I’ve grown up blessed without much worry.
Every December, I seem to joyfully skip around with a cheery smile on my face, merry in my heart and a twinkle in my eye wishing everyone a happy holiday. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
With immaculate trees, beautiful lights, classic music, excessive shopping, an abundance of delicious foods, family gatherings, gift giving, card sharing and midnight mass, it’s a time of supreme beauty and bliss.
While I’ve always had a white Christmas, I’ve grown to recognize that not everyone has or is having a fortunate holiday, and it’s a notion that has been occupying my mind lately. I have yet to escape it.
I went to Ferguson, Mo. last month with a studious and curious friend who was interested in the culture and events taking place. There I learned a lot about privilege and peace.
The town seemed a lot like Newton, actually, a good community with average wealth and friendly people just more racial diversity represented in its population. Both white and black people stood in every restaurant, store and on every street — mixed — it certainly didn’t matter. In fact, two-thirds of the city is black.
However, the other side of town was experiencing a different environment.
We went to Canfield Street, an area lined with apartment buildings that formed its own neighborhood or village sort of like Greenway Apartments, where the air was filled with anger, frustration and pain.
I went to the Salvation Army and the St. Nick’s workshop a few weeks ago. There I learned a lot about people and poverty.
There are many important services available for local residents who are in need of help such as medical, residential and food assistance programs. I saw a variety of men and women, young and old, in line for the food pantry.
One of St. Nick’s elves told me about a woman with children who has been a gift recipient with the program. The woman told the elves she didn’t have money to donate but she wanted to offer something to the cause. She gave St. Nick’s her infant clothing with tags because she had lost a newborn.
I went to Willowbrook Adult Day Center last week for a wonderful Christmas event. There I learned a lot about pain and patience.
Everything there from the food and music to decoration and service was splendid, but I couldn’t help but notice some of the spouses visiting their loved one.
One man was visiting his wife, presumably with dementia, and although she was happy and they were together, he looked a little lost, alone or heartbroken.
The truth is, that a lot of us are lucky and blessed, nearly everyone in my family, and I’m so humble and grateful.
The other truth is that many people in our town, state and country are struggling to feel the joy and peace of Christmas. Their problems, difficulties and grief are real, and even when we can’t relate, we need to provide that gracious humanity.
With less than two weeks until Christmas, I wonder about the people on Canfield Street, the food pantry line, the sick and their loved ones and hope they feel some sort of relief.
Humility, sympathy and compassion are important Christian traits to remember this Christmas.
Celebrate abundantly, indulge joyously and certainly love generously.
Merry Christmas to all!
Contact Kate Malott at
641-792-3121 ext. 6533
or kmalott@newtondailynews.com