I remember exactly one Christmas from my childhood. It was when we moved to Rutland, B.C. My brother,and I, got ski’s. My father took us skiing, but there was such a line-up of cars that we ended up making a few futile attempts sliding down a forestry road off the main road. That was that.
What I do remember is getting parcels from Germany, with chocolates in them. We would get white chocolate bars. What a luxury! I still to this day use chocolate to soothe.
For many years in the depth of my addiction I had no emotional attachment to Christmas, I had no spiritual connection, and often worked that day.
My lack of connection was the single most crippling thing in my life. I have floundered all my life trying to replace it. I almost died because of it.
This Christmas I still have to work, but on the 22 nd I get the gift of seeing someone I love give themselves the gift of the first step. Then on the 27 th I get to see that happen again with another person that I love.
My Christmas tree has the most special gift under it this year. The gift of being connected to others. Many others. I hope that everybody feels that sense of belonging this year.