A Different Holiday, Reach Out

It’s quiet.

Kids are grown and far away.

I miss their banter.

The cookies are expertly trimmed.

I miss spending an hour cleaning up sprinkles that land everywhere.

The tree is bedecked in magazine splendor.

All the paper angels and odd shaped blobs of clay are still in boxes.

Maybe next year I’ll put up two trees.

Shopping is done with a keyboard and credit card.

I miss experiencing the splendor and sounds of a crowded store.

Why clean the house, nobody is coming.

My children are staying home this year.

I never thought I’d want a reason to clean so badly.

I am fortunate that I have someone to share the holiday.

I pray that everyone find someone, even a pet, to be with.

Whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just the Holiday, take a moment and reach out to someone, anyone with a word or deed of kindness, faith or love. We need it more this year than any.