Christmas Thoughts

In the Christmas morning tradition that nourished the years our children were growing up, “Merry Christmas” was the first greeting we gave to each other. However, the first thing I did Christmas morning after reading the columns by Al Martinez and Mike Downey and the tributes to Jim Murray was to reach for the Kleenex.

So much of the sadness of this season resonates from thoughts of the past, of parents, wives, husbands, grandparents and children, memories of events which these writers recreated so well.

Yet, once we dry our eyes we might reflect on the op-ed column on the homeless by Alice Callaghan. For those “down on Gladys Street” without the warmth and comfort of shelter, “Merry Christmas” must be a greeting with little meaning.

BILL BLACKSHAW

Pasadena