I really have never found that people are any kinder during the holiday season. For me, the mean-spirited nature of certain people just seems to be enhanced by the holiday season. I think, sometimes, the expectations of giving just exacerbate any problems a person has and then they take it out on others. I am sorry to sound so cynical, but that has been my experience. I know that when my aunt's boyfriend comes with her to visit on Christmas, he just tries to start arguments and insult the people in my family. I really worked hard to bite my tongue this year. He is someone who was born into privilege and has never lifted a finger to help someone else in his entire life, and then he feels that he needs to insult people like me who work hard to help their community. I mentioned how people can affect change and do something good just by taking small steps, mentioning how after I wrote an article that ran on the front page of our newspaper, people in the community came together to start up a homeless shelter. All he had to say is "how is it being funded," in a very defensive tone. He doesn't even live here. Apparently, if someone was not fortunate enough to be born into the family business, and if they have been laid off from a job, then that person is a free-loader. I really hope that there is a God, and that people will be judged based on the kindness they have shown others, but I have my doubts. There is no justice in this life, and as much as I hope for justice in the next, I don't count on it.
