As I  wrapped presents yesterday, my first thought was “Did I buy my daughter enough?”  Seriously.  Pile of boxes and gift bags, and I thought, is it enough?

My Mom left me a voicemail the other day.  Christmas is at my house this year, which means I’ll be cooking.  You know- cooking a meal, like I do pretty much every day.  She asked my if I was buying food.  She actually left me a voicemail saying “Are you buying food for Christmas Day?”

Last night I attended the Winter Concert at my daughter’s school.  A packed auditorium showcased beautiful, talented children playing their instruments and singing.  Smiling and laughing.  A room full of parents beamed with pride, a tear or two shed,  as we watched our amazing children.

Tomorrow, my family and I will head to Fifth and Sixth Avenues in NYC to see all the beautiful decorations.  The city is perfection in December- all sparkly and festive and magical.  There is also this ridiculous bakery right near Rock Center that makes this chocolate icebox cake that is dream worthy.

What am I saying with this odd assortment of anecdotes?  I am very lucky.  My Mother may be crazy, but she’s there.  My Daughter is healthy and amazing and doesn’t ask for much.  My husband is a pretty decent guy.   I am content.  I am blissfully happy the whole month of December, and the other 11 months are pretty good too.

But then I read the blogs of some of my blog friends.  As I was sick last week, I’ve been sort of playing catch up.  Some of my blog friends, well, they’re not so good right now.  And I’m sure I pass people on the street that are not so good right now.   I know there are many people who struggle during the holiday season.  I wish it weren’t so, but there you have it.

This is one of those powerless moments for me.  I am really not qualified to help anyone.  All I can do is tell people that I’m thinking of them during this rough patch, that they are in my thoughts and prayers.  It’s all I can do.

No one has a perfect life.  No one actually lives on their Pinterest page.  When you read someone’s Holiday Letter, remember all the things that they are leaving out- they’re just spinning the highlight reel.  Every single person goes through something in their lives.  No one gets a free pass from grief or depression or just plain bad luck.  We all suffer in some way.  But we need to soldier on.   Because that’s what life is: tunneling through the shit to find the gold.

But sometimes we need help, we need someone to hand us the shovel.  Please  go to a qualified shovel specialist.  There are people out there that can and will help.  Know that there really are people who care.

And to everyone else- remember- sometimes all that’s needed is a kind word.  Sometimes telling someone that you are there is enough.  Remind yourself that everyone else might not be as happy as you are.  A little kindness goes a long way.

So my holiday wish to you all is simple.

Be kind.

Be thoughtful.

Know that you matter.

Know that everyone matters.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

Peace and Joy to you all!!!

 

49 thoughts on “Everybody Matters”

  4. What an absolutely wonderful post for this time of year – or any time of year, for that matter. And beautifully written. Thank you for reminding us to reach outside our busy bubbles; that’s what the spirit of this season should be about. Merry Christmas, one and all.

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  14. That is a great post: you show much empathy for others around you. When we went to the VA today, the cancer chromosome count is descending or stabilizing and the Doctor (fellowship) said that the tumors are stabilizing and that it is possible for my husband to lead a healthy life for many years. It is not the aggressive cancer or it is not proving to be. As we left, I cried tears of job and then promptly wondered about the 8 other people in the room with their wives. Would they leave happy, also? My husband has a rare type of cancer which is currently being experienced by only 3 other patients in one of the biggest VA hospitals (Tampa) but we are very very lucky that it was caught by an early colonoscopy when he was sought out and agreed a year earlier to be part of an experimental group study. It is going to be a good New Year. And this cold is almost over.

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  15. Thanks! Enjoy your Christmas walk: NY is prettiest around the winter! I have learned to appreciate the Floridian Christmas but I remember the winter days and the windows of Lord & Taylor, Saks, Macy’s, Bendel, well.

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  22. Wonderful post. I hope your Christmas was a joy. At times (especially at this time of year) I think of others worse off than me. Any time I complain about something so minuscule, my friend, who has her plate full of so much struggle, hardship, and pain in her family (there are blessings and joys at times, but they seem hard to come by), I am put back in my place and realize how blessed I am. I wish I could help people, like you said. Prayers and talking to those in need who you have contact with, showing your support in any way you can give it, is what I try and do. Take care and may your New Year be blessed.

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