We are quickly entering the holiday season with all of the opportunities for spending time with family members and friends. The family dinners, parties, performances, celebrations and many traditions are about to begin as we anticipate all that will be a part of our lives. Many of us might even be traveling to spend special times with those we care about.
I love the holiday season – I think it is a great time of joy and fulfillment. But for some individuals it is a time of struggle. Those who have lost loved ones or who have had a great deal of family trauma find this season to be difficult because of all their losses and difficult memories. In a country that has incredible wealth, we still encounter families who are poor, unemployed and who may be facing some very hard times due to life circumstances. Single moms may struggle to even buy the food and or gifts for their kids that many of us take for granted.
There are so many opportunities to improve our human condition by making choices to use our resources to be compassionate to those in need. In a world that is filled with stress, self-consumption, commercialization, angst, conflict, violence and dissonance, the holiday season can be a special time to make a positive impact in the lives of those who have had some intense struggles that may be overwhelming.
Our communities are full of meaningful ways we can help those around us. There are toy drives for children, meals that can be provided through food banks and food to be served in a soup kitchen. We can contribuute to international organizations that provide holiday boxes for kids who have no one to give them even the most simple gifts. We can spend time with senior adults who have no one to sing carols with or visit hospitalized individuals who are not able to be with family members. There may even be a neighbor who is lonely for the holidays. There are community organizations that will allow you to adopt a family and offer them a special holiday that they cannot afford. Quite honestly, there is a plethora of practical ways we can experience the gift of giving that will be so enriching and enjoyable as we lift those who are in a disadvantaged place in life.
May I suggest that we use the beginning of a holiday season to plan something that is uniquely inspirational that will enhance the lives of the less fortunate. It will guarantee that our impact will be felt by someone who has experienced some difficult adversity or trauma. Making plans to help our community will allow us to experience a tremendous sense of giving meaningful gifts that will bring hope to others and a much more meaningful holiday for us. As we think about preparing for the holiday season, let’s schedule some truly valuable giving of ourselves to someone that will never forget the blessing of your holiday impact!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
