Yes, it's that time of year again.

This week finished with the annual Christmas party for the refugees at the Bangkok Refugee Centre.  I look forward to it each year as for me it is what Christmas is about  - sharing it with those who are less well off - and here is my opportunity to do just that.  Maybe this is a bit selfish of me. 

There is a similar pattern to the celebration each year with the entertainment and the nativity play put on by the children, the Christmas songs, Santa and the gifts for the children and then the free lunch.  It is a popular day with the population and one they all enjoy but what was it about this year? 

There were many more children as well as adults. The crowd was bigger than last year or it seemed that way.  They also appeared to be just that more desperate than last year.  When there was the opportunity to get something for free - the gifts and the food - there ensued an unruly rush, a rush that upset the centre manager who saw a people who lost it at that point.  Losing it to the extent of becoming undignified.   

Later in the day, the manager and I discussed what had happened.  I approached it as speaking of a population that is getting bigger and more desperate each year within an environment that has limited resources that are being stretched further each year.  This means that we can only offer them so much and no more, not offer to placate everyone as they would like or need.  Given the situation, their response is understandable but the challenge for us becomes how not just to give but how to give so as to respect their dignity and let them keep it, even when there is not enough to share. 

Yes, it's Christmas again and I love Christmas but how to share it for and with those less well off such that their dignity is respected and not just do it to make you feel good?  How I love Christmas.  I grew up on it but it is not just for me.  More importantly, it is for others and, yes, for those less well off than I.