At this time of year I would like to not only wish everyone a Merry Christmas, but to express what we can all give to one another: The Gift of Hope.
It does not cost money. It does require a bit of your time. It is something we can all do.
At Christmas time, more than any other time of year, people suffer from depression. Many times they are on their own, or are in a dysfunctional family setting. They feel alone in either scenario. They could be far away from home, and unable to make it back for this holiday. The pressure is on as you see all the wonderful Christmas family gatherings pictured in the advertisements. Sometimes they try to get home, but due to weather etc. just can’t make it. Christmas time as well is often a time when we remember people who we have loved, who have passed on. The first 3 years after a loved one has passed is the most critical. Some people are hospitalized over this holiday. It can be a physical cause or a mental health issue or both.
So how can we help someone to give them a sense of hope? There are many things that we can do. You can volunteer at any organization which works to make holidays brighter for all. The food bank, soup kitchens, toy drives etc. You can visit a neighbour who you know is alone. Some home made cookies are a great added touch. You could walk their dog if they are infirmed. Most of all, the biggest gift you can give to someone, is to LISTEN to them. They just want to be heard, by someone. This validates them as a person of worth.
There was a movie that came out in 2000 called ‘Pay it Forward.’ It starred Kevin Spacey as a teacher, Helen Hunt and Hayley Joel Osmond (mother & son). The premise was that Kevin gave all the class a project. They were to come up with an idea that could change the world. Hayley project was to pay it forward. He started with a homeless man who he brought home for supper. At first Hayley’s widowed Mother was uncomfortable with this. As the meal progressed, she got to know this young man. By the end of the meal she had given him some of her deceased husband’s clothes. This young man turned his life around because he had been given some hope. He then paid it forward to someone else. This process of paying it forward rapidly overtook the town, then cities, then their country, then throughout the world. Hayley was interviewed on T.V. and explained his simple project. Sometimes a kind word makes such a difference in a person’s life. This is something that we can all do. This past week I received this gift myself and it truly made a big difference for me.
So this Christmas give the gift of kindness, hope and caring.
May you be blessed to be the ones who can be with family this year.
From my family to yours… MERRY CHRISTMAS!