Watching one’s young children grow up is never easy. Watching them grow up in times of strife can sometimes feel like too much to take.
A local mother wanted to shield her children from the hardships of life, but in a year of upset after upset, it hasn’t been an easy task to accomplish.
Moving from place to place a number of times in the past year has been tremendously difficult for the mother and her children, and it has brought up difficult conversations that the mother would rather shield her children from.
“Having my oldest daughter asking me why we have to move so many times just breaks my heart,” she wrote to Item Santa.
The mother admitted that not having a stable home for her young family has been one of the hardest things that she’s been through. Her kids have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and it hurts to see their young minds confront so much hardship.
“Being so young and so innocent, not knowing how this world is, I just want them to stay innocent and young and I know that’s something that will not happen,” she admitted.
Even in times of turbulence, many families can rely upon waking up in a warm house with their loved ones on Christmas morning. Many parents have the privilege of comparing this year’s Christmas memories with years past, marveling at how their children went from wanting toys to books and clothes, and wondering what future holidays might bring.
But not all are so lucky. Some people cannot rely on the amenities they used to enjoy in the past, but it shouldn’t mean that they and their children must give up the things that make the holidays special: Comfort, warmth, and joy.
“At least having them waking up and having presents under a Christmas tree would bring my heart joy,” the mother said.
We don’t know what future holiday seasons may bring, but there is a way to ensure that families like this are taken care of this year.
Now in its 55th year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for the needy. To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, 85 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.
You can also donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2021, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
NOTE: The application period for aid from Item Santa has closed and The Item does not process applicants. All questions about the program and distribution of gifts should be directed to the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
