The other side of the medal

“My son wrote the letter to Santa and told me to send it to him. I kept it in my trouser pocket until evening, then when I was alone in the kitchen, I read it. Marco is ten years old and wants a cell phone, like all his classmates have. I would like to please him but it is an expense that I cannot afford. But maybe if I sell my gold bracelet, my son could get the gift he wants this Christmas.”

“In a month it will be Christmas! The city will light up for the celebration, people will exchange gifts and families will gather to spend happy time together. It seems very nice! But here in the institution where I live, it will be a day like any other. Who knows if anyone will remember to come and see me. Last year a young lady with a kind face, I don’t remember her name, came to bring me a gift: a scarf personally handmade by her, and it is so warm and soft that it warms my heart. I felt lucky! If you should return, I will let you find the biscuits that Signora Maria prepares for us every Friday.”

Stories of a disarming normality that you don’t think about, especially in this period, because Christmas must always be saved.

But are we sure that closing your eyes is enough to save it?

The war in Ukraine has not stopped. Afghan women have not been released. The pandemic has not been defeated. Global warming is on the rise. The earth continues to shake. Poverty continues unabated.

And if for once instead, we tried to make it special?

For example, we could make a very small gesture (we’re better at Christmas, right?) which, multiplied by a few billion, would become incredibly large.

That cell phone you no longer use, yes the one in the drawer, could be of use to someone else.

Mr. Antonio is waiting for you at the old people’s home.

That clochard needs a blanket and a hot meal.

There is a dedicated number to make a small donation that can help women in Afghanistan, but also all other women in the world.

But above all there is you, who with this gesture of love, is giving yourself the most important gift. Open your eyes, only in this way will you be able to spend a Christmas to remember.