Christmas- The Hidden Truth

I have always loved Christmas.

As a child, our Christmas's were so special. I have memories of perfect presents, wonderful meals, great big huge family gatherings. As my siblings and I grew and had families of our own, those times together just got bigger, louder and more festive. Oh there were fights, definitely issues,but it was part of the day. We would fight and move on to dessert.

When I had my own home, and then my own child, I embraced Christmas. My house would be decorated from top to bottom, inside and out. We opened our doors to anyone who wanted to join us for dinner, we visited and traveled to all those relatives.

I looked forwarded and anticipated Christmas for months.

I see now how selfish I was. What I closed my eyes and heart to, was how difficult Christmas was for so many people. For many, Christmas is a time of pain. Now I am unfortunately one of them. Those suffering from grief, find this time of year extra tough.

It is not just bereaved parents, however. There are those in nursing homes who have no one and are alone. There are people without partners and no family near. This time of year just brings their loneliness into sharper focus. There are those living on the street, who have no home, no place to put up a tree, to have dinner. And there are many suffering from mental illness, for who this time of year is a reminder of their perceived shortcoming, at not being able to feel happy.

I am not advocating for anyone to forgo any of the wonderful traditions or family times that they have at this time of year.. What I am saying is this - there is a hidden truth about Christmas and it is the pain that many feel at this time of year.

What I am suggesting is that we all take the time to look up and look around and see those around us. Find a way to help them through this time of year, and lessen their burden just a little.

Be mindful that others may be hurting and that we need to be tender with their feelings.

Christmas began with the birth of a child who was sent to save a world. Let's not forget that, and take just a little time to try to save just one other. If each of us do that, we will surely end up saving the world as we were taught by that baby.