Merry Christmas

Today is Christmas Day and for most, this is a very different Christmas than we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate. For those of you who do celebrate Christmas and also celebrate the reason for Christmas, it doesn’t matter that you can’t have huge family get-togethers. Or ANY get-togethers for that matter. Christmas is not in the parties, or the huge meal, or family gatherings, or even getting super dressed up for the occasion. Christmas is in the heart and in the soul and in the spirit.

We can still share the love of Christmas with others. Thanks to technology, we can wish someone a Merry Christmas face-to-face, if not in person. We can stand on the front doorstep and wave to neighbours while wishing them a Merry Christmas. Or if you’re brave, singing good old-fashioned Christmas carols to those same neighbours. Just watch out for snowballs, depending on how good your voice is! Those who live in apartments can knock on a neighbour’s door, step back and give them a Merry Christmas hug – with your eyes. Think that’s strange? Well, maybe a little bit, but didn’t you know? Your eyes can smile while your face is covered with a mask. You can tell them that you are giving them a hug – even though it’s only in your heart at this point. For those that don’t have technology, there is still this archaic invention called – wait for it – the TELEPHONE. Although if your only means of communicating is via the telephone, you won’t be reading this little bit of advice. BUT . . . (don’t you know by now there is almost always a “BUT”!) . . . for the ones that aren’t computer savvy – or have no computer access at all – that’s what YOU”RE here for. Pick up the phone, call someone you know who isn’t as technologically inclined as you are, and surprise them. Especially someone that really wouldn’t expect to hear from you. And then listen carefully when you’re talking to them, for the voice also carries a smile.

Yes, this Christmas is different, but the reason for Christmas never changes. That reason is that we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Whether you are alone or in a family unit. Whether you have someone to call or are by yourself in every sense. Whether you get dressed up or stay in you jammies. None of that matters if you don’t know the real meaning behind the celebration of Christmas. I know that not everyone does celebrate Christmas, and I’m not trying to offend anyone here. Whether you celebrate or not, the real meaning behind Christmas will always be the birth of Jesus Christ.

So, whether you are alone or have someone around, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. May the hope and peace, the joy and love that embodies everything Christmas dwell with you and in you as well. May you know that you are never alone, even if your only connection is searching through the internet looking for something to tell you what this season is all about. You aren’t alone because there are many, many other people out there who think THEY are all alone, and whether you realize it or not, THAT holds people like you and me in a crazy kind of commissary. Try to find a chat room or comment on a blog (doesn’t necessarily have to be this blog) and let someone know that you think you are alone. You might be surprised at what you’ll find.

So once again, a very Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this – and those who don’t, although how I’m to get the Christmas wish to those who DON’T read this is beyond me. Unless I listen to my own advice (which seldom happens) and knock on my neighbours’ doors, smile through my eyes, and give them an “air” hug. If I can do it, believe me, so can you. Be safe one and all.

Until next time,

Inge