Festivals of Light

Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy Hanukkah!
Merry Christmas!

All of these major festivals (and maybe others) are being celebrated this week in some places around the world.
If you aren’t aware of these holidays (and I’m guessing, that by default if you are in North America, you’ll at least be aware of the last one), take a moment to link through and read a little bit about them.

And all of them include gift-giving, light and family. Holiday cheer may be in the air – special songs, traditions, taking time to spend with people.

But what about the many people who observe these holidays but who are without family this week?

Those who:

• Are alone in a new country or city?
• Are struggling with mental illness?
• Are in the hospital?
• Are in nursing homes?
• Are traveling and can’t make it home?
• Have lost family to war, illness, tragedy?
• Have families who no longer speak to them because of who they are, what they believe in, or who they love?

I’m sure there are other reasons, but you get the idea…

If you don’t celebrate the holidays, that’s one thing. But if this is a week that is meaningful to you, but you are alone that’s another. It’s not a festive time for everyone. Maybe as you go about your week, you can spread a little cheer to someone who really could use it.

See more.