An e-mail arrived the other day from one of our readers who knew of a single mom, whose hours at work were being cut back, and she didn’t have enough food, nor did she have enough money to pay the rent. This woman also stated that her friend wouldn’t want people to know of her plight.

After reading a story in our paper about a local food drive, surely, she asked, we would know where this mother could seek help.

And indeed we did. After pointing her in the right direction, she e-mailed us back to say that help was on the way, and just in time for Christmas.

This is just one of many stories being played out across Muskoka this week, and fortunately this one will end on a happy note, thanks to the many donations from local residents, community groups and businesses, as well as the volunteers who organize this outreach. These people feel everyone deserves food on the table and a gift to open Christmas morning.

However, it’s a little sad to think that if it wasn’t for this mother’s friend, Christmas probably would not have made it to that Muskoka home this year.

It’s so easy to get swept away in the Christmas rush that many of us don’t stop to think about what it would be like not to have the means to provide Christmas for our families.

We are so caught up in thinking about what we don’t have, rather than focusing on the true spirit of Christmas and how fortunate we actually are.

We are blessed here in Muskoka though, that there are countless people who are selfless enough to give up their time to make sure others have what they need to get through the holidays with lighter hearts.

Whether it’s delivering food and toys to those in need, or helping to prepare a turkey dinner for the community on Christmas Day, it’s clear that these people have not lost the Christmas spirit, and in fact are sharing it with our community.

Let’s think about others this holiday season, and above all, let us be thankful.

Merry Christmas.

KF