Christmas for most of us is “family, friends, hope, joy, memories, peace, and love” in the words of an anonymous writer.

Yet there are many among us who don’t have a lot of hope, can’t expect to share in the joy, and may not have the family support they need for a memorable Christmas.

Children are most likely to be at the top of such a listing, through no fault of their own. They have little chance of experiencing the wonder of Christmas without outside help.

In most Tri-State communities, there is help for them – through the schools, churches, and civic and service clubs and organizations. Those opportunities to help await others in caring about the children in our midst who need us more at this season than perhaps at any other time.

And, all of us owe a debt of gratitude to community leaders who take children shopping for Christmas gifts, who provide food baskets for the needy, and who illustrate W. T. Ellis’ truth that “It is Christmas is the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

There are countless quotes, stories, poems, and stories that may encourage us to seek out those who need us most and who can have a Merry Christmas. Fortunately for them, and for our society, these children are living in a country where people have a long history of caring about their neighbors and friends.

If a little music and song will help spur us along, then listen to two songs that were composed about fifty years ago and that were included in Christmas albums by two popular singers in that time frame. Their titles are almost identical.

One is “Christmas is For Kids,” written by country music guitarist Jack Pruett. It was included in a Marty Robbins Christmas album in the mid-sixties. Pruett gave us the line that every boy and girl “… all need a part in somebody’s heart.”

The other is a song written by prolific song writers Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. Its title is “Christmas is For Children,” and was included in one of Glen Campbell’s Christmas albums.

The closing reminds us that “…Christmas is for Children … But aren’t we all children on Christmas Day …”

William H. Baker, native of Claiborne County, Tennessee, and former resident of Middlesboro, may be contacted at Wbaker@limestone.edu