Stockings full of Joy

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” so they say, but for some it really isn’t. My first Christmas “left behind” was definitely not the most wonderful time of the year. My Dad died by suicide in September, December snuck up really fast. Life doesn’t slow down when you mourn, it keeps on going and I had 5 young kids to be there for so there was no way I could not “do” Christmas. It was purely survival that year. Get er done. Man it was tough. Everything changes when you lose a loved one. Holidays are never the same

Joy was really non existent in my heart that Christmas. It took so much effort for me to put on my brave face and push through each and every day. I was in the midst of the grieving process, still very stuck in the shock state.

One evening the door bell rang. We lived on a acreage so this was a rarity. It was my Auntie and Uncle. They came on a mission to spread some Christmas cheer. They came with gifts in hand, personalized stockings for each of my kids and they were each filled with gifts. The kids were pumped. They were bouncing off the walls. Joy had entered our home again. I sat there in awe as the kids smiled and laughed and climbed over their Auntie and Uncle. My heart was so moved by this kind gesture. For a moment my grief had lifted. My Aunt pulled me aside to tell me they knew this Christmas was going to be so hard on us they wanted to bring some happiness into this sad time. Mission accomplished

That was 10 years ago and I remember it like yesterday. An act of kindness to bring joy succeeded and is still bringing joy every Christmas season when I hang these stockings up. Some of my kids no longer live at home, they are grown and on their own, I haven't let them take their stockings yet, I’m having a hard time parting with them. They have become my most treasured Christmas decoration for they hold a memory so powerful to me, a memory of a time when joy was able to seep into our ache, when light came in and out shone the darkness. A memory of smiles and laughter in a time our hearts were completely broken. This powerful act of kindness still affects me 10 years later

Sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree lights I’m reminded that I am to spread light to those who are not experiencing the most wonderful time of the year. I’m reminded that this season will come and go so fast, yet for someone who is grieving or struggling - this season may feel like it will never end. In the hustle of the season I urge you not to forget those who have experienced hardships this year, those who are alone, those who have lost a loved one. Your simple act of kindness has the power to do so much more than you could ever imagine and even the slightest act of kindness has the power to light up the darkest of times for someone who longs to feel joy even if just for a moment.