I need to vent some feelings about the holiday coming up. If this offends anyone, I’m sorry.
I have several questions about this Christmas season. Most everyone thinks of kids and making them happy by donating to a local charity to make sure that kids get at least one toy or present under the tree, but what about adults who have no one in their lives who would at the very least get them a card?
Do people ever think of the people who are not elderly, who are on very fixed incomes and want to celebrate the holiday, but can’t due to finances because all of the money they have is going to necessities?
How many people on fixed incomes go through the holidays thinking that no one cares or even wants them around? Does anyone just get something for their neighbor (even if you don’t know them), just because and not want anything in return?
Many people forget that sometimes it is the little things that are forgotten. The people who are forgotten most of the time are the ones who don’t have kids, family, or go to church. And because that person or couple seems happy-go-lucky, they are the ones who might need help the most. That person or couple will not say anything because they are ashamed and have been there for their neighbors, friends, or other people, and now they feel like they are alone and unwanted.
This person or couple is always kind, friendly, and loving but when you ask them if they need anything, they always say no, they are fine. Do you watch their body language, do they look you in the face when they say ‘no,’ or do they say ‘no, I’m fine’ and sort of look elsewhere?
Many people help families, but where are the ones who help a person or couple? The charities are there for families with kids under 17, but no one thinks about those who are on very fixed incomes.
I don’t know of any charity for someone on a very fixed income with no children in their home. Most times, there isn’t even a Christmas blessing like the one at Thanksgiving. I know the only way my husband and I had Thanksgiving this year was because of the Thanksgiving blessing.
Please take time to get to know your neighbors, and let’s bring back the caring for each other like we did in the past.
— Jeanne L. Pifer
Anchorage
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