Key Takeaways
- A secondary school teacher, Glennie, and his son have a Christmas tradition of handing out items to people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.
- The tradition teaches Glennie’s son important lessons about kindness, understanding, and compassion.
- The "By-Name list" measures homelessness in the City of Melbourne, with 180 people experiencing various forms of homelessness in October.
- Glennie’s son must wait until their outreach work is done before opening his own Christmas presents, which gives him a new perspective on the holiday.
Introduction to the Christmas Tradition
Glennie, a secondary school teacher, has a unique Christmas tradition with his son, where they hand out items to people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne. This tradition is not only a way for them to give back to the community but also an opportunity for Glennie’s son to learn valuable lessons about kindness, understanding, and compassion. According to Glennie, conversations with people struggling with poverty are particularly meaningful, and this year was no exception. One grateful recipient shared "pearls of wisdom" with his son, urging him to always listen to his father. This experience has a profound impact on Glennie, who gets emotional thinking about the positive influence it has on his son.
The Impact on Glennie’s Son
The Christmas tradition has a significant impact on Glennie’s son, Jackson, who is learning important lessons about looking beyond the exterior of people he meets. Glennie believes that these experiences will shape his son into someone who is emotionally successful and compassionate. The tradition also provides an opportunity for Glennie to talk to his son about the importance of kindness and understanding. By spending time with people experiencing homelessness, Jackson gains a new perspective on life and develops empathy for those who are less fortunate. Glennie’s goal is for his son to grow up to be someone who looks beyond the surface level and understands the struggles that people face.
Preparation and Execution
Glennie and his son spend months preparing for their Christmas Day outing, collecting items such as toiletries, clothing, and chargers to hand out to those in need. On Christmas morning, they set out to distribute these items, providing a small but significant gesture of kindness to those experiencing homelessness. This year, they handed out hundreds of dollars’ worth of items, making a tangible difference in the lives of those they met. Glennie’s five-year-old daughter is also eager to join in on the tradition, and he expects she will be ready to participate next year. The tradition is a family affair, and Glennie is grateful to have the opportunity to pass on valuable lessons to his children.
The Bigger Picture
The "By-Name list" provides a measure of homelessness in the City of Melbourne, and according to the latest figures, there were 180 people experiencing various forms of homelessness in October. This number highlights the need for continued support and outreach to those struggling with poverty and homelessness. Glennie’s tradition may be a small drop in the ocean, but it demonstrates the impact that individual actions can have on people’s lives. By taking the time to talk to and understand those experiencing homelessness, Glennie and his son are making a difference, one conversation at a time.
A New Perspective on Christmas
For Glennie’s son, the Christmas tradition provides a new perspective on the holiday. After spending the morning handing out items to those in need, opening his own presents takes on a new meaning. The experience gives him a sense of joy and appreciation for the things he has, and he is able to enjoy his Christmas gifts with a newfound sense of gratitude. Glennie believes that this tradition helps his son to understand the true meaning of Christmas and to appreciate the value of kindness and compassion. By starting the day with a sobering reminder of the struggles that others face, Glennie’s son is able to enjoy the rest of the holiday with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation.
