No matter how you figure it, Christmas is three days away. For many of us at this point in time we are beginning to feel the crunch, we’ve run out of unique gift ideas, wrapping paper, bows, tape and the urge to tackle anymore new holiday recipes to bring to the office. We’ve run out of checks (and money), try to avoid the mailman bringing those envelopes with the little windows in them (credit card statements) and the bottom line is we’ve run out of time (yes the stores really do close early on Christmas Eve).
Instead of feeling put-upon during these last few hours before the 25th arrives, perhaps we all should take a break, take a deep breath, shut off our phones, televisions, Ipods, laptops or any other distracting devices that we all seem to find necessary in our every day lives — and think.
Think about the families who struggle everyday, not just during this time of year; think about those who will put on a smile for the holidays, as they continue to battle an illness; just think and realize that maybe all this last-minute running around isn’t such a big deal after all.
Over the past weeks I have witnessed the true meaning of giving, proven time and time again, throughout this community. I’ve seen young children give up their weekends to raise money to shop with — not for themselves but for other children, so they will be able to share in the thrill of presents under the tree.
There are the churches with trees trimmed with names of families, all who will receive Christmas gifts through the caring and generosity of those who reside among us.
I’ve seen the magical mountains of Toys for Tots gifts gathered by members of the Caribou Volunteer Fire Department to be delivered in time for Saint Nick’s visit to 90 local families and 300 children.
There were the Caribou High School Technology students who raised $752.03 by placing donation cans in the Tech Center. These students shopped for toys which were donated to the Toys for Tots Program, sponsored by the Caribou Volunteer Fire Department — again, helping to make sure all children have a Merry Christmas.
Early one morning this week, Shirley Fortin, manager at the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen, saw 38 Caribou High School National Honor Society students and their adviser, troop into her kitchen each carrying boxes of food, to help make sure all local families have food in their cupboards during this holiday season.
It is these and many other acts of unselfish community kindness, that we all need to think about once in a while — reflecting that while we may not all agree on the actions and words of others on a day-to-day basis, it is fitting for each one of us to be humbled and realize that the minor things that weigh upon us often cause us to miss out on the important things in life.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
