whatever reason, or they are just getting weak and unable to care for themselves, but that doesn't mean that no one should care about them. What if that was you in that situation? I know, you're probably sitting there saying that that would never be you, that that couldn't ever happen to you, but guess what....it most certainly can. It could happen to anyone. Look at all the people that were in Louisiana, some of them had the best life anyone could ask for, and within one night their lives were destroyed. Most of them didn't even have homes to call home anymore, and lost all their belongings. So you see, it could happen to you one day. You never know.

So just take a moment this holiday, and do something nice for someone less fortunate, who knows maybe it'll give you a brighter meaning of Christmas. Afterall, the holidays aren't just about candy, gifts, and food. It's also about what the heavens above did for us, and what we can do for each other. Just remember, these people didn't ask to be where they are now, it just happened for whatever reason. The least we can do is comfort them a little. So, put any misinterpretations aside that you may have towards these individuals, and share the Christmas spirit with them. Just open your heart to someone this season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!