For many millions of us, this Christmas will be unlike any we’ve ever had. Those who haven’t felt the full impact of the worldwide economic downturn themselves are surrounded by people who have. Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers whose annual bottom lines depend on Christmas sales are bracing for the lowest volume of sales in many years. Charities that count on Christmas giving to finance their projects for the next year face the prospect of having to scale back those projects, even as the need for them grows. People who have lost their businesses worry about their own families and those of their former employees. Out-of-work parents wonder how they will give their children any Christmas at all. Not since World War II has so much of the world’s population been so severely affected by the same crisis.

Yes, this is going to be a different Christmas, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good one. Adversity has a way of bringing out the best in people, and so does Christmas. Put the two together, and we have a special opportunity.

It’s an opportunity to sort things out—to separate what really counts from the lesser things that usurp their place in the business-as- usual world, especially at times like Christmas. It’s an opportunity to change our focus from the commercialism that has taken over Christmas to the true, enduring reason for the season. It’s an opportunity to find new ways to express our love to those dearest to us and to show compassion to others even less fortunate, of which there are always many. We may not be able to give materially like we have in past years, but one thing is almost certain: whatever we give will be appreciated like never before.

From all of us at Activated, happy Christmas! May it turn out to be the best one that you and yours have ever had!

Keith Phillips For Activated