I’m not the Grinch who stole Christmas, but I do confess, I have been known to shun the holiday.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy the homemade baking, screams of kids running toward (sometimes away) from Santa, or the white lights strung from rooftops glistening in the snow; I’ve just never gained an appreciation for the mall madness, busy streets, or relentless carolers.
Over the past two years though, the Grinch in me has become quiet.
See, about two years ago I left my home in Barrie, Ontario. Moving may not be intimidating or scary to some, but leaving everything familiar – my family and every single one of my friends, was difficult to say the least. Each year when the holiday season approaches I get a little ping of homesickness; I remember the holidays truly are about whom you’re with, not what you’re doing, or what you’re getting.
More important than the gifts, stockings, or advent calendars, is the time spent with those in your life.
The kids at Ranch Ehrlo may not have their families by their side, and they may not have their best friends at their door, but I assure you, they are not alone.
Staff have shared some of the most heartwarming stories of Christmas at the Ranch, many of them sacrificing time with their own families to be with the kids on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning.
“My first year was pretty memorable; having my first Christmas out here,” recalled Ranch staff, Rick Norrick. “Working Christmas and sleeping over, telling the night person not to come because I wanted to be there for Christmas morning. The night worker came out with his wife and a load of baking, the kids went to midnight mass…and we had a great time…opening gifts and exchanging stories.”
Whatever you celebrate- whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or no holiday at all- this time of the year is about celebrating those who matter most. Even if you can’t be right by their side, remember them or reach out to them.
2010 marked my first Christmas in Saskatchewan, and while I wasn’t amongst family or my closest friends, I wasn’t alone. It was that Christmas that the Grinch in me surrendered and gave in to the holiday spirit. I finally realized it’s not about giving the gifts; it’s about giving and getting a lot more than something wrapped in a box and a bow.
The holiday season, much like life, is what you make it.
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas.”
