Christmas is a time of year unlike any other. It brings people together to celebrate so many different things. For the religious it is a celebration of a birth that brings salvation, for many others it’s a time of family and traditions. It’s also a time of thanks. We give gifts to friends, a small gesture of love and friendship, reminding those who touch our lives in the littlest ways, that we care and appreciate them. Christmas is unique. It’s the only holiday with its own genre of music. Songs celebrate the season, reminding us to forget the snow and frigid temperatures, and think about sleigh rides and snowmen. For most of us, we focus on our close friends and family during this season, but what about those who don’t have family, those who don’t have homes to return to, fireplaces to sit in front of, or Christmas trees to decorate?
My story of Christmas actually happened just this week. I was headed downtown with my daughter for a Christmas concert. It was meant to be a night of celebrating the season and worship. I’d been looking forward to the event for months, anticipating seeing one of my favorite artists. What I didn’t plan on was it being something other than the concert that inspired me and made my night one that I will never forget.
As my daughter and I were walking through the city, enjoying the Christmas lights around the area, I heard singing. Now, carolers are not uncommon this time of year, but as we came around the corner, I was amazed at what I found. A group of homeless men and women had formed a half circle on the corner of the street. They stood in freezing temperatures, many of them holding hands as they sang songs together. They smiled at people as they passed by them, never faltering when a crowd of people stopped to enjoy the singing. This group of homeless men and woman had stopped panhandling, had stopped asking for change on the street corners, and had decided to celebrate the season. There was no hat or rusty tin can in front of them for donations. It was just a group of men and women who came together to celebrate Christmas.
My daughter and I stood beside them, enjoying their songs and even singing along with them from time to time. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. The out of tune voices, the shabby clothing, and weathered and worn faces put on a performance that was beyond what any professional could give. These men and women, though they had nothing, shared their holiday spirit with strangers. Strangers, who would most of the time pass by them and look away in disgust or avoidance. The gift they gave didn’t cost a single penny, but it brought happiness and enjoyment to so many who stopped and allowed themselves to just listen.
In a season where we are all worried about buying the right gift for our friends and families, a season where many fight to get the best deal, or be the first in the door for that Black Friday sale, these men and women reminded me what the true meaning of the season is. It’s not about that toy our children must have. It’s not about finding that perfect gift for our parents. It’s about coming together. It’s about remembering things that really matter. The season isn’t about gifts, but it is about giving. The gift of a smile, a kind word, and even a song are the things that will be remembered. Those expensive gifts will be set aside in time, but we never forget a hug, a kiss, a smile, or a kind word.
Don’t get lost in the hustle of Christmas shopping and let the stress of making it perfect make you forget that long before we had shopping centers, Black Friday deals, or any of the materialistic stuff we’ve now come to know as Christmas, we first had family and friends. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t what is under that Christmas tree. It’s a group of people like the homeless men and women I saw the other night, gathering together to sing, to share, to bring good tidings and cheer to the people around them. If those who need the most can find a way to give in such a simple way, so can we. Don’t get lost in what you can buy, focus on what you can give. This Christmas, take the time to give from the heart, the way these men and women who had nothing else to give chose to do.
Rags and Riches Series by E.M. Leya
The Rags and Riches series was inspired by my happening to be downtown one afternoon. I happened to start a conversation with a homeless man who was sitting near me. As we talked and he told me his story, I was amazed at how strong and brave he was to face what he must on a daily basis. Winter Storm was based off this man’s experience. I have since taken the time to talk to many other men who live on the streets and find out why they are there. These stories are all based off real men who I have since interviewed. The story behind why they are on the streets are real. I’ve added in the romance and the HEA, but hope each man will find his own HEA in real life and not just in my books. My hope is that after reading these books you might think twice about walking past the homeless with your eyes cast down. Offer them a simple smile and hello. It can make their day!
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Happy holidays!!
Author info”¦
A little about me for those who don’t know me. I write a mix of mf and mm romance. I’m a single mom of a beautiful 10 yr. old daughter and live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have over 50 books out. All of my books are available on Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited.
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