What is it like to be blind at Christmas?
Christmas is my absolute, hands down favourite time of year. Has been ever since I was a little girl. I would wait for Santa and hope he heard my Christmas wish. Then, growing up Christmas traditions continued and my love for this holiday deepened further. And now as a 43 year old, I’m a proud, but pitiful knock-off for Mrs. Claus.
Usually by December 1st, our home is all decked out. I put up the outdoor lights, although I don’t use a staple gun anymore. HAHA. I decorate our tree, walls and windows. Hang pictures and hang stockings. But, with this year being such a tumultuous one for many of us, I’m a little behind.
In fact, my Christmas Spirit itself missed the first train…maybe even the second.
But then I realized we NEED the joy. We need the love. WE NEED CHRISTMAS! So that means I was not going to miss the next train!
Christmas time is so beautiful. With all the sparkling lights, shiny bows, gift wrap and exquisite Christmas trees. It’s hard not to be in awe of it all.
So, when I was asked the question “How does a blind person enjoy Christmas?”, it made me think for a moment.
This is how…
Do you hear what I hear?
Close your eyes and imagine for a moment nothing but the distant ring of winter bells. Maybe in a song or in the streets. I hear Angels.
Truly listen when you hear a Christmas choir or when children sing. I hear happiness.
Or how about when a gift is given? A gift of a smile, a hug, something desired from Santa or a hot plate of food. I hear gratitude.
Do you see what I see?
With just 1.5% vision, I am able to see the flickering of Christmas lights up close. The darker the room and brighter the lights, the happier I feel.
I also see my friends, family and community coming together to celebrate the holidays and each other. To share memories and make new ones. To give and to love and to “be.”
But most of all, what I see and hear at Christmas is the most beautiful thing of all. Love. It’s kind, generous and all forgiving. It’s honest and compassionate. It knows no limits and knows no fears.
So how does a blind person enjoy Christmas? I actually hear, see and feel a lot during this magical time of year. [Click to Tweet!]
And, I didn’t even mention the delicious and festive food that makes it’s way out and on to my hips ;-)
I hope you will allow the love and the joy to carry you through your holidays this year and every year to come. If you do, I promise it will be a beautiful gift for you and the people that surround you this Christmas.
Feel the magic. See the miracles. Bring the joy.
What brings you the most joy during the holidays?
Please share in the comments and pass this along to bring joy to someone else…
