Christmas is one of the most special times of the year for many people, as they gather with family and friends to celebrate love, friendship and the spirit of giving, in addition to the thoughts and wishes many people have around this season.
It should be recognized, however, there are some people for whom Christmas will not be a happy or joyous occasion, and while those of us who love the season are enjoying the company of others, we need to remember those who are hurting.
Some people have lost loved ones, some recently and some were around this time in the past, making Christmas particularly painful for them as the memories of those who are now gone fill their minds and hearts, and there is that ache that just won’t go away.
Think of those people in your life who may still be grieving, and remember to make sure they are included in all the festivities, so they know they aren’t forgotten or being left out. Sometimes all they need is to know there are people who care and are thinking about them.
For some people, Christmas may be painful because of past memories or experiences, or possibly because of emotional scars or other mental health issues that they are working through, and it’s hard to face the holidays with a smile.
There may also be those who are shut in and aren’t very mobile, or are seniors who live alone and don’t have any family around to check on them or care for them.
There are people who are simply just lonely and don’t know who to reach out to or how, and for them, Christmas is just another lonely day.
As a community, as their neighbours, we need to take thought for these people and reach out to them. At one church, one of the projects for the holiday season is for people to undertake to buy presents for someone who is shut in and can’t get out or who doesn’t have any family around.
The Salvation Army has, amongst other programs (like their food bank, for example), an adopt-a-family service whereby a group or family can take on a family to help provide food and presents, and help ensure they have a good Christmas.
One tradition in Weyburn is the JAMS Family Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day, and it will again be held this year at the Knox Hall.
For those who are alone on Christmas Day, this is a great event as people can come out and enjoy a good meal, good music and be around others who also don’t have family to be with.
Christmas doesn’t just have to be about getting presents or having fun, it can be about giving to others and helping make their lives a little brighter. This also shows the true and pure spirit of Christmas to others.
