Christmas Day is upon us. And while the holidays are a special time for most of us, a time to gather with family and celebrate all that we have, for some, the holidays can be a difficult time.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. Between work or school, family commitments, and the added stress of Christmas shopping, decorating, cooking, travel or welcoming relatives, it is all too easy to throw up your hands and say ‘To heck with it!” For others, the Christmas season can bring back painful memories or serve as a reminder of something now missing from their lives.
The urge to simply crawl into a hole – or at least a bundle of blankets on the couch – and watch terrible movies on Netflix until the season is over is understandable.
So as we gather to celebrate the Christmas season, make sure to reach out to those around you who might not find the holidays a happy occasion.
Here are a few hints to help spread a bit of Christmas cheer to some of those who may be in need.
Invite someone that you know might not have family nearby to your dinner table or holiday festivities. The more the merrier, right?
If you can, facilitate transportation. Sometimes accessibility is the biggest barrier to joining activities.
Take time to visit family members who are living alone or in care facilities. While you are there, maybe pack along an extra flower or gift you can give to another resident you think could use some company. If you have time, sit with them too.
If you cannot go visit family members or friends who may be feeling alone, find the time to give them a call.
It’s worth the effort to make the holidays a time for all around you to enjoy. And what better gift could there be?