Why We Shouldn’t Wait For Christmas To Help Our Neighbors
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(OPINION) Flipping another page on my calendar as my computer reminded me a new month had begun a few weeks ago, when the nail sagged at the weight of the past pages, I realized it was that time of year again.
The waning days of 2025 are far too real, with all the implications of the coming “holidays.”
Being invited to a Christmas party, I heard associates’ plans to buy special outfits for the occasion, while the closet where my limited wardrobe hangs features utilitarian items that barely pass for “business casual.”
Quite a number of radio stations have switched their formats to feature music of the season, and movies — both classic and modern — dealing with end-of-year celebrations are re-running on television.
My attitude toward holidays — any and all holidays — is rather … disturbing, even to those who know me well. I believe that each day is a holiday, a gift, an opportunity to do good. I’ve long since given up marking my birthday (and not just because I’m old). My personal preference for Thanksgiving, Christmas and such is to hunker down in my pajamas and watch old movies all day.
But, then, I do the same most weekends.
Singling out certain dates for parties, feasts, etc., even special religious services, unconsciously negates all those other days when we could, and should, be caring for our neighbors, speaking for those with no voice, being mindful of the environment.
Phrases like, “I can’t wait until Christmas,” or “I’ve got great plans for New Year’s Eve,” put a focus on future expectations, while the present quickly fades.
We miss a lot of what is needed in the now, that way, and it’s impossible to go back and revisit those moments after the fact — leading to regrets and sadness, in many instances.
A prime example of this situation occurred with the government shutdown. Individuals, families, the poor, the homeless and millions more were impacted through those weeks of not receiving paychecks or desperately needed benefits, long lines at airports sparking frustration, and on and on.
Did we simply try to ignore this disaster, if we didn’t personally feel the uncertainty and tension? Or did we step up and lend a hand where we could?
Just as food drives around the holidays are geared to giving the hungry a “decent meal” during these festive months, what about the other weeks in the year? Those who are hungry face the challenges of finding food every day, not just on those dates printed in red on the calendar.
Those who need a warm coat or sturdy shoes — even boots, for places where snow is prevalent — need them throughout the colder months, not just in the middle of December.
The thousands who are unable to pay their utility bills to heat their homes, stay current on their mortgages or rent, and so forth, need more than just a one-time handout. They need, and deserve, the care and concern of others throughout the whole year.
The joy that beams from a child’s face when participating in a “Shop with a Cop” at a toy store should not fade within hours when that youngster returns to the hardship of the family.
As 2025 comes to a close, let us dedicate ourselves to a radical change in the way we think and act. Let us seize on the concept that every day, God gives us an abundance of chances to bring the “holiday spirit” into the lives of others — whether it’s December, April, June or September.
May our inspiration to give of our time, talents and money not focus on a few specific dates, but may we make every day a holiday a celebration of life, love and peace!
This article was originally published at FaVs News.
Julie A. Ferraro is a communications professional who works extensively with Catholic religious communities. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, she is a mother and grandmother. She has been a journalist for more than 35 years and continues her studies of both Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality.