Column: Find the simple pleasures this Christmas

The Christmas season has always been a time of celebration, coming together with family and friends, reviewing accomplishments of the past year and quietly reflecting on the year ahead.

This year seems a little different.

As a nation, it is a time of deepening uncertainty, punctuated daily by an uneasy economy, politicians behaving badly and the growing realization of how dark and dangerous a place our world can truly be.

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris and California and the pending anniversary of the horrendously tragic Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 have diverted my Christmas spirits to vigilance in place of peace, preparedness instead of charity and anxiety instead of cheer.

Then I read the viral news story of Safyre Terry. She is an 8-year-old girl from New York who has gained international attention because of her sole Christmas wish: all she wants for Christmas are Christmas cards. A simple enough request. However, it should also be noted that in May of 2013, her entire family was killed in a fire set by an arsonist. Safyre lost her left foot and right hand and 85 percent of her body is covered in cripplingly painful scars from third degree burns.

Of all the things that this little girl could ask for, and is rightfully due, she simply wanted a folded piece of paper with a little note from strangers saying ‘Hi.’ Such simple joy derived from a minimal expression.

In these dark times, it is tough to see even the slightest beacon of light.

The Internet has responded in kind to Safyre’s request. Not only has she been inundated with cards, but as of this writing, more than $223,000 has been raised in donations to her.

Suddenly, there are thousands of beacons of light coming together – people who took time from their day to write a note in a card and send it. People who, perhaps, couldn’t afford to, donated $5, 10 or $15 or those anonymous donors who donated significantly more.

The world, our country, our state and our beautiful town, Fort Mill, needs us to be those beacons of light. This holiday season, more than those in the past, focus on the positives that bring joy to you and others. Find the simple pleasure from watching children play, catching up with family and decompressing from the year’s stress.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Column: Find the simple pleasures this Christmas."