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Christmas is a time when goodwill is in the air.
The theme is merry Christmas one and all and goodwill to all men,
so it may not come as a surprise that Christmas
time is not the worst time of year to be homeless.
There's a sort of camaraderie, a pulling together
from all the separate strands of society, a sense that even though
you are down, you are not out.
There is so much togetherness, help and support
during the festive season; homeless people suddenly stop being invisible.
Christmas is not just about time for family |
People who haven't bothered before start to care.
Everybody stops to say 'Are you ok?'. Things seem to be okay even
if they are not great.
If anything, being homeless at Christmas is more
about Christmas than all family values, Santa's Grotto and Oxford
Street lights put together. It's about caring, looking out for others
less fortunate than you and it's about being there for each other.
This year Christmas for me has already come. I've
been housed and have a place to call home. However I won't forget
what it's like to have nowhere to go and no one to see when everyone
is at home with their families.
This time, like most people, I'm spending the day
with those I care about, with my family, girlfriend and friends.
But I am also spending it with other homeless and ex-homeless people.
I will be going to the church meal for the homeless
and single people and people who are alone at Christmas.
I will sing carols badly and wear a silly hat.
I will give presents to people I have never met before and share
what I have with others.
Christmas is a time for goodwill |
I love Christmas now, I think it's great because
I have had so many sad and lonely ones. I know what it is like to
be alone at Christmas, without family and friends.
It makes me stronger and more caring. This knowledge
reminds me of the true meaning of goodwill. I am going to make this
the most festive yet, because I have so much to be grateful for,
so much good in my life today.
All I am asking this Christmas is a little more
love in the world for each and every one of us.
Stop for a moment please and think what this is
all about, what this season really means? Peace on earth and goodwill
towards all men, not just the 25 December.
It should be all the year round, the goodwill should
not last just as long as the tree is up and Santa is in the shop
windows.
Try to keep a little more Christmas in your hearts
all the year round. Share it with those less fortunate than yourselves.
When you meet them, buy a Big Issue vendor a cup
of coffee and a cake, it's as good as setting an extra place at
the table on Christmas Day.
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