I remember my boss telling me last year that a couple of garbage collectors knocked on his door around Christmas time last year to "say Merry Christmas" and basically ask for money. I thought it was an isolated incident. I was here last Christmas too, but I didn't experience any of that.
So last week when I saw one of the newspaper delivery guys, (hired by the newspaper) to leave newspapers at the gates of housing compounds throughout the city, being escorted by the watchman to all of my neighbors' homes...I was a bit taken aback. Dear Hubby gave the delivery man money and I really had a problem with it.
Yesterday as we stopped to pay the toll on the road toward the airport, the public employee at the toll booth reminded my husband that it is Christmas (although it wasn't because yesterday was December 30th) because he wanted money. And of course, my husband gave him extra.
I think it is pretty bold and inappropriate to walk around demanding extra money from people that you serve [as part of your paid employment] because it is Christmas time.
Today, during our short outing with the kiddoes, we were asked by 3 or 4 different people for money. People that I don't think are typically begging for money any other time of the year - but perhaps, feel like 'tis the season for people to open their pockets/purses.
And to this, I say the problem is a reflection of the temporary feeling by many in the greater society (both here in the DR and in my own beloved country) of generosity, compassion, love, and kindness that surfaces in December and retreats in January. It is true that no false sense of entitlement to other people's money is acceptable,
but it is also true that there are people in need 365 days a year and
it is definitely true that there are "invisible" people such as garbage collectors, newspaper delivery guys, and street sweepers that help make our lives comfortable and earn very little who rarely experience an expression of gratitude.
And so, I am grateful for the reminder to show appreciation to all those "invisible" people that contribute to my quality of life throughout the year.
Y
So last week when I saw one of the newspaper delivery guys, (hired by the newspaper) to leave newspapers at the gates of housing compounds throughout the city, being escorted by the watchman to all of my neighbors' homes...I was a bit taken aback. Dear Hubby gave the delivery man money and I really had a problem with it.
Yesterday as we stopped to pay the toll on the road toward the airport, the public employee at the toll booth reminded my husband that it is Christmas (although it wasn't because yesterday was December 30th) because he wanted money. And of course, my husband gave him extra.
I think it is pretty bold and inappropriate to walk around demanding extra money from people that you serve [as part of your paid employment] because it is Christmas time.
Today, during our short outing with the kiddoes, we were asked by 3 or 4 different people for money. People that I don't think are typically begging for money any other time of the year - but perhaps, feel like 'tis the season for people to open their pockets/purses.
And to this, I say the problem is a reflection of the temporary feeling by many in the greater society (both here in the DR and in my own beloved country) of generosity, compassion, love, and kindness that surfaces in December and retreats in January. It is true that no false sense of entitlement to other people's money is acceptable,
but it is also true that there are people in need 365 days a year and
it is definitely true that there are "invisible" people such as garbage collectors, newspaper delivery guys, and street sweepers that help make our lives comfortable and earn very little who rarely experience an expression of gratitude.
And so, I am grateful for the reminder to show appreciation to all those "invisible" people that contribute to my quality of life throughout the year.
Y
