Working in a hospital, we are always trying to get patients home or many of them just want to go home even if not well enough. People are more generous as the boxes of cookies, chocolates and other seasonal goodies are piling at every Nursing Station and staff room.
The toy drives, the food hampers by community groups and churches allow all of us to reach out to others less fortunate and share what we have. Many dinner tables will have some guests that are "strays" as they do not have anywhere else to go- so please join us for Christmas dinner, Italian Christmas Eve Seafood dinner, Boxing Day or New Year's. No one should be alone!!!
Our hearts go to the Armed Forces as another beautiful, caring young man loses his life in our country. Travellers stranded in Europe, just wanting to get home for Christmas. So hold off on opening gifts and have your time a few days later to accomodate those who did not make it for the real day. Emails, phone calls, facebook messages, texting will increase over the next few days and of course some last minute shopping to add to the hectic stress of this last week. I always have a few extra gifts stored just in case something comes to my attention that someone needs them. Oh Christmas with all its stress, tears, laughter, family crabbing, love, joy, the excitement of little children wanting to know what Santa will bring- what would life be without it! The pressure we put on ourselves. Then the quiet moments by the Christmas tree, sipping a favourite beverage and eating some sweets- perhaps watching a favourite Christmas movie, listening to music or just enjoying the peace of home and family. What are your Christmas stories? What brings a tear to your eye? What brings laughter? Who are you missing? Who are you welcoming to your home?
Sounds like a busy time around Christmas for you, Barb. I prefer the bit about just enjoying the peace of home and family, though I think it won't be too quiet when and after the grand-kids open their gifts on Christmas day.
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