Share the Season

The holiday season is upon us, and Christmas is just around the corner—again. It seems like only yesterday we went through the hustle and bustle of decorating the home and community, nearly burning the numbers off our credit cards with the increased purchases, and running here and there to prepare for the celebrations. By the time January 1 rolls around, we are exhausted and, many times, relieved to be done with the holiday, which is truly sad to me. Christmas should be a time to appreciate our blessings, spend time with family and friends, and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. I know it is easy for me to say, but please take a step back and consider what is most important to you during the holiday season. We should be spreading kindness, cheer, and hope to all we can.

Once we have our schedules under control, we should think about who around us could greatly benefit from some kindness. Doing this does not require purchasing huge, expensive gifts. We can show acts of kindness by demonstrating that we care. Most times it is the thought that counts and not the size of the present. There is the true story of a business owner in Michigan who had an extra Christmas tree from his Christmas parade float. Rather than throw the tree away, he posted an advertisement online to offer it free-of-charge to anyone who might want it. Much to his surprise, he was flooded with requests. Everyone requesting the tree shared how significant it would be since their Christmas celebration would be minimal due to finances. One family that had responded said the only tree they usually could have was one they drew on a poster to then hang on the wall. Being unable to decide who should receive the tree, the businessman went out and bought 40 more trees to share and quickly learned that giving can be contagious. He received a message from a woman in another part of Michigan who had seen his email. She did not need a tree, but she wanted to donate ornaments and various decorations to accompany those 40 trees. As a result of a seemingly insignificant act, these individuals were able to share the true Christmas spirit with 40 families.¹

Another great way to appreciate the joy of sharing and giving at Christmas is to share it with someone who otherwise would spend the holiday alone. A young college student in Northern California was listening to her friends and fellow students talk about going home for Christmas and all the fun they were going to have with family. Because she did not have a family, the student thought she might be the only one left on campus. So, in order to spend the holidays with others, she had the idea to advertise on social media to “rent” parents for a few hours. The response to her request was overwhelming. Most were from parents who wanted to share Christmas with her, but a number were from other students in the same predicament. With that, she sponsored a Christmas matchup potluck dinner to pair willing families with students who did not have anyone to celebrate with. The plan was a huge success; so much so that after graduating, the woman continued to arrange the Christmas matchup potluck dinner to connect students with families each Christmas. Not only does she benefit, but all those who participate in the potluck do as well.¹

With these examples in mind, I hope all readers will take time to consider what is truly important this Christmas season. Share your time, your gifts, or whatever you might have with family, friends, and those who are in need. The quotation by Anne Frank is true: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Terry Treadwell, MD, FACS
Editor-in-Chief, Wounds
woundseditor@hmpglobal.com