I’m having a hard time writing about food today.
Every year I look forward to the holidays as a time to be with my family and friends, to laugh and talk in cozy houses that smell like fresh pine and warm spices. I can’t wait to hear the first brassy tones of carols filling the air, and oh boy do I dream about the cookies, the pies, the hams, the mulled wine and cider, and the special occasion breakfasts.
But yesterday morning we had our first snow. And although I was already whimsically imagining snow angels and hot chocolate, I was also thinking about the record number of people experiencing homelessness in our country—and particularly those in the New Haven area. I couldn’t help but ache for the folks who were expecting another month before things got really bad outside, some of whom have been living outdoors for years, others who are fearfully expecting their first winter of nights spent sleeping on the streets.
With the economic situation stubbornly refusing to improve, more and more people are losing their houses and their jobs and ending up in shelters and on the streets. More than ever before, families will be experiencing this holiday season without all those things I lovingly reminisce about and look forward to all year long.
And, sure, I donate to the annual food drives at church and at school, and I give money to my favorite organizations. But somehow, that never really feels like enough.
This year, I am so incredibly inspired by the youth of the New Haven. Tonight, kids from seven congregations are gathering to set up tents and cardboard box-shelters and spend time outside in the cold, in order to better understand the difficulties of homelessness and to raise money for local shelters. They are eating a simple meal of soup (Mom, I made them your chicken noodle!) and bread, and spending the rest of the night engaging in service projects like making lunches to hand out to homeless folks tomorrow, or making fleece scarves to be given as holiday gifts.
These kids could be nestled up at home watching Glee, or hanging out at the mall, but instead they are coming together (of their own volition) to take part in discussions about what they want to do, as youth groups, about the rising problem of homelessness. And, they are trying to raise awareness among their congregations and their communities. Homelessness, they keep saying, is not just about adults and it’s not just about the big city. It’s about all of us.
This is an important thing for us to remember, particularly as we gather around our own annual feasts (which may, admittedly, be a little bit smaller this year). I am not sure, yet, what I want to do differently this year. But I feel like I’ve got to do something.
I’ve lived through a few economic downturns but never personally experienced one until now. For those of us feeling the effects, it’s easy to gather our families close and say, “There’s only enough for us.”
Our church hosts a community dinner every Thursday night. It’s not just a soup kitchen. We all sit down and share the meal together. Sometimes the conversation flows easily. Sometimes it’s a lot of work. Either way, I always feel happy when I leave.
But it’s also a constant reminder that if circumstances were a little different, it could be me living on the edge, and that makes me more compassionate.
Andy and I were thinking the same thing last night as we lay in bed. The strong wind was howling and lashing the rain against the windows and I said, “I feel bad for anyone on the streets tonight.” We know we have to do something, but we’re not quite sure how. I’m going to find a way today.
It’s great that those kids were raising awareness and telling people just how they can get involved. I’m proud of you, Shaz.
I agree, this year it really doesn’t feel like the “usual” things I do around the holidays are enough. Thank you for sharing the example the local youth are setting, and for the reminder to step beyond our own families to help those around us!
So glad Maggie posted the link to this post, Sharon. This is very beautifully written. And so true. I think most of us are guilty of getting caught up in the holidays…but how very important that we not only remember those less fortunate but act on their behalf. Thank you so much for this gentle reminder.
Sharon, I just love your heart. It shines through, even when you’re trying to cover it with your acerbic wit and sarcasm. It’s one of my favorite things about you.
One thing I feel I can do this winter is to go through and find all of our ‘I kinda like it but never wear it’ coats. James and I have plenty of those. And we’ll donate them to a local shelter to hand out. Maybe it won’t make a huge difference.. but it’s somewhere to start.
Beautiful, Sharon. Heartwarming.
Beautiful post, Sharon! I often find myself feeling the same way when it’s cold out… I constantly think of those who are out in the cold while I am at home in my comfortable house. Though I never feel like I can really do enough, I have found a few organizations here in PA that accept donations of coats, blankets, and other items to help those less fortunate. I’m also thinking about making donations to charities this year with our Christmas presents… We don’t need gifts, but there are so many others who do.
Thanks for inspiring us to not only sympathize with those less fortunate but also to take action.
This stubborn recession is going into its third year and as the ripple effect expands outward more of us are being directly impacted. The danger this winter is that we will feel more inclined to turn inward and tend to our own problems, feeling somewhat justified in ignoring the more dire circumstances of those around us. It’s a corollary to the “paradox of thrift”. Just about the time our instincts tell us to hunker down is precisely the moment someone needs us to open up. Thanks Sharon for getting us thinking in the right direction this season. (PS: Amber, you nailed it!)
Thanks so much for sharing this! I think it’s really important to use whatever platform you have to talk about things that really matter.
Great post Sharon!
This year instead of hosting a Turkey day dinner I’m taking my kids to volunteer at a dinner for the needy hosted by a local church. It is time they discovered that Thanksgiving is about more than just eating food and playing video games with their cousins!
Thanks for so eloquently putting into words what many of us think about every holiday season.