A Christmas hug for all the children
BY World's Editorials Writers
Monday, December 24, 2012
12/24/12 at 2:53 AM
Christmas Eve is always a time for reflection and family. This Christmas Eve, however, also brings with it the weight of sadness.
As our families gather, we carry with us the burden of the tragic event a mere week ago in Newtown, Conn., that claimed the lives of 20 children, six teachers and administrators and the mother of the killer and the shooter himself.
As our children and grandchildren sit wide-eyed in front of the Christmas tree, many of them new to the wonderment of Christmas, we can't help but feel the sorrow and pain that the families of Newtown must endure during this holiday. To have the joy of a child taken away is unimaginable, especially at this time of year.
Still, we and the families of Newtown carry on as best we can. There is no other alternative. And there is no magic elixir that can make things better. Time cannot heal the wound, but it can lessen the pain for most of us. For the families, only they will be able to gauge the depth of healing.
It is impossible to expect that we will celebrate this season without the thought of those children in Newtown. We can, however, keep them in our hearts while celebrating this season of joy. That does not mean that we should shun any celebration or feel any guilt for celebrating. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to make the season as joyous as possible.
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season. And this Christmas Eve, hug your children a little longer and a little tighter, no matter how old they are.
Original Print Headline: Christmas hug
