This week traditionally launches the holiday season. And it's a time of year when many of us pull out our most beloved traditions in the holiday spirit, along with our favorite decorations and recipes.
Unfortunately it is also traditionally a time of year when those who are chronically ill and housebound deal with the greatest pressures and disappointments.
Generosity toward those who are less fortunate in the holiday spirit is also a holiday tradition, and many will be giving to food banks and soup kitchens. Gently used coats, scarves, mittens and toys will be searched through in many households, and will be brought with love to organizations whose thrust is to care for the poor.
This is one of the best qualities of our society.
If this concern for the less fortunate can be extended a little further, to include those who quietly languish in the isolation of their own homes, we will do well.
Those of us who have friends and relatives who are restricted in this fashion can make a big and glowing difference in those lives with just a little extra thought and action.
Going above and beyond this attention to those who belong to us, to people who we may not know well but who live in our neighborhoods, people who may not have others to care for and about them can make our world a better place.
Do you have family or friends who are disabled or who have a chronic health condition?
They may not be able to reach out to you, and their presence may not be immediately apparent. Inability to reach out though does not indicate that they wouldn't love a little help or attention from others.
Not sure what you can do for these folks? That can stop us from taking action. Here are some suggestions that are not hard to do, and may make a difference for someone who has a hard time during the holiday season.
Do you have room at your table for someone who may not be mobile enough to get themselves to your house? Issuing an invitation, accompanied with an offer for a ride, can open a door that might not be otherwise opened for them this season.
When a guest has health issues and is easily tired, knowing that you have a quiet room they can disappear to can make an invitation more attractive and doable for them. Be prepared to take them home early in the evening if they become tuckered out.
If they have sensory difficulties, be gentle with lighting and volume levels. Keep music low and avoid too much sensory overstimulation from TVs or other sources.
Does your guest have dietary issues that they must live with? Find out ahead of time what they can and can't eat. This doesn't mean everyone must eat low carb or vegetarian, but providing dishes that everyone can enjoy is just being a good host and a good friend.
Is one of your loved ones unable to get out? Asking if you can come to visit them, maybe even bring a meal over, may mean that they have visitors during a time that they are usually alone.
If you can't get over to their house or if they are too ill even for a short visit, sending them a gift, a card, or making a brief but loving phone call would be most welcome.
On a supremely practical note, think about going over to their place to do a little cleaning, or pick up their groceries.
Maybe they'd like some decorations up in their house but aren't able to drag them out of the basement or put them up. If you enjoy decorating for the season, consider this a bonus where you get to do some adorning in more than one home -- yours and your friend's.
If there is snow where you live, a great gift for someone who is disable would be to offer to shovel their walk or driveway. This is strenuous work for anybody, and it can be impossible for someone who is fragile.
Nothing spreads the holiday spirit like watching a hearty laborer with a shovel clearing a path to make your home accessible.
This country is full of people who love to give, who have compassionate hearts for those going through a tough time. Sometimes the person in need is right next door, or down the street.
I love that so many people are filled with the holiday spirit and are looking for a way to give this time of year. Those in need may be closer than you think.
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca