By this time you’re either caught up with the holiday spirit or you’re so tired of it that you’re asking when it will end. After all, it started really early this year. As stores were taking down the Halloween decorations, they began putting up the holiday decor.
I must admit that I usually enjoy the holidays. It’s always fun to attempt to find that gift that surprises those you care about. And I enjoy entertaining my friends and those who have worked with me on various projects throughout the year.
But there are times when many of us feel as though this holiday period leaves us wanting or left out — especially those most endangered in our community: our youth, seniors, trans people and disabled, among others.
But there’s another group that just feels that the holidays are overblown, not what they should be or just hate the concept. But rather than feeling isolated, keep your feelings but use them to create something positive.
Help those in our community who need support. There are so many ways to do this. Pick an issue that you care about. Seek out an organization in our community that specializes in that area and contact them to see how you could help.
I promise you, it will lift not only the spirits of the people you help, but yours as well. Giving the gift of your time is valuable, and one you’ll personally appreciate and that will give you memories for a lifetime.
To all of you who celebrate the holidays and those of you who don’t, may I wish you the most joyous of times during the next two weeks.