A Christmas Story
On being asked to write this article as a resident at one of WCHP’s projects, my honest intention is only to offer some insight into what it is like (for me) to be homeless at Christmas. I cannot possibly offer anyone else’s opinion, as much as I’d like to!
Christmas is not a happy time for everyone. Those who have had problems with their families and those who have lost loved ones often have a difficult Christmas. The pressure from everywhere is to have a good time –but it’s not always that simple.
Christmas is the worst of times for many of us who find ourselves homeless,bringing back the pain of the breakdown of our 'normal' life that brought us to our present state.
Waiting for Christmas to be over is the real chore. We endure it with patience,sitting and waiting and hoping it will be over soon.
The holidays arrive and the giant social/economic machine that otherwise dominates all of life is shutdown,and everyone goes home to party. Every door is closed,and locked,while the good citizens are away. Time moves at a slow pace. Standing still,knowing that there is nothing to look forward to is depressing. Exerting energy to walk some place with no purpose in the destination is even more so.
People become homeless for a variety of reasons. Some leave home to escape abuse or neglect. Others slip quietly through the net of social support. Many people I have spoken to have suffered a gradual downward spiral through family break-down,loss of home and then job. It's a vicious circle.
A feeling of not being a part of the everyday hustle and bustle is common among our community. At Christmas,this is magnified. Looking through windows during the dark nights at people enjoying themselves, cosy and happy. The lights,tinsel and people gathered around the TV.
My story, like many others, involved alcohol. But this isn't about the jollity of the otherwise untouched liqueurs or sherry trifle that comes with Christmas. My drinking was about needing it when I didn't want it and being imprisoned by my dependence. The holidays mean drinking for many people and whether you are homeless or not, the period can be a difficult time for any alcoholic.
But this is not meant to be all 'Bah Humbug!' I have a real concern that my gratitude to all those who have helped me begin to get back on track would not come across.
Being in one of the projects last Christmas, the sense of camaraderie is immense. Some of us handle the period better than others, but we look after each other and can easily identify with someone who is feeling particularly low. We are all on our own journeys, but we are doing it together.
I'd just like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with WCHP; the person who donates the food I eat, the woolly hat I wear, the computer I've written this on and the staff and volunteers who are there if I ever just want to have a chat.
This is I believe in the true spirit of Christmas and is provided all year round. And it is in this spirit that I really do hope you have as happy a Christmas as you can and share in my renewed hope for 2009.
Bob
