It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us and for many Lebanese that means indulging in excesses: excesses in food, drinking and partying, either at home or abroad. Gifts will fly off the shelves and a feel-good factor will prevail for a few days.
The festive season offers many a respite from the misery surrounding them – especially in a country where there are a few things to be cheerful about. But it also keeps people from getting in touch with their better nature.
The Syrian refugee crisis has touched everyone: It has left Lebanon with severe economic and social problems, while the financial aid geared to help the country cope with burden of hosting nearly 1.5 million Syrian refugee, though welcomed, has so far fallen short.
It goes without saying that the international community needs to do more, but so too must local NGOs and even ordinary Lebanese. More must be done for these refugees, who are here not by choice, because they deserve to live with dignity until the time when they can return to their country.
As the cold and wet winter starts to bite, let the season of giving really bring out the best in all of us. Let’s forego some of the excesses and instead start donating more for the refugees. Cash is king, but no less welcome are material donations such as warm clothes, blankets and toys. And if that can’t be spared, even a kind word, a sincere prayer or a warm thought towards the refugees could make a difference.
Let’s try and spread the joy this Christmas.