Whether we are ready or not, the weather is getting colder, and the holiday season is in full swing. This time of year brings with it a new balancing act. How are we to manage spending time with family and friends, buying and wrapping gifts, cooking for and hosting or attending holiday parties? Oh, and don’t forget to find time to take care of yourself. It seems as if we have less time to do more.
This is supposed to be a season where we feel merry and joyful. But often, the holidays are a stressful time. We get so wrapped up in the material aspects of the holidays that it is easy to forget that this is the season of giving. But I’m not talking about the gifts we give to family and friends. This is a season to be mindful of strangers and those who have less than we do.
Giving during this season can look different for all of us. You might consider adopting a family through a local nonprofit. Or maybe you skip the coffee line one morning and give those extra dollars to the homeless folks standing out in the cold. When you’re in the drive-thru waiting for lunch, perhaps you pay for the person behind you in line. You can also give your time. Volunteer to serve a holiday meal at a food kitchen. Pay a visit to a nursing home and spend time chatting with the residents. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway. Or get your kids involved and gather up gently used toys and donate them.
When we give to others, especially to strangers, we reap the benefits. Giving shifts our focus from ourselves to others. It releases endorphins. We end up feeling better and we make someone else’s day a little bit brighter. As it turns out, embracing this season of giving can be good for our mental health.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays.