Embracing the Christmas Spirit (921 words)

Anita Sebastian sat quietly on the sofa, watching her family decorate the Christmas tree. Strings of lights were being carefully woven along the branches by her husband and children. Her daughter, Priya, sat nearby, surrounded by colourful glass baubles and delicate ornaments, waiting eagerly for her dad and brothers to ask for them. A large star and a beautiful angel lay on the floor, the family still debating which one would crown the tree. Laughter, loud cackle and mirth, filled the room as they invited Anita to join in. But she wasn’t in the mood. She gazed at them vacantly, her head aching slightly, and a heavy sense of listlessness weighed her down.

Earlier, she had made tea for everyone, along with a plateful of cookies for the children and her husband. But even the warm tea did little to lift her spirits.

The previous afternoon, Anita had visited an adjacent apartment complex. It was a smaller building, mostly occupied by elderly residents living alone in single-bedroom flats. She had gone to see Mrs. Christine, an old acquaintance from church. Anita hadn’t seen her in over a year, though they used to exchange pleasantries after Sunday services. Christine was frail, relying on a walker to move around. The pastor had recently mentioned her, expressing his concern about her lonely life and meagre pension.

Christine’s story weighed on Anita. The elderly woman owned her flat, but her only son lived abroad. In the early years, he would visit alone every two years, promising to bring his wife and children the next time. That promise was never fulfilled. For the past few years, Christine had heard nothing from him. Whether he was alive or dead, she didn’t know. In desperation, she had asked the pastor for help, but without knowing where her son lived, little could be done to contact him. Despite her failing health and poor vision, Christine clung to life with one hope—that she might see her grandchildren, just once, during Christmas.

The pastor had kindly arranged for a young maid to care for Christine, but he also urged Anita to visit. "You're so close to her," he had said. "A little compassion from someone like you could add some joy to her lonely life. The Lord would surely bless you for it."

Touched by the pastor’s words, Anita had gone to Christine's apartment. The maid led her to the old woman, who was reclining in an easy chair. Christine squinted, trying to recognize her visitor, and smiled faintly when Anita introduced herself. "Ah, you’re the lovely lady from church! I remember hearing you sing in the choir."

Anita smiled back. "Yes, Auntie. I should have come sooner, and I’ll visit often from now on. The pastor suggested that I visit you. I’ve brought some homemade cookies. My children are home for the holidays."

Christine's face lit up. "You must bring them next time! I'm waiting for my grandchildren to visit. My son promised to bring them for Christmas, and I even have gifts ready for them." She gestured to a corner of the room, where Anita noticed a pile of dusty, gift-wrapped packages,

Anita’s heart ached at the sight. Christine’s face had turned sad as she spoke of her grandchildren. Anita gently took her hand and said, "Don't worry, Auntie. I’ll pray they come this year." She didn’t believe it herself, but couldn’t bring herself to shatter the old woman’s tiny hope. After a short visit, Anita left with a promise to return soon.

That encounter stayed with her, casting a shadow over her heart. Watching her children, full of Christmas joy, setting up the tree with their father, Anita couldn’t shake the image of Christine sitting alone, waiting in vain for a family reunion that would never happen.

Sebastian, who had been stealing glances at her from across the room, finally walked over. He sat beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders and brushing her hair back from her forehead. "I know what's on your mind," he said softly. "Don't worry, honey. We’ll do something for Mrs. Christine. Tomorrow, let’s go to the mall and get her some nice gifts and a cake, too."

Anita’s spirits lifted at the thought, and she nodded. A little while later, she joined the children in decorating the tree, placing a cheerful Santa Claus figure at the top. Later that evening, they went to the mall together, buying gifts with Christine in mind.

On Christmas Eve, the house was aglow with warm lights, and the tree sparkled with extra ornaments—apples, pinecones, and coloured shells. The dining table was laid out with a feast of fruits, pastries, and chocolates. The children hummed Christmas carols as they waited to leave for Midnight Mass. The mood in the house was merry, but Sebastian was nowhere to be seen.

Anita was wondering where he had gone when she heard his car pull into the driveway. Opening the door, she saw him escorting a smiling Mrs Christine into the house.

"Anita," Sebastian said with a grin, "Christmas is about family, and Mrs. Christine is part of ours. She’ll be staying with us for two days, enjoying the company of grandchildren—and an affectionate daughter."

Tears welled up in Anita’s eyes as she rushed forward to embrace the old woman, who opened her arms wide, smiling brighter than Anita had ever seen. This Christmas, Christine’s wish had come true—though not with her own family, but with a new one that welcomed her with open hearts.

 May your Christmas be filled with love. laughter and magical moments!