I keep hearing about the “sensationalism” or “commercialism” of Christmas and how it makes people sick. I agree. Using Christmas to sell cars, sell jewelry, sell anything, seems just down right wrong. But if you’ve ever purchased a gift for someone or received a gift from someone at Christmas, then you too are a part of it.

I’ve also heard people complaining of how at Christmas, charities solicit people for money. Using sentimental memories to urge people to open their wallets for something other than their own fulfillment. Yet what seems to go unnoticed are the countless men and women have have devoted their lives for these designated charities.

Seven years ago, as I was wrapping my presents and sliding them under the tree…. as I was writing my Christmas cards…. while I too, was caught up in the “sensationalism” or “commercialism”, there was a homeless man living down by the river. I’d seen him walking to Grocery stores. I’d seen him asking for change to buy a meal. I’d seen him down by the river, huddled up in a bed of river rock. One day I just stopped seeing him. It wasn’t like I was worried about him, or even thought of him. He just wasn’t there anymore.

One morning when I picked up the paper on the front page was an article about trying to fix the “traffic problem” we had in our small mountain community. As I flipped through the pages, there was nothing really note worthy. Then I saw it…. in a small 2 or 3 sentence paragraph. A homeless man froze to death down by the river. That’s it. That’s all it said. Only later did the real history of that man become evident. He was a Veteran who had served his country. Because of the impact and effect his tour of duty had on him, he ended up losing his job, his wife and his children. He wandered the streets of many towns until he froze to death, huddled down by the river.

No, I don’t have a problem with utilizing people’s sentiments of good will, or emotion to generate a little money for the homeless, the hungry, the children or St. Jude, the Veterans, innocent civilians killed or injured in war, or my neighbor who might be down on his luck. One time of year is better than no time of year.

Whether you believe it or not, alot of Americans are just 2 paychecks away from being homeless and a large percentage of the homeless, are children. Whether you like it or not, there are Veterans who were willing to give up their lives who don’t have a place to lay their head.

So if you are disgusted, disappointed or angry with the “Commercialism” or “Sensationalism” of Christmas. You can change it. Start with the face you see in the mirror. Do what you can. Donate time at your local shelter. Donate blankets. Donate food. Donate money. If you see a man or woman (a FELLOW HUMAN BEING)obviously down on their luck, cold, hungry…. buy them a hot meal. Embrace your fellow human beings, instead of pretending you don’t see them. Make an effort. Be grateful of your own good fortune and thank the god of your choice, your higher power or whatever you believe for what you have.

Smile…. and look in the mirror.