Happy Holidays!
But it’s not Happy for everyone.
Many of us are very fortunate to take part in a lot of extra celebratory activities during the holidays. There are parties and gifts and family gatherings. Very fun!
But it’s not Fun for everyone.
There are many different reasons why people may be “blue” at the holidays.
- The loss of a loved one in recent years is always more pronounced around the holidays
- If someone is lonely, they are often even more lonely at this time of year
- Financial stress is amplified during these gift giving times
- Festive TV specials and commercials can make people feel even more left out than usual
It is easy for the fortunate ones among us to get very busy at this time of the year and overlook friends and co-workers who are having a tough time.
*Slow down and pay extra special attention to everyone you regularly interact with.
*Turn up the volume on your empathy awareness – if you see something, say something: “Hey, how’s it going? Want to get together for a coffee?”
*Treat everyone with an extra portion of care. It is very easy for people to disguise what they are going through.
Of course, the shorter days and colder weather in most of the US does not help. Some churches even have special “Longest Night” services on Winter Solstice to provide hopeful, caring spaces for people.
It is great to celebrate the holidays. But let’s do our best to bring everyone along with us.
