Like politics or a work of art, the appeal of Christmas is largely a matter of perspective. If we're lucky, our childhood memories of late-December are just like Dylan Thomas described them, with snow growing on roofs overnight, along with candy, mistletoe and presents.
Looking out the window today at a granite-grey sky, we can't help but also think about the people for whom the holidays are something to endure, not to celebrate.
This March, volunteers counted 119 homeless people on the North Shore. Of course, that number was limited to the people who could be found.
We reported on some ugly stories this year, incidents of violence that might have been avoided with some mental health treatment, or if the people involved just had somewhere to go.
We don't mean to sap your Christmas spirit, but we do ask that if you can help, you do.
The Harvest Project, the Salvation Army, Hollyburn Family Services, North Shore Neighbourhood House and other charitable organizations all do admirable, important work, and each one could use a hand, especially during Christmas.
You don't have to offer food and shelter to every struggling person on the North Shore, but maybe you can give time or money that would go towards a plate for someone who's hungry or a smile for someone who's alone.
And if you are struggling, help is available through heretohelp.bc.ca.
Christmas will be over soon. But the good we do for others will have an impact long after the ornament has been taken down.
