Being someone who lost his parents early and spent a fair few Christmas days on my own, I have always understood that the festive season can be a pretty dismal time for those on their own. That was brought home to me when Lynn and I were shopping today and we overheard and old lady in M&S asking if they did "meals for one" Christmas deals. She was so disappointed when she was told they didn't, it broke my heart it really did. Lynn was even more upset.
We went home, still upset and decided to pop downstairs to an old lady who we know lives alone and never seems to have many visitors. As someone who knows how that feels, I am ashamed of myself that I have never visited her before now. She seemed delighted to see us and invited us in for a cup of tea and a chat. We were wary of asking her up for Christmas day, because people have their pride. I remember I used to lie to friends, when they asked me over for Christmas, as I didn't want to feel like a charity case, or to intrude on another family's Christmas, so I used to say I was going elsewhere. Anyway we did ask and after a little persuasion, she agreed to come up on Wednesday for her Christmas dinner. She seemed really pleased.............. mind you she hasn't met Lynn's 83 year old Mother yet!
I am not suggesting you all invite strangers over for Christmas dinner, but perhaps if you know someone who lives alone, especially an older person, maybe think about popping in to say hello over the festive season. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort and could maybe give a lonely person a wee boost at a time of year that can really be hard for those who live alone.
We went home, still upset and decided to pop downstairs to an old lady who we know lives alone and never seems to have many visitors. As someone who knows how that feels, I am ashamed of myself that I have never visited her before now. She seemed delighted to see us and invited us in for a cup of tea and a chat. We were wary of asking her up for Christmas day, because people have their pride. I remember I used to lie to friends, when they asked me over for Christmas, as I didn't want to feel like a charity case, or to intrude on another family's Christmas, so I used to say I was going elsewhere. Anyway we did ask and after a little persuasion, she agreed to come up on Wednesday for her Christmas dinner. She seemed really pleased.............. mind you she hasn't met Lynn's 83 year old Mother yet!
I am not suggesting you all invite strangers over for Christmas dinner, but perhaps if you know someone who lives alone, especially an older person, maybe think about popping in to say hello over the festive season. It doesn't take a lot of time or effort and could maybe give a lonely person a wee boost at a time of year that can really be hard for those who live alone.
Comment