There's an Empty Chair at the Christmas Dinner Table....

Sally and David- absolutely love this post!!!   I learned from my Grandmother...there was always room for more and she did invite everyone.  It's the right thing to do. 

Sally: Such a wonderfully thoughtful way to celebrate Christmas. You are right, so many are in need of love and support during this time of year.

Sally and David my wife and I were at a wake last night for the brother of one of my wife's co-workers.  She lost her mother at the beginning of this year, and now her brother at the end of the year.  This Christmas will be a very tough one.

Sally you are so right it is never easy but the first one is hard indeed, and trying to coax  them to come is hard too, we know a few, Diane's coworker to name one of the top of the list...Endre

Good morning on this beautiful Chritmas Eve day. Lovely post and it did touch my heart

Good morning Sally and David - such heart felt sentiments.  Yes there are many with an empty seat.  Giving a gift of triendship to a lonely person is a wonderful way to brighten everyones Christmas.

Good morning Sally K. & David L. Hanson ,

I'm not sure how I missed this post this week other than I've been so busy and haven't played in the rain like always. So glad Kathy Streib featured this post in her "Ah Ha" moments for the week. This year we have added another teenager to the table that is a friend of one of my grandsons. His folks just moved to CA and its his senior year..tough time to move. He is staying at my grandsons house until he graduates and won't be going home for Christmas. We are excited to have him and know he will have a good time.

S & D, that is a great idea. I can think of a dozen people who lost a close member this year. This would be a wonderful way to help them deal with the process of healing and moving forward. 

I see that Kathy highlighted your post this week....I am glad I didnt miss it!  Very thoughtful post

What a beautiful message! Losing loved ones this time of year is especially difficult. 

Actually, I filled that chair!  My girlfriend invited a bunch of us to her home.  If she hadn't she'd need to fill that empty chair.  So the void was filled and everyone had a wonderful time.  Very thoughtful post!  

Sally K. & David L. Hanson It's always hard to remember those we've lost.  Your post is so kind.  At this stage with all the loss, friends become family.  I hope you enjoyed your Christmas.

Very thoughtful way to remember loved ones.  As I get older the number of chairs grow!

Beautiful, thoughtful post! I am glad Kathy featured it!

Sally and David

You are both so thoughtful and caring. I found myself thinking all through Christmas about all the people here in California who lost their homes, and everything else, in the fires.

Jeff

 Sally K. & David L. Hanson    what a great message to share. 

My wife and I have long embraced this idea.

This year we had 5 people share our table. They had no one to be with but had a great day as we joined together.

Thank you so much for spreading the message.

S&D~

My husband and I have a dear neighbor, a man who is very proud and doesn't want to burden anyone. I love him and invited him over Christmas Day (I knew he'd be alone). He called us that day and said, "I don't feel well", so how can you push someone when they use that excuse? I put a "care package" together, and marched on over and gave it all to him. He didn't want to come over because he had nothing to give us. I get it. But, he also told me "You were the first". When I asked him what he meant, he said, "No one has called or stopped by, you were the first and you two are the best neighbors I've ever had". Does it get any better than that? He gave me much more than I gave him. A heart full of joy!! 

Sometimes the best gift one can give is the gift of companionship. Great message and post. Thank you for sharing!

What a beautiful sentiment, Sally K. & David L. Hanson.  Your message serves both as a good reminder and inspiration. 

You're one very nice human being, Sally ...

Gene