I am quite confident that many of you, like me, are not getting caught up in the Christmas hype just yet … but perhaps in a couple of weeks? Christmas offers, understandably, a huge potential for retail businesses and regardless of our thoughts on the matter, the  reality is we just have to accept it. It is also a time when various charities see the holiday period as a potentially lucrative time period for additional financial support.

I have no problem with businesses capitalizing on Christmas for reasons of profit, any more than I have with charities fundraising requests however, given a choice between contributing to a profit line, or contributing to supporting a less fortunate person … it is an easy decision for me.

The issue, and the basis for this Post, is the question “What happens after the Christmas period?”

Retail businesses will be planning on adapting  to the drop in business until another opportunity  arises. Charities will have to do likewise, and at the expense of providing some service to our less fortunate colleagues.

We all know that the families below the poverty-line; those requiring professional help and guidance; those suffering from mental, physical and/or emotional abuse, are not in that predicament just over the Christmas holiday period… but do we think about them during the rest of the year?

Around here (Toronto area) there is a huge push to draw girls out of the sexual exploitation business and provide whatever services are necessary to restore their faith in themselves and assist them to get a life that allows them dignity and independence.  That cannot be achieved within the Christmas holiday period.

The following poem is from my book “Just  Thinking”, which is available in eBook, paperback and hardcopy formats, and can be purchased from any of the usual on-line book retailers or direct from Friesen Press. Do you have a young poet, or a volunteer in the social service field, on your Christmas list? Click book cover link in column to the right (may have to scroll) for more information.

 

Christmas is coming so very soon.

What are you plans for this time?

What is your idea of good cheer?

To eat and drink?

Think of family and friends?

But… why only at this time of year?

***

You’ll buy this and that.

Perhaps “Thinking of You” cards,

For people so very dear.

You’ll share time together,

And have many laughs

But… why only at this time of year?

***

The time of year for giving,

To a local shelter perhaps?

Poverty and despair are so near.

Street kids, abused kids, exploited and used kids

Maybe on your mind,

But… why only at this time of year?

***

Poverty is year round.

Abuse and despair the same.

What else do you need to hear?

You are so giving around now,

And presumably willing,

But… why only at this time of year?

***

You will celebrate this season

Being generous and kind.

Maybe smile at strangers without fear,

But once the season has passed,

Hopefully you will ask

“Why only at that time of year?”

***

This time of year, regardless of belief,

Is a time for compassion and sharing;

For revelations so crystal clear;

For knowing that you are able to help,

Perhaps only in a small way

But… why only at this time of year?

***

At this time of year… this year,

Think… do you really care?

When you see desperation so near,

Are you prepared to share?

Should it be just at Christmas time?

Why not throughout the whole year?