Kids like me are kids and adults of all ages whose parents are, or were, drug addicts and alcoholics, kids who have suffered or who are suffering abuse and neglect (trauma) on multiple levels and kids who are victims of bullying.

I hate and love Christmas, more than any holiday.

There is no Christmas for kids like me.

According to the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL), growing up in a home affected by substance abuse can damage a child’s self-esteem, making it even more difficult to approach a sober adult or the authorities (for help). This situation can lead to extreme anxiety, fear and a profound sense of helplessness.

Parental substance abuse is one of the most common reasons children run away from home or become homeless (NCSL). In addition, NCSL reports that 46% of underage runaways are the victims of physical abuse, and 38% are victims of emotional abuse — both of which are common in homes where an adult abuses alcohol and/or drugs (retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-children).

Daily life for kids like me who live with an addict parent is hell. It is an on-going cycle of starvation with multiple levels of abuse and neglect.

The way addict parents treat their children is beyond criminal.

… I will always wonder how Sarah chose addiction over me and my baby sister. Sarah isn’t here (her choice for seven-plus years, now) nor my baby sister, through no fault of her own, nor my father (his choice, too). But my grandma has always been here for me, for my baby sister and for Sarah. She loves us, and I love her.

Every year at this time, I share the story about the birth of Baby Jesus. The world needs to know it. Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25, but it is the day we celebrate His birth.

I hope you saw last week’s column. It revealed amazing facts about Jesus’ birth. If you didn’t see it, this is the link: https://alamosanews.com/article/amarahs-corner-what-christmas-is-like-for-kids-like-me

The Real Christmas story.

1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore (which means they were extremely frightened) afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying, which was told them concerning this child.

18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told (to) them by the shepherds.

19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them (Luke 2:1-20, KJV).

Every kid deserves parents who love them, keep them safe, and teach them about Jesus.

All parents and children, especially addict parents, and children of addicts, need Jesus because God so loved the world. ...

Every-kid-deserves-a-Santa-Claus-Christmas. But, thank you, Heavenly Father, for the most precious gift of all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.