Happy Holidays 2020!
There are numerous Holidays celebrated by different religions (Christian, Judaic, African American and Muslim) in December. You likely grew up in one of them.
Being a Holist now doesn’t prevent you from taking part in your family’s traditions. There is no need to give up on the comfort of the familiar! Celebrate your family’s tradition (this year: SAFELY!), share the joy of the season, honor the people you love and care about, give gifts and feel good! (With the vaccine, we finally have some hope that the pandemic will eventually end.)
Take a moment to notice the holistic elements of old traditions. All December holidays emphasize hope, miracles and togetherness. Celebrate with loved ones the holiday traditions you grew up with. But honor the Holist within as well and don’t forget those who need hope, miracles and a sense of belonging the most.
One of the groups that needs them are the homeless. (It is very hard to imagine the courage it takes to live, survive and go on while homeless!)
Take a few minutes and walk through your home looking for things you no longer use: old warm socks, gloves, hats, sweaters, jackets, blankets, etc. Put your finds together in a bag. (If you can afford it, put in a few dollars or a little food as well.)
Now put on rubber gloves, double face mask and deliver the bag of goods to one of the many homeless people out there. Hand it over with a “Merry Christmas” or “God bless you” (communicate in a language that’s easily understood) and walk away.
Your gesture won’t change the world. It won’t liberate anyone from homelessness. But you’ll give someone hope, a little miracle and the sense of inclusion which are priceless and remembered.
Giving a warm sweater to Aunt Jen is nice and makes you a good niece or nephew. Giving what you can to a stranger in need, makes you HUMANE.
All of us who have not been affected by Covid-19 or have recovered, all who have a roof over our heads and food on the table should be grateful, especially this year. Many of us have a lot more than that. But true wealth comes from the ability to give and share. As much as Aunt Jen will appreciated the present you gave her, to someone down on their luck your special holiday delivery could mean a renewed will to live.
Be a hope-bearer. Be a miracle-maker. Acknowledge the struggle of a stranger and let the stranger know that he or she is a part of the human family.
This year, we need warmth and joy more than ever. Enjoy your loved ones, holiday food, decorations and presents.
Holistic Church and Reverend Enrich wish you
Safe, Healthy and Happy Holidays 2020!
Photo credits in chronological order (from the top)
Jill Wellington from Pixabay
