Between The Teeth

Monday, December 06, 2004

Santa on Drugs

Christmas for many of us is a joyful time of year, and the thought of us as parents being Santa, well that is a job in itself.

Not all families live the holidays with the thought of others and their children so dear to their hearts. In fact one third of the population has a drug or alcohol problem, many we don’t even know about. What happens in these homes during the holidays.

The fact that Christmas time is a time for celebration causes these families to spend even more of their income on drugs and alcohol, for the soul purpose of feeling better, enjoying the season. As a result, the fridge is emptier this time of year, the child neglect is increased to the point that winter health ills such as flu’s, chest colds and infections are also left untreated. The selfishness of the parent, soon to be Santa, leaves their children under nourished, unloved and heartbroken.

I have witnessed a father on drugs, coming home the night before Christmas with a shopping bag from SevenEleven filled with candy bars, a cap gun, and caps to wrap for his three year old daughter. No wrapping included. My heart broke at the foolishness, as the extra money was spent on his drugs and alcohol. During the season the girl was rushed to the doctor with a terrible chest infection, only to hear the father say he had no money for her medication. As he grabbed his jacket to leave a twenty dollar bill fell to the floor in front of the doctor, out of shame he purchased the medication.

Santa’s anonymous is for these situations, the problem is you need to apply to receive help and gifts from them. The sad part is many of these parents are too selfish to even take the time to apply.

The daughter in the story, did receive wrapped gifts from other members of her family, as well, the fridge was stocked with my intervention. In time the girl probably forgot about the wayward Santa, but I have not.

So remember Christmas is a time for sharing, not only does a donated gift or groceries help others, but apply for the help for those you know may not take the time to do so themselves. So that Santa may leave a sad home into a beautiful one.

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