When I think about Christmas, I see a picture I have someplace of myself when I was about 8. I am wearing a felt poodle skirt, a pink sweater, white bobby socks and saddle shoes. My skin, my hair, my smile, the gift in my hands, wrapped in paper that has been decorated by hand by my mother – all of it is a memory of what a privileged life I have had. (I couldn’t find the poodle skirt pic, so a similar one will have to do!)

To this day, I have never been hungry, homeless, unclad or friendless. Even at this time of year, when we may, all of a sudden, give more to the poor and downtrodden, I am reminded that I have always had far more and never have given enough.

My thought tells me whatever I spend in this season should not be for my family and friends – it should be for those I do not know, for those who have not had the privileges I have had. My kitchen should be full of people who are hungry.

Thankfully we do have Christmas, because in it there is great hope that in the message of giving, we can live in peace. Christianity teaches some amazing lessons, enough so that in this part of the world, we pause to be thankful for the life of Christ each year.

Other teachings offer similar lessons: Judaism, the Tao, Hinduism and, yes, even Islam. Any of these teachings taken to the extreme can be frightening, but taken as guides, we can all be richer by learning from one another.

I think 2017 will hold a huge challenge for all us: accepting all humankind with respect and love, feeding, housing, clothing those in need.

We need to find the love, the light, the good in all people. If we look and listen, we will find it. It is my hope that we will live in peace.

Dolly Anagnostis

Saco

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