Kindness is our greatest gift
Merry Christmas. I hope it’s full of love and laughter for you all. I’m sure many of us have mixed feelings about this Christmas. Some of us haven’t finished harvest, and the thought of having to stop for a few days, even to rest, is annoying.
Many of us haven’t seen family for a long time and would like to spend Christmas with them, and perhaps those of you who have family interstate, you’re angry you can’t. Or excited you can, depending on which state you’re living in. For those of you in WA, perhaps you’re happy the borders are still shut. Maybe you're fearful about the borders beginning to open, and maybe you’re not.
Some of us will have an empty chair at the table this year, for the first time; an ache in our hearts. Some of us will be missing people who haven’t been with us for a while. Christmas can be such a mixed emotions time anyway, but adding COVID into the mix this year again, well, it feels a little horrible. With all these things in mind, kindness is the greatest present to give. Often, you’ll have no idea what is going on inside people’s lives, so check on your family and friends who are alone. Check on the people you haven’t heard from for a little while. Check on those you work with. And if you need checking in, make a call to one of your friends or family.
Sometimes, getting caught up in the Christmas rush, you may feel like you don’t have time to send that text message or make that call, but if you can see your way clear, then you will make so many people’s day. I’m a bit of a Christmas Grinch. This time of year tends to send me down the path of tears and overwhelming sadness. I’m sure I’m not the only one who says that Christmas isn’t the same since the kids grew up, or parents have passed, or there are horrible memories around this time of year. Having thought I’d be able to spend Christmas with my family in SA, I was pretty disappointed to have the borders go up again and not be able to head back and see all of my family, whom I haven’t seen for a couple of years.
Still, in saying that, we are living a pretty unique life here in WA and one that is really nice. The beaches and beautiful native Christmas trees (like the photo above), here in Esperance, make for some pretty specky scenery, which always makes me happy. The excitement of being together, love, tinsel and presents is a beautiful thing. A time to take a break and stop to remember what is beautiful about life and what you are grateful for.
I will be grateful to be able to spend Christmas Day with friends who are like family. As we go forward into 2023, I wish you all happiness and health. And for all you farmers, good seasons and low input prices! (That last one might have to go on your Santa list, I think).
