Holiday Thoughs

The holidays can be times of blessings and peace, filled with family and friends and turkey and togetherness.

They can also be times of debilitating loneliness, when circumstances bearable at any other time of year become unlivable.

It's important to reach out during this season. Some of us will volunteer at Christmas dinners for those who have nowhere else to go. Some of us will drop extra change into a kettle. Others will take over as hosts for the family meal to relieve the burden on ageing parents. Others will spend time with young children to allow new parents a moment or two away from that awesome responsibility.

Many writers say their lives are lonely. We sit in our office (or corner of the living room in my case) and talk with the people in our heads, while the people in our lives wander in and out. It's important to step away from our imaginings and take part in our realities. Because nothing is more important than those we love.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.