Random acts of kindness and a quick Christmas wish for everyone
This article is part of my December Gratitude series that aims to end the covid-year on a more positive and inspiring note.
In Slovakia, we celebrate Christmas on the 24th. In our house, while we’re eating dinner, the presents magically appear under the tree. That makes it a bit trickier for the parents, Jesus, or Santa (or whoever brings your presents) than just putting them there overnight and eating a cookie. Based on that logic, I’m writing this on Christmas morning, reflecting on what truly matters.
I don’t care much for the traditions that involve cutting apples in half, covering your forehead in honey, or throwing nuts into corners. But there is one unique tradition we have at home that feels more meaningful now than ever. We always keep an extra plate on the table. In some families, it’s meant to honor a loved one who has passed away that year. For us, it’s for anyone who might be alone or wandering around on this day. Sometimes, that seat was taken by a family member who joined us last minute. Other times, my dad would walk to the grocery store and look around to see if any homeless person might want to join us. So far, this tradition has remained mostly symbolic, as I don’t remember anyone actually sitting there, but the plate always stays.
I’ve said before that Christmas is just a tradition — one that can be postponed and enjoyed later. Fortunately, my family and I are safe and healthy, and we’ll be spending this day together. However, this year we agreed that the extra plate on our table will symbolize everyone who is spending the holiday on their own. Sadly, that’s become the case for more and more of my friends. With all my heart, I’m sending love to you and feeling even more grateful for the privilege of not being alone.
Before I continue, I want to note that I’ve never done what I’m about to do. I used to roll my eyes a little every time someone tagged me in a generic Christmas tree photo wishing me a merry Christmas. But this year, I won’t be grinchy. Even though I won’t be tagging anyone, I guess I’m joining the group of tree senders by writing the following.
To all of you — whether you’re alone or surrounded by loved ones, no matter where you are or what you’re doing today —
I wish you all the health one can have, the empathy to make this world a more tolerable place, and the unconditional love that leads to kindness.
I wish you all the health one can have, the empathy to make this world a more tolerable place, and the unconditional love that leads to kindness.
There is never enough kindness, or the random acts of it. These can be as simple as gifting a Poinsettia (Christmas rose) or sending a letter to a friend to let them know how much they mean to you. Last week, I was given the rose, and yesterday I received one of those letters. It made me realise that I definitely don’t do these things often enough.
I want to make an effort to fill the upcoming year with more acts of kindness. Just remember, the simplest things can sometimes make the biggest difference in someone else’s life.
