A dream that Margaret had always had was to spend Christmas with her kids and grandkids. For her, the Christmas season was made special by the love of family, the laughter at dinner, and the joy of giving.
But this year was different. She would be by herself this year.
As she sipped her tea in her small flat, soft snow fell outside. There were lights on the Christmas tree in the corner, but the room felt empty. There were no presents under the tree or happy voices in the air. Nothing but silence.
This wasn’t always the case. Margaret loved and gave up a lot for her three kids, David, Susan, and Emily. She worked any job she could to support her young children after her husband died when they were young. Last but not least, she worked as a cleaner in an office building after being a cashier and a waiter.
There was no shame in her not telling her kids about her job; she just didn’t want them to worry. She was proud of her work because it was honest and helped her stay on her own. When they found out, though, everything changed.
Two weeks before Christmas, Susan dropped by her work without warning. Margaret was making the floors shine in her outfit, which she had seen. A look of shock and shame crossed her face before she whispered, “Mom, why didn’t you tell us?”
Margaret gave a smile. “Beautiful, it’s just a job.” There is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Her children, on the other hand, did not understand at all. When they got together that night for dinner, David laughed. “Mom, you don’t need to make yourself look bad like this.” We’re here to help.
Margaret had politely said no. “Help me out, please.” “I like what I do.”
Emily showed her sadness by shaking her head. “What will people think if they learn that our mom works as a cleaner?”
Margaret didn’t want to accept how much those words hurt her. They called each other less often over the next few days. Then, three days before Christmas, Susan called but didn’t say anything right away.
“Mom, we think it would be best to spend Christmas apart this year.”
Margaret understood right away. They felt bad about her.
As she sat alone on Christmas Eve, she felt the pain of being turned down, but she wouldn’t let it break her heart. She made a simple dinner and watched her favorite Christmas movie.
After that, someone knocked on the door.
Janet opened it and saw Mrs. Thompson, her neighbor, carrying a tray of cookies. “I thought you might want some company.”
Janet’s eyes filled with tears.
She laughed, told stories, and felt love that night, which she thought she had lost.
It’s true that her kids may have abused her, but she was still kind. And she knew that was what Christmas was all about.