at christmas you get the inevtiable return of some things you don't see much any other time of the year. the chia pet....which when watered looks like your uncle bill that time he sent off for a bottle of topix. the pet rock...i'm not even sure what to say about that. the fruitcake.....you're never sure if it's a new one or one that's been passed from family to family until somebody actually figures out how to get rid of it. i'm not even sure if it's biodegradable. if i collected enough of them i'm quite certain i could build a small house with them. then there's the ugly sweaters. i don't know where these things stay hidden the rest of the year but they make their way out at christmas. i sort of feel sorry when i see a guy wearing one of those. it has to be embarrassing for him when a homeless guy is dressed better than he is.
but there's something else that comes out at christmas...the awareness of the homeless and poor that are around you. i'm not sure if it's because christmase piques at your heart because of what type of holiday it is or if it's because alot of charities and so forth pick this time of year to run ads, television commercials and other media blitzes to raise funds. i'm asking you to help the homeless this year. if you see one, know one or pass one...do something. it doesn't have to be money. buy them a coffee. give them a pair of warm socks or gloves. do anything. but more than that...i'm asking you to carry this feeling of wanting to help past christmas into the new year. be aware of the homeless and the constant struggle they are facing every day. be aware that a large percentage of the homeless are looking for a way out of their situatioin. be aware that all homeless aren't addicts or alcoholics. just be aware of them....and the fact that they are human beings. they are aware of you.
see you around town