Amid the frenzy of Christmas preparations, from shopping to decorating to baking to wrapping gifts and other activities thats part of the seasons spirit, there are many that are oblivious to Christmas.

They may have been part of the crowd at one time, but that was a long time ago. Today, Christmas day is just another day.

Times change. So do circumstances. Some families grow together, but the time comes when the next generation has to move on. Distance, mobility and health can hinder the cohesiveness of family and friends. Add to this animosity and differences.

Families become strangers to one another, especially when discord or separation happens. Christmas heightens the feelings of desolation.

Grief becomes a dark veil of loneliness at this time. There is one less hug for a lovely gift, one less smile on a face, an empty chair on the table.

In every city, in every community, there are those who have long forgotten the joy of sharing Christmas dinner with family or friends. The Christmas songs have long been silenced in their hearts. There are no presents to give, none to receive.

A lonely lamp sits sadly at the corner where a Christmas tree once stood glittering brightly with colored lights, adorned with tinsels and trinkets with wrapped presents under and around it. The sound of silence pervades the air on Christmas Eve. The room awakens to the winter chill on Christmas morning.

Some make an effort to relive the past cheers of the season. The reality is, there is no substitute for the warmth of laughter and cheers on Christmas day shared with loved ones.

Despite an effort to bring on some cheer,theres that feeling of emptiness. Watching the frenzy of the season on television brings a tear or two.

There are those who are alone at Christmas.

For you, I send light and love this Christmas Day.