Christmas - A time to celebrate as well as a time to reach out.

As I write this, it’s just under 4 weeks until the Big Red Man arrives with all his goodies, until we gather around the table to enjoy a feast of what we have put together for ourselves and the ones we spend it with on the Merry Day. It’s a joyous time of the year for most. For others it’s a very lonely, lost time in life. Now I’m not writing this to be a downer or to tell you not to celebrate it the way you should, having a wonderful day with the friends and/or family you love.  That’s what it’s all about.

Christmas, as you know, seems to come quicker than a tornado out of the latest blockbuster movie The Storm. It’s the same date every year and has been for many years but we still don’t seem to plan for it until the last couple of weeks or even days, rushing around making sure we have everything ready for the big day.

Well as I said at the start, it’s less than 3 months away and as you start to work out what you’re doing, what to buy who and how much to spend, I want you to take a little time out for the people who may spend this day alone.  A relative, neighbour, work colleague or just someone you may see around your area that always seems alone or down.  Start to do this now.  Even just a quick “hi”, a phone catch up or visit.  If it’s someone you have known for a while, drop something off that you think they might like. Maybe an old photo that you know will brighten up their day or some lovely food.  Say you had plenty left over and thought they would appreciate some.  What about a magazine you have finished reading that they would enjoy reading as well.  Possibly put a reminder in your phone to follow-up once or twice a month. What have you got to lose? You may actually learn something while you’re doing in the process and add something nice your normal day to day life.

The thing is, if you do this just shortly before the holiday period most people will usually say “no” as they feel like they are a burden and you’re just feeling sorry for them. No one ever wants to be invited to someone’s house because they feel sorry for them. I know I would never want an invite to a pity party.

If it’s a gradual thing over a few months then it comes across like you DO care and DO want them to enjoy the holiday season as much as they can.  A lot of people have lost partners, family and friends.  They may be from other countries and are struggling to start a new life here.  With all the media hype currently about different religions and ‘foreigners’ we’re getting scared and disconnecting from each other even more.

Why? Because we think they may be strange? Maybe because we don’t understand them? Maybe because they aren’t a part of our own lives?  Well geez, that describes most people’s family members I know so why not invite people into your lives so that you can connect with each other.  Reintroduce old friends, family members or grandparents into what you may have planned for the holidays. They don’t have to spend the whole time with you but perhaps a couple of hours on Christmas Day.  Maybe have them over for BBQ during the festive season or to see the fireworks on NYE! 

There are so many opportunities.  While most people are celebrating the Festive season at the end of the year remember there are many people who are quite alone, even lost in their lives and don’t want to bother anyone else at such a special time.

When you finish reading this, have a think of someone you could possibly make contact with this coming week, out of the blue, and surprise with a “hi”.  Keep an eye out around your area, at the shops or on your way to and from work and see if there’s someone you could just connect with. You could quite possibly save someone’s life by being there at the right time.   Do this a few times over the next 2+ months.  There could be no better way to bring the real meaning of Christmas back into your own life.

 
JAYSON MAIR.


Click below if you want to watch the Vlog version (Video Blog Version)

---