Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A new tradition


After I posted yesterday about the wish to have a house full of recovery people and to have them enjoy a Christmas buffet, I shared about it at the meeting last night. And a woman sitting next to me said that she would be glad to come when I decided to do that. It made me realize that this idea may not have to be put off for the future, but that we could begin a new tradition this year.

So this morning my wife and I talked it over and agreed that it was something that we wanted to do. I put together a flyer that will be available at three meetings we attend inviting those who are without someone to share the spirit of the Season with us on Christmas Day.

This is a big decision for us because 1) my wife's parents are intolerant of political and socioeconomic views that differ from theirs and 2) neither know that we are involved in recovery programs. So I highlighted a reminder of Tradition 12 on the flyer. I believe that anonymity is important for this day and that to be mindful of principles above personalities is a good thing to consider as well.

Thinking about a house filled with people has lifted my spirits. I am happy that we can do something for others that captures the true meaning of the season.

29 comments:

  1. Dearest Syd & Syd's Wife: If we lived closer, we would come with dish in hand and laughter in store!! This is a fantastic giving of yourselves!! It will probably turn out to be your best christmas! Be sure to do a small gift swap to make it a bit more fun... some would love it i'm sure. Have some hot cider or hot cocoa.... how far are you from Indiana.. this sounds like fun! Hugs. Tammy... who is so proud of her 12 stepping community!!

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  2. What a truly great idea! Not only will you be sharing your home and spirit of the season with others, it has uplifted you too! Wonderful:)

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  3. it's funny you say all of this...
    i was wishing this past thanksgiving that I had a "misfits" dinner to go to...ya know...other divorced parents without kids for the holiday...something.

    good for you!! I hope you enjoy and feel great pride in a great thing that you are doing!

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  4. How absolutely wonderful!!!!! I have spent a few holidays like this and they have been the most meaningful is a way that is hard to describe. I so wish I could pop-in..who knows..SC is only a few hours away :-D

    Namaste and jingle bells

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  5. You are such sweet people, Syd. What a nice thing to do.

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  6. Good for you. Sounds like a good time.

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  7. I am so excited about this. My time is so limited these days. I have not been able to read often or much at a time. I appreciate your work here and am always thankful for your faithfulness to this blog.

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  8. Great idea, and so nice you two agreed on it! I do think it may be a little hard for everyone to keep the secret, however.

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  9. What a very kind thing to do. Bless you, Syd and C.

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  10. Oncer when I was in university we were in a similar situation. We posted a note at the local youth hostel inviting anyone & everyone to join us for Thanksgiving. We got a most interesting group of travelers from around the world. It remains my favorite Thanksgiving dinner memory. I hope for the same for you.

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  11. Good for you and your wife Syd!

    What a great idea, and then to do it takes a lot of courage.

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  12. It sounds like a wonderful time will be had by all. You will have to let us know how it goes.

    PG

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  13. Well, now that's gonna be a day to remember. A good one, of course.

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  14. awesome!! that is what it is all about, sharing the gift of the season of giving!! so that we all may have somewhere to go!! awesome.

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  15. Ahhhh, the true meaning of Giving... what a beautiful idea Syd! Now, that is a gift of the heart :)

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  16. My ex-husband and I had a large Christmas party at our house with both program and non program people at it. My husband was extremely paranoid about his anonymity and had ask our recovering friends to respect that.
    A few of our recovering friends wore their sobriety like a badge and it was difficult for them.
    I think it's an awesome idea and you will probably have a great time. jeNN

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  17. What a wonderful idea!!! I am excited and can't wait to hear how it goes. Good for you for giving your inlaws the opportunity to be around some people that may not share their exact views...they may be pleasantly surprised to make new friends...or not... :)

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  18. this is a lovely thing you're doing. for yourselves. for others.

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  19. Wish I could be there. Such generous hospitality! And a good learning opportunity for the parents!

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  20. Sounds like a great tradition to start, Syd!

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  21. That sounds fabulous! (I think it would be better without the in-laws though)

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  22. So wonderful that holidays are now shared with joy and thanksgiving rather than depression, stress and irritation.

    Our house is so full of recovery and spiritual literature I'm pretty sure I couldn't keep it a secret that I am in the program if I wanted to.

    It's good to want so much to share your life with those who may be lonely and feels separated from family or friends, so good that you're willing to risk putting them with people who don't know you are in this fellowship and trust that God will do what he needs to with your heart felt invitations!

    I used to be so trapped by the idea that my parents wouldn't understand, approve of and participate with me that I went to great lengths to keep secrets. I'm glad now that I don't have to keep secrets, but can instead invite them into my life at their own comfort level (and mine). I know that God will continue to lead me through loving acts in relationships.

    I'm sure your wonderful invitation in the Spirit of Christmas will be enjoyed!

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  23. Joe and I would come, bearing chocolate decadence cake or some delicious concoction he bakes.
    We have an annual Christmas season open house for people in recovery, complete with meal, and the house is always full of wonderful people. It's a great deal of work in prepping, but so rewarding when it comes together. Glad you made your decision. God will bless it, don't you think?

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  24. this sounds like an awesome new tradition!!! and I too would be there with Bayleigh and Keith, I would make my world famouse broccoli salad and smiles and hugs!

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  25. His spirit -- and more -- lives on in you. Such a moving tribute, remembering the imperfect and wonderful man as he truly was.

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  26. This is such a wonderful thing, Syd.

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.