Christmas Eve

The apartment on the corner was sparsely decorated. Aside from a couch, small breakfast table, and a used dresser, there was nothing of significance. Each evening when the sun retired, the streetlight silently stood sentry on the corner and illuminated her bedroom with the only consistency she knew.

She wrangled together a daily schedule that allowed her to shuffle between two jobs while still making time for her two children. Without the help of her mom, she would need childcare that she couldn't afford and every saved dime allowed her to give her kids the Christmas she wanted them to have. This year the holidays were a mixed blessing. A new start in life was represented by the apartment they called home. Having spent the better part of the year in a shelter, she now appreciated things she never noticed before. Hangers and coffee tables and working refrigerators; everything was seen through a new grid this Christmas.

The lessons learned through deprivation had blossomed into a life of true charity and thankfulness. People threw around Yuletide slogans like life vests on a sinking ship, but these mantras were truly important and genuine to her.

Peace on earth was not merely political. Every time she tucked her children into bed she experienced a sense of peace and satisfaction no treaty could ever broker. Being together was a gift and providing for them meant she was breaking a cycle of dependence upon others.

Happy holidays were not limited to superficial exchanges passed along crowed streets. The joy she experienced transcended receipts and wrapping paper. It came from within because it was not tied to material possessions that would eventually need to be replaced.

Goodwill to mankind was not a wish, but a reality. It was up to her to perpetuate this idea. If the world was going to be a better place then she would have to do her part because relying on others was too risky. This philosophy of kindness would be taught and passed down to her own children.

The nightlight in the bedroom of the sparsely decorated apartment finally went out as Eve reflected on all that was important to her as she drifted to sleep. Christmas and the holiday season were encapsulated not by reindeer or mistletoe or Frosty reruns.

The true meaning of charity and peace and goodwill were tucked into bed in the next room. Values passed down.