Many people living one day at a time believe everyone should enjoy chocolates this time of the year. Chocolate is a delicacy that just wasn’t affordable for us. We afforded a stockpile of booze, but a box of chocolates simply cost too much. Besides, we’d rather drink and pretend we were merry as we spent our holidays in blackouts and broken promises which were we would pace ourselves, and we would make our stockpiles last. But with a quick built in forgetter we reminded ourselves what true heroes we really were. After all, we were hosting Christmas dinner. We had already purchased a large turkey, stuffing and all. And we even bought dessert. Pumpkin pie and cool whip. We even believed we had the right to be belligerent and insulting. We were only making merry. And then reality sat in and we realized what chocolates and good will were all about. Chocolates were our sober kindness and giving of ourselves with no expectations of anything in return. A pleasant embrace, a gentle smile and a calm, kind festive season were now a reality. We realized we were stepping up to the plate at Christmas. And in doing so we were having an enjoyable, peaceful holiday. When we realized this we wanted to extend our kindness, and if we could afford it, we gave a little to the foodbank or the charity that was hosting a Christmas dinner for those who were less fortunate. And now we know what chocolates are this time of the year. They’re kindness, compassion, and goodwill for everyone. I hope we all can enjoy them. Peace!
