You might be lucky enough to have your loved ones with you this holiday season, but there are people who will be alone.
Christmas is right around the corner, and people are already making plans about how they want to spend their holiday season. It is no surprise that most people want to be with their family and friends at this time. While some are planning a trip with a partner, others have decided to cozy up at home to make up for all the time they have missed spending with their loved ones. Exciting, enjoyable, and a happy time, isn't it?
Well, this sure may sound familiar to many of you, but the holidays can be a really rough time for many others. Because not everyone has a place to call home. Moreover, some are perhaps stuck in a different part of the world, unable to make it back home because of the pandemic. There might be families that have lost a loved one due to the virus, other illness, or any other reason. Also, in the past couple of years, many have gone through financial hardships and the money crunch could make it harder for them to have a lavish dinner or throw a grand party.
Seeing everyone around having a jolly good time could remind them of all the things that they don't have and the loved ones whom they miss.
The idea that holidays are meant to be a joyous occasion where one is surrounded by people they love, exchanging gifts, and just being happy could bring a sense of loneliness when the reality is far from it. It can be difficult to understand what someone else is going through until you really step into their shoes. But we can all try to be considerate and empathetic if we are the lucky ones who could get by comfortably during such grim times.
One thing you could do is to refrain from saying that it's unfortunate they have to spend the day alone or apologize for it. It may burden them and make them feel more miserable than they already do. Wondering what else you can do to help?
If you know a neighbor or co-worker who is going to be spending the holiday season alone, ask them if they would be comfortable with coming over to your place for a meal. If they refuse, offer to send over some Christmas dinner to them so that they at least have something to look forward to.
When you buy gifts for your family, get something small for that person who you know is far away from home and their family. It might mean nothing to you, but for them, it will surely make a huge difference.
It is not easy to be alone during festivities and holidays. But these little nuggets of kindness and unexpected love can bring people joy and they will always fondly remember you for it. So, drop your judgment. Holidays are a time for abundance and love and kindness should be abundantly shared during this time. Not only will it lift up the spirits of the ones who you intend to help, but it will also make you feel good about yourself—a win-win situation.
and lend a helping hand to someone who looks like they need it, it's going to make their day and help you feel pretty good about yourself, too. Overall, it's a win-win situation. After all, a little compassion never hurt anybody, especially during the holiday season. Your small gestures may not completely solve anyone's problems but can make someone's struggle a little bit easier. Moreover, every human being is capable of compassion and no act of compassion is ever wasted.
Cover Image Source (Representative): Getty Images | FatCamera
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