The holiday season is upon us. How is it Thanksgiving already? It is hard to believe it is that time of year, but it is. The signs are all around us. Stores have their holiday displays and decorations. My coffee place has their holiday drinks ready for those needing a festive caffeine boost. Holiday lights are starting to appear on houses. Of course, today many people will gather with loved ones to eat a traditional meal of turkey and all the sides while enjoying each other. But what about those who are alone? I would like to take some time to discuss those who find themselves alone during the holidays.
There are many reasons why a person might be alone during the holidays. Some are painful reasons. As we gather this holiday season, let’s take a moment to reach out to those who may need a little love and support. Some reasons a person might be alone or unable to celebrate a holiday are not as painful as others. Maybe a person is an essential worker, such as a police officer, nurse, doctor, military personnel, or countless others whose work cannot take a break. These people often have little celebrations with their co-workers as they are working, but it is not the same and their essential work can interrupt the celebrations. Plus, as much as they may try to celebrate, they are away from their families.
One group that may get overlooked during the holidays is people living with mental illness. It is often hard for many of us to join in holiday celebrations. We may be struggling with the pain of our illnesses. We may be unable to get ourselves out of our homes and engage with others. I have written several posts about the difficulties people with mental illness might have during the holidays. I will add links to those posts at the end of this one,
People who are unhoused are often alone during the holidays. Whatever the reason they are unhoused, there is likely pain in being alone during the holidays. Thankfully, generous people in many in cities across our nation who donate food and time to bring some joy to the lives of those who are unhoused or who are struggling with food insecurity.
Some people are estranged from family. They might be alone for the holidays or might miss loved ones. Just like the others I have mentioned, these people deserve love and support during the holidays. There are many reasons a person might be estranged. Perhaps, they are not accepted by family because of who they are. There are many LGBTQ+ individuals who are not accepted by their family. The holidays can be difficult for them. This time of year can be difficult because they are isolated simply for being themselves.
Many elderly, especially those living in care facilities, are alone for the holidays. Whether because they have outlived family and friends or they have been forgotten by their families, care facilities have many elderly individuals who spend the holidays alone. I was surprised when my mom told me how there are many people in her care facility who are not joining family for the holidays. I cannot imagine leaving my mom alone in her facility today or on any holiday.
There are so many groups I could talk about here. I am not excluding any on purpose. I am just trying to keep this post at a readable length.
To those who are alone during the holidays, I see you. I am sending you love. I realize that mere words are not enough. We need to find a way to help those who are alone find companionship and love during the holidays. Well, really, we need to be doing this year-round. Loneliness is not just an issue during the holidays. As a single, middle-aged woman, I understand loneliness. I understand those who are isolated because of their mental illness. I have been in those shoes. So, I want to reach out to those who are alone this holiday season. I am going to try to do my part to extend love and kindness. I started doing this by helping those I see collecting recyclables or asking for help on a street corner. It is a small act, but small acts build up. Small acts are contagious. If we each reach out to someone who is alone during the holidays, maybe we can start a change.
I know there is so much more I can do. So, here are some ideas. I do not know which I will do, but I am going to make an effort.
Ways to help those who are alone during the holidays:
· Drop off cookies or other treats at a hospital or police station.
· Bring food to a fire station.
· Donate to a shelter for those who are unhoused or abused.
· Call or text someone you know who is alone for the holidays.
· Offer a listening ear to someone with mental illness.
· Send holiday cards to others.
· Send holiday cards to residents in a care facility or psychiatric hospital. An organization that I really appreciate does this work year-round and accepts cards, Psych Ward Greeting Cardsdistributes cards at psychiatric facilities I have donated here in the past and need to get another donation out soon.
· Invite someone to a holiday gathering or to join you for a meal. Just going for a meal might be a good way to include someone who does not celebrate the holidays.
· Volunteer at one of the many food distribution programs.
· Check in with someone who struggles during the holidays.
· Participate in an adopt a child or family program. Sometimes there are Angel Trees with needs of a family or child.
· Have a virtual gathering for family or friends who live faraway.
· Visit a care facility.
· Keep the support ongoing. Aloneness does not end when the holidays are over.
I am sure there are many other things that can be done to help others who are alone
during the holidays. Being aware that not everyone has family and friends to spend the holidays with is the first step. Look around you. Think about family, friends, and colleagues. There is likely someone who could use a little love and support this holiday season. As you reach out to love and support, remember that others may celebrate different holidays than you. We are all different. Be respectful of that. Love and support do not belong to just one holiday. As a society we are filled with many differences. Those difference create beauty in our society. As we reach out to others let’s remain inclusive. There are so many people struggling this holiday season. Even a small gesture by each of us will make a difference for someone. Those differences add up.
Here are links to posts I have written about struggling during the holiday season and the help people may need:
Protecting My Mental Health During Thanksgiving
The Holidays When You Are Depressed
More on Depression During the Holidays
It's Okay Not to Be Okay During the Holidays
December Brings Increased Depression
No comments:
Post a Comment