Missing Christmas. That is where my thoughts go this morning. 

In 2002 John Grisham published a book called Skipping Christmas. In 2004 it was made into a movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as Luther and Norma Krank entitled Christmas with the Kranks. When their daughter decided she was going to spend Christmas in Peru, the Kranks decided they would do away with celebrating Christmas.  The flyleaf described Grisham’s book with these words: “Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decided, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether.” Both the book and the movie are a funny take on this prospect. 

As I was making my way to the office this morning, I was listening to a Christmas album by Tommy James. The song that played as I got in my car was called It’s Christmas Again. You can listen to that song here. The lyrics are in the liner notes below the video. It is a song about lost love. But it brings up a good point. There are plenty of people, and we know them, who find Christmas an annoyance or a reminder of life gone wrong. While people around them are celebrating the season, they are dreading it, or feel totally lost. Maybe it is a reminder of better times. Maybe, as the song suggests, it a reminder of what we once had. For some this Christmas season will be spent longing to see or to hold someone whom they will never have a chance to again…until eternity. They would, for all practical purposes, just as soon skip Christmas and go right into the new year. Forget the festivities. Forget the cheery greetings. Forget the parties. Forget the eggnog. They want something stronger. 

I don’t say this to be a downer to you. I say this to encourage you. First, if that describes you: you are not alone. Seek help if possible. Second, if that is not you but you know someone it does describe: reach out. Reach out with empathy. Not just sympathy. They have had all the sympathy they need. They do need someone who will give up some time; take time out a busy schedule; make a call; go out to eat, or any number of things to love them and show you care. I know people; you know people; who are dreading the holidays. Don’t allow them to wallow in their sorrow and depression. At least not alone. Come alongside them with love and encouragement. 

I’m not a professional counselor so no advice for the hurting, except to say, “Find someone to share your heart with.” Don’t struggle alone. But for we who know someone, make time to give your heart away to someone who so desperately needs to know they are loved. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” That doesn’t exist. Do it today.