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We hear this every presidential election cycle: this is the most significant election of our generation! Is it possible that this holiday season could be one of the most significant ones of our lives?
Beyond the holiday season's religious and cultural roots, it serves as a reminder of the significance of love, compassion, and sharing joy in the rush and bustle of daily life. It is a time to support local businesses to promote a strong community. Sometimes, the greatest impact can come from the simplest acts of compassion. Small acts of kindness, such as opening a door, giving way in line, or just making eye contact and smiling may go a long way. These simple gestures of kindness are a reminder to us that kindness still exists in our world and a habit that we can all take with us into the New Year.
However, it is also a time not to forget people experiencing loneliness, homelessness, and mental health issues.
A Time for Happiness, Love, Kindness and Loneliness
There is a vast spectrum of feelings that people experience during the holiday season. Many people experience profound joy and affection during this season. Holiday cheer can be shared via gift-giving and receiving, house decoration, and shared meals.
Amid the festive celebrations, it is important not to overlook those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation during the holidays. Feelings of isolation, loss, and worry are common around the holidays. Recognizing and discussing these feelings with loved ones is an important part of the holiday season because it promotes understanding, kindness, and the all-too-often-overlooked topic of mental health.
By consistently supporting and checking in with loved ones, perhaps this holiday season can serve as a platform to raise awareness and develop a culture of compassion and understanding regarding our ever-increasing mental health challenges in our society.
Simple yet impactful ways to show someone we care can include hosting a small get-together, picking up the phone and calling instead of sending a text, or sending a handwritten holiday card (I know, sounds old school).
Mental Health Awareness
Perhaps, as a society during this holiday season, we can play a major part in decreasing the stigma associated with mental health when we gather together throughout the holiday season. One of my brothers had a severe case of schizophrenia. He was ill for a long time due to this terrible condition. Unfortunately, his life was cut short.
By normalizing the act of getting treatment and promoting awareness in the larger community, we can make it such that people are more at ease expressing their mental health problems and are less stigmatized for doing so. We can highlight it, urging science to take the next steps in finding cures rather than just treating the symptoms, which might make the next holiday season full of optimism and happiness for our loved ones and communities.
Supporting Small Businesses
During the holiday season, supporting local small businesses in our community can contribute to the community's economic well-being. Since the pandemic, many of the small businesses in our communities continue to struggle.
Whether it is shopping at local boutiques or dining at neighborhood restaurants, being a part of providing our own "stimulus package" to our local community can help to create a vibrant, thriving, and caring community.
People Experiencing Homelessness
Even as we celebrate and enjoy time with loved ones, it's important to keep in mind that homelessness and poverty are on the rise in the United States. Perhaps some of us have personal experience with homelessness. One of my relatives experienced homelessness. Thankfully, no more.
The classic song from the legendary music artist Phil Collins, "Another Day in Paradise" discusses the topic of homelessness many years ago. In it, one of his lyrics states "Oh, think twice, cause it's just another day for you and me in paradise," which can serve as a rallying cry as we get together during the holiday season to learn more about the fundamentals of homelessness and how we can take caring action. Sharing this knowledge through conversations, social media or community events can inspire us to make collective efforts to address these challenges and come together with solutions on such a complex and difficult subject.
In Summary
The spirit of optimism seems to be needed more than ever this holiday season. The holiday season is a reminder that, despite the difficulties and unpredictability of our lives, there is always the chance of brighter times ahead.
As we navigate a changing world, it is a season that calls for unity, reflection, and celebration and reminds us that there is always room for renewal and growth. The reconnection with loved ones, the reflection of loss and resilience, our changing work dynamics and increased mental health awareness seem to shape the content of this holiday season.
We will never know if this holiday season is the most significant one of our lives. It sure seems like maybe, just maybe, we should treat every holiday season like it is.