The Spirit of the Christmas Season

A number of events of the past week have served to reinforce what should be of importance to us this time of year and what should animate our Christmas celebrations - and not just on December 25th but hopefully for the whole of the year.

Last week the face of terrorism was brought home to the people of Sydney, Australia, when a lone gunman took hostages in a a downtown cafe and coffee shop.  The end point to the incident was the death of the gunman and two of his hostages.  Coming less than two weeks from Christmas seemed to me to multiply the impact of the tragedy.  For someone like me whose family history is one of gathering with loved ones, after having traveled long distances, and partaking in religious observances, feasting and gift-giving, the thought of having a wife, daughter or friend taken from me so suddenly and senselessly at a time that is supposed to epitomize faith, love, hope, and celebration is simply incomprehensible.  Moreover, the people who's lives were taken, who were injured, or terrorized for those long and agonizing hours were simply living out their daily lives at the time - buying coffee and chocolates for themselves or as gifts for others before returning to work.

Here in Edmonton I was reminded that we live in a very small world and that events half a world away can have immediate impact.  At my weekly Rotary meeting we have a tradition of "happy bucks", giving a dollar or more to exercise the privilege of announcing good news for ourselves or others in our circle of friends and family.  This past Tuesday our newest member - just inducted that day - stood up to express his unending gratitude that his daughter was not counted as one of the victims of the Sydney attack.  His daughter lives in Sydney.  His daughter works one block away from the cafe where the tragedy unfolded and in the days leading up to the attack had been to the cafe several times.  But for the grace of God his daughter could have easily been a hostage.  He could have lost his daughter last week.  Needless to say, there were more than a few moments during this "happy buck" moment where my Rotary colleague needed to take time to compose himself.

All of us sitting in that room were afforded the reminder to hold our loved ones closer as life can change in an instance.  We were reminded of what is really important not just in the Spirit of Christmas but in truth all year round.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas we shall also see and experience stories of compassion and charity and love that will serve to reinforce what our humanity should be about.  This morning, as I was driving into work I was hearing about the efforts of a radio station in Edmonton to make Christmas memorable for one deserving family - a family who would otherwise be struggling through the Christmas season without the basic necessities of life.  Christmas gifts and a tree would indeed be luxuries.  Remembering last year's effort, I look forward to this year's version of a Christmas makeover that not only makes December 25th a day of joy but helps this family have a more prosperous and fulfilling 2015.

Finally, I can also relate to someone in my circle of friends who have also had their life significantly impacted by the compassion of others in their community.  I welcome you to listen to the audio link below, to hear the Spirit of Christmas as it impacted the daughter and grand-daughter of a friend of mine in Lloydminster (AB/SK).  This story again made the Spirit of Christmas real for me this year and I hope I can carry that spirit on with me for as long as possible into 2015.

https://soundcloud.com/vistaradioalbertaeast/the-goats-christmas-wish-2014-shelley-and-jennifer

I offer you these stories in hopes that you can remember what - and who - is truly important to you this Christmas season, to hold your loved ones close in your heart and in your arms, and that no matter how busy we are making a living in whatever we do that we never forget what and who we are living for.

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Fulfilling 2015 for you and your family.

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Greg Hadubiak, MHSA, FACHE, CEC, PCC
TEC Canada Chair/Executive Coach/Senior Consultant
hadubiak@wmc.ca

Helping leaders realize their strengths and enabling organizations to achieve their potential through the application of my leadership experience and coaching skills. I act as a point of leverage for my clients. I AM their Force Multiplier.