It used to be that the epitome of missing Christmas spirit was Scrooge. And then Dr. Seuss wrote a little tale about the Grinch. You could be hard pressed to decide which had less Christmas spirit.But one thing I can tell you... there are some real contenders walking around this year. Some of them are big corporations, laying off thousands of people in the weeks just prior to Christmas. Would it be any better in two or three weeks? I don't know. There's just something about those all important weeks before Christmas that can make or break the human spirit. For some reason, if we are already low and depressed, it's always worse at this time of year.
Then there are the individual Scroogy Grinches--those people who steal the hard earned belongings of others. They come out of the wood work at Christmas time, breaking into cars and homes, often stealing the few presents the owners have been able to afford.
Of course, for my money, the biggest Scroogy Grinches are those who are wilfully blind to the needs of others around them. In their rush to secure every possible dime for themselves, they cheat or overcharge those less fortunate whether man or beast.
These are the folks that wait for a food drive so they can donate all their unwanted crap in their pantry. They donate unwearable clothing instead of tossing it. They're the ones that only give if they can deduct it on the income taxes. And they're the ones that mutter about lazy beggers who don't want to work. I wonder what they'll say when the shoe is on the other foot?
Christmas will be here before we know it. In your hurry-scurry world, don't forget the less fortunate around us. Start a new tradition. Adopt a family, child, animal... adopt them and make sure that they aren't forgotten, not only at Christmas but year round. How much money would that take? $100? $200?
How a society treats their poor, says a whole lot more about that nation than all their other accomplishments. After all, what's the use of putting a man on the moon if the nation's children go to bed hungry?
This Christmas, don't be a Scroogy Grinch.
anny
Our church has adopted 3 families this year. I was looking at the wish lists of many of the kids. This year, they're not asking for toys. They're asking for clothes. Necessities.
ReplyDeleteI shopped for one of the mothers last week: a job interview outfit was what she wanted. It was delivered early--her interview is today. I'll be praying for her.
I think my favorite part of Christmas is putting whatever loose money I have in my pockets in the Salvation Army kettle or shopping for someone else's Christmas dinner. The more money you spend to help someone else, the richer you feel.
God bless us, every one.
This year is harder than others. I think that's what you're seeing reflected back on the Christmas wish list. Our entire seminary is in need and the shelves in the co-op are mostly bare.
ReplyDeleteGiving away food you don't like/won't eat and unwearable clothes is one of my biggest pet peeves. Come on people! Treat people as YOU want to be treated. There's nothing admirable about being a jerk.
ReplyDeleteI remember the year all to clearly when my husband and 75 or so of his coworkers were laid off in early December. It was on a Monday and Christmas bonuses--which had been very generous--were being distributed on Friday. None of the laid-off employees got them. The company's formal party that Saturday? For which some had already rented tuxes or bought gowns? Sorry, not welcome. Yes, sometimes companies have to downsize, but it was all handled in the meanest way possible.
ReplyDeleteThis year in my state, many, many people are unemployed, and it breaks my heart.
I have heard of people being laid off by automated telephone call. Not even the respect of a real person on the other end of the phone. Talk about Scrooge-like.
ReplyDeleteLast year at this time, someone stole my husband's license plate. He lost half a day, due to filling out the police report and getting a new one.
ReplyDeleteCindy, that's a terrible story. Don't people have a HEART??? I remember one year my sister's family 'adopted' a family for Christmas. She said is was one of the best lessons in giving for her boys. We always give to the food bank and other charities.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a hard year for a lot of families. Hubby and I have been dipping into our pockets to try and do a bit more than usual. There are some wonderful local organizations doing great things.
ReplyDeleteThe funniest one for us was buying a turkey for the local "turkey drive" for the food bank. We're vegetarians. *g* But some family will have a great turkey on Christmas day.