Article December 15, 1997 Issue

Alone at Christmas?

Elaine R. Follis

"God setteth the solitary in families" (Ps. 68:6). I was very familiar with that Bible verse, and had on occasion quoted it in an effort to help and comfort others. It had always reassured me that God's love embraces everyone and is shown in practical ways.

But as the holidays approached one year, I found myself thinking, I sure hope the Psalmist doesn't turn out to be wrong this time! With my father's passing, I was pretty much on my own; there were a few relatives, but none with whom I was close or had much in common. I had to admit I dreaded the prospect of being alone. A few of the popular Christmas tunes—featuring words about feeling "blue" or coming home to a warm family setting "only in my dreams"—didn't help very much. After an afternoon at the mercy of mall music, I was sure that if I heard either of them one more time, I'd scream.

I had always been a big fan of Christmas traditions, and one day I asked myself a very pointed question: what, exactly, was it that I loved so much about this special holiday? On one level, the answer was easy. I loved the colored lights and tinsel. And there were still plenty of both to enjoy, in my home and around the neighborhood. I loved the goodies, especially frosted sugar cookies. And I could still bake and share them with friends. I loved the crèche whose appearance had, since I was a tiny child, marked the beginning of the holiday season. And there was still the perfect spot for it on my mantle. I loved the sense of giving. And I still had many friends to surprise with just the perfect gift. So, I reasoned with myself, although a great many things about my life had changed, not that much had changed about Christmas.

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