Where are you, Christmas? (Please read)

This year, I haven't been in the Christmas spirit.  Like, at all.  I couldn't place why, but today, I finally did.  Forgive me, because this is a necessary ranting post and I hope you'll take the time to read it.

I’m working two jobs this holiday season.  One is at a Christmas store that sells collector’s ornaments for hundreds of dollars and the second job is at a secondhand bookstore that is my place of employment year-round.  I really enjoy both jobs, because the people I work with and both of my bosses are incredibly kind.  I am very lucky!

The other day, I sold over $1,000 worth of ornaments to a woman who was going on and on about being in the Christmas spirit and how many trees she’s got and how many parties she’s been invited to.

But today, a woman came in to the bookstore while I was working.  Her husband took all the money and left her with two children and college debt.  She had $1.75 to her name and almost started crying when I told her that the books she wanted to buy for her children were more money than she had to give me.  Instead of telling her that she couldn’t have the books, I worked the system and found a way to let her have both books for $1.40.  I paid the difference later so my store wouldn’t suffer for my choice to help her, but I didn’t tell her that.

What really bothers me is that these vain women spend thousands of dollars on pieces of designer glass that are packed away for eleven months of the year, and they talk about how in the Christmas spirit they are, when there are women who just want something for their kids and don’t give a second thought about themselves.  WHAT THE FLYING EFF IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?!

It made me realize how absolutely lucky I am.  I’m not making a lot of money.  I can’t move out of my mom’s house right now, even with two part-time jobs, because money is so tight.  (Consequently, I haven't had much time to do any art, even if this is usually the time of year that I love to sit down and draw the most)  But at least I don’t have the threat of being homeless looming over me, and at least at the end of my work day, I can go home with the knowledge that I probably feel more human than the ladies who buy sparkling glass and call it Christmas.

Don’t forget to look outside yourself this holiday season (or any season).  Your chance to help someone in need might be staring you in the face, and you’d never know it if you don’t look.

Merry Christmas.

Peace.