Oddly enough, this is the first year in 20 that has not have a lot of drama, so I don't want to approach these last few days celebrating Christ's birth with another "can't wait until it's all over" mood.
Sure there are things that are tough this year, the economy, unemployment, people who are no longer with us and a million other things to make it harder to face another Christmas.
But there is also a story about some "movement" that seems to be spreading across this great land. By now, I'm sure most of you have read it. Approaching half a million dollars has been reported as being paid off on complete strangers layaway orders. And it seems the more press it's getting, the more people are stepping up.
It reminded me of the story I've recounted here of the lady in a white van in front of us in the McDonald's drive through paying for our order when she noticed my niece who was driving was wearing her tiara and veil on our way to her wedding. I think the total of our order was under $10, but that is one of the most memorable parts of that day.
So, if the economy has hit you a little hard this year, but not left you without the ability to pay your bills, think about the car behind you in a drive-through.
Maybe we can continue to pay it forward (or backward at the drive-through).
After shopping and wrapping all the presents, you have to wonder if we should really be celebrating the birth of Christ in the same way we always have.
When we're rushing through our busyness of this wonderous holiday, let us all take some time out to give a complete stranger a smile. Those gestures are remembered long after this season fades from our memory.
Merry Christmas.
Rita
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11 comments:
Joe and I are chipping away and having fun doing it.
Yesterday we were talking to two young men and one asked if we knew of a tailor in town. A tailor?? "I can sew." I offered, and he blushed red, because it was the seat of his pants that had worn thin.
Joe and I ran to Penneys and he now has two pairs of nice slacks and so does the young man he was with.
I guess Christmas is good for some (maybe most) but I had rather it just go away. It is not fun anymore. The grand-kids are much older and there is just too much to do with the money spent on presents. I do hope yours will be great, though.
Twenty years ago I could still feel the enchantment Christmas would bring. My house used to be filled with decorations and Christmas used to help me brave the long nasty winter.
I hate that that feeling is long gone. For a few years I honestly thought it would come back, but now I realize this is what it will be from now on.
I miss that magical feeling. So the past couple of years we've been able to "pass on" a bit of our luck with people who were completely unexpecting it.
We're now sitting here not in some kind of panic or destitute, but I have been out of work for three months straight now and Bob was just told his 40 year career with the same company will end in February.
If people think there is nothing wrong with the economy, they are just nuts.
Four years ago we hired a lady to clean our house every two weeks. It was the year I had two very serious health issues and then I was very busy at work.
Today we had to tell her we just couldn't keep her, even two weeks. We have never been as economically affected before this year.
I'm hoping the new year will bring with it some companies that need help, but with the instability they face, I don't hold out a lot of hope.
Hi, looks like you might not be having drama, but you have serious concerns. I so hope all goes better for you and Bob.
I just did my CHristmas post for Sunday and thought it was much less cheery than it had been. Obviously, since losing Mr Z, they've been less cheery but this year I couldn't help but stress how important faith is, especially these tough days we're living through. Not much "Ho Ho HO!" but realistic and, i think, important.
We talked about that wonderful phenomena of people paying off bills for others at my blog...what a FABULOUS thing to happen! I love that it's catching on, thanks for that info!
Merry CHristmas, dear Rita...you're a good woman. xx
Thx Dana, Coffey and Z. At least here in our little online world we can hopefully lift up our spirits a little.
Tomorrow night is Christmas with the grandkids. At 9 and 5, they're still young enough to make Christmas fun. The 9 year-old I believe is just keeping the lid on Santa for one last year. When his dad took him to the mall with his baby sister to see Santa, he asked him if what he thought about Santa. He said, "Well it ain't THIS guy."
Christmas Eve is Christmas with my family. Always a fun time where we can finally relax.
Since we've always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day was always quiet, with a small birthday party for my dad who was born on Christmas Day. This year our friends have no plans, so we're just planning on hanging out at the house, maybe going to a movie with them since this is her first year without her father.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Rita -
It gets harder and harder to find true Christmas beneath all the craziness. I'd love it if my family could stop focus on finding the perfect present and realize the perfect present is with us all year - it is time spent with each other.
My newly married niece won't be home until Christmas Eve night and her absence is leaving a bigger hole than I'd expected. Things won't be complete until she and her husband are here.
Beyond all of that, Rita, I wish you a joyous, peaceful Christmas and a better year in 2012.
cjh
You too cj. When I finally trekked out to get my shopping done (and I DESPISE shopping) all I could think of was this really shouldn't be the way we honor the birth of Christ.
We've pretty much limited the gift giving to the little kids.
Merry Christmas Rita.
Merry Christmas to you too Ed. No white Christmas up that way either, right?
Not that I mind. I hate snow.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas to you, Jack and the spider Laura.
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