Try a little kindness this Christmas
My childhood memories of Christmas in Lodi start when I was a small child sitting on my Dad’s shoulders in front of the Hotel Lodi waiting for Santa. There was always a big crowd. Through the years where Santa sets up shop to hear all the kiddies wishes kept changing to a different vacant store downtown. From Ardens on the corner of School Street and Oak to the old Rexall drug on Pine to across the street in the old Bantom 88. It was always exciting when J.C. Penny’s opened their toyland in the basement. Toys were not so abundant and available all year long in every store. Sure we had Fuller’s toy shop all the time, but toy land anywhere else was only at Christmas.
One of my best memories growing up was going to the Christmas concert downtown in front of the Bank of America with the Lodi Community Band. My father was the conductor of them for many a Christmas. It was always a cold night and Dad got the big coffee pot from the Lodi recreation department. How we got it downtown with the coffee hot inside for all the band members was a dilemma. It was a big treat to see the Lodi Arch decorated for Christmas. Usually the day after Thanksgiving it was lit in all the holiday hues. In downtown Lodi, brightly decorated metallic streamers and lights criss-crossed the intersections. Everything about Christmas was exciting and awe inspiring. It seemed like there was more time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas back then. Now we are too busy with too much of a list to even think.
Times are tough today, tougher for some more than others. As an elementary school counselor I have heard first hand how some families are struggling just to feed their families everyday. Unemployment, poor health, two separate household to keep together due to divorce, and family members away at war, it all takes a tool and does not make for a very jolly holiday. At school we have a giving tree for needy families. No one but me knows who the families are each year. Generous teachers, staff, PTA and my Mastercard try to make Christmas better for these families by taking a tag from the tree. A tag may say something like, “family one needs size 10 uniform pants” or “family two needs size 8 girls’ jacket.” This year I have already had requests for children’s underwear. That really makes me wonder and worry. A child without any underwear; oh dear to need the bear necessities is serious. This Christmas wish was fulfilled immediately no waiting until Christmas.
Sadly, requests have been more for food this year. I lately have heard, “no turkey for Thanksgiving.” Some kids eat Top Ramen at most meals just to get by. It is hard to learn when you have a hungry tummy. You wonder what kind of childhood memories these kids will look back on when they grow up.
Some people dread the holidays. Important family members and friends who have passed are sorely missed. Christmas carols bring tears to their eyes. You never know what that gentle man or woman you passed on the the street has been throughout in their life or is feeling and thinking at this moment. Maybe Christmas is a great time for them and they have fond memories of their childhood. Maybe they are struggling to get through the holiday season and can’t wait until it is all over.
This holiday season perhaps we could try just a little harder to be kind and gentle to each other. Perhaps spend an extra hour with your kids on Saturday instead of shopping for the shirt for great uncle Harry on your mother’s side. He won’t miss your Christmas gift. But your kids will miss you. Maybe in spite of all that is going on in this world. Try to have a positive attitude in your daily interactions with your fellow humans. We all muddle through somehow but why not make the holiday he best they can be for all of us.