Article December 22, 1980 Issue

A Christmas healing

BARBARA KOBLER ROSSITER

Christmas is traditionally thought of as a time of family sharing, joy, and merriment. And for many people it is. But what of those away from home, or spending their first Christmas without a loved one? Can they find joy in this season as well? Perhaps my own experience will help those who are seeking the true meaning of Christmas joy.

The first Christmas after my husband died was dreary. Friend's loving efforts to involve me in jovial activities only brought on self-pity. The following year, while others were putting up decorations, I deliberately tore my home apart, called in the painters, and tried to ignore the holidays. The results were even more abysmal.

When the season came again, I switched tactics and explored how some cheer might be brought to others whose home-and-hearth patterns had also been interrupted. This produced better feelings about Christmas and established an acceptable way to "get through" the holidays. In the fourth year, however, I received the inspiration that has given fresh meaning to my celebration of Christmas ever since.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Remembering God's great goodness