By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Most people speed through the holidays with excitement and enthusiasm. They enjoy the many gatherings alongside family and friends, while some people sink into a well of depression. They feel alone and abandoned. Staying sensitive to the needs of others enables us to bless those who are emotionally and physically suffering.
A friend said it best, “Holidays aren’t always the joyous times of the year everybody thinks they are. Being sensitive to someone’s psychological status can be tricky but can greatly benefit the giver and the recipient of kindness and compassion.”
What are a few ways we can stay sensitive to the needs of others that show every day isn’t about us, especially the holidays? Pray how God would want you to help the unfortunate.
- Begin with friends and neighbors. Will any of them spend Thanksgiving and Christmas alone? Request the person(s) to spend the holiday with you. A statement, “The day wouldn’t be the same without you,” makes the person feel wanted. Consider asking them for their favorite dish or recipe.
- Churches often have a list of those who need food, companionship, or financial assistance.
- Contact a local hospital to see if patients who are spending a holiday there could use a few moments of visiting cheer. Be mindful of the patient’s physical or mental health.
- Hospitality woven with sincere love is the key. Offer to deliver a holiday meal to a shut-in. Make it festive! Use appropriate decorations with your delivery. These can be found at your local dollar store. Encourage a smile by wearing a laughable outfit. Consider a gift item.
- Host a holiday movie night. Don’t forget the goodies that the guest enjoys.
- Invest financially. For a family member or friend who lives miles away and will spend a holiday in solitude, consider financing transportation and other costs required for the trip. Include the person in conversation and activities. Understand no one wants to be pitied or feel like a charity case.
- Invite others to church presentations or community holiday specials. This is a time of year when people can be receptive to God.
- Pray for all those who feel the weight of depression from illness, job loss, a recent tragedy, or an emotional, spiritual, or physical burden. Listen for the silent cries for help. Be prepared to offer resources.
- Schedule a visit to a nursing home. Many of these people long for company. If you are a musician or singer, offer a small concert to cheer their hearts. Sometimes a listening ear is the best gift of all.
- Volunteer at a shelter to spread love and encouragement.
Spending a holiday alone, depressed, or in need is a true crisis. Consider how you will bless others and find unexpected blessings in an unlikely place. You may find your holiday spirit of giving lasts all year long.
Do you have a suggestion for how we can stay sensitive to other’s needs?
Comments 22
A few years ago, our family experienced a tragic death. Christmas is my favorite time of year, but I found myself needing people to reach out to me. However, there were more times when I needed solitude. It is so important to be sensitive to what grieving people need. What we think they need may not be what they really need.
Also, once the holidays pass and life goes back to “normal” it is important to continue the outreach. So often people sink into depression once all of the festivities are over and they feel all alone again.
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Cindy, I’ve been in your shoes, and the after-care meant so much to me. Thank you!
What an insightful post, especially needed for the givers and the receivers. Thank you.
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Linda, thank you for your kind words. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
What a wonderful list of ways to be Jesus to those who would be blessed to see Him. Thank you!
When I was a single mom, I invited all the singles from church and work/neighbors to our house to share the Thanksgiving meal. These were single friends who were not going home to be with family or who had no family, and we called ourselves the Homeless Singles. We became family for the day. Such great memories and good friendships. Now my husband and I do something similar with friends, single or not, who won’t be with family during the holidays.
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Karen, what a wonderful way to reach others during the holidays. And you have continued the tradition. What a blessing! Thank you.
I find that when I earnestly pray God will put a name on my heart. Even when I wake up during the night for unknown reasons I sometimes find a name coming to mind to pray for, and later call or visit.
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Gail, I think God knows when he wakes us in the middle of the night, He has our full attention. Now, all we have to do is pay attention. Thank you!
Such good ideas coming from a tender heart ❤️
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Oh, thank you, Julie. Miss you!
Thanks just for the simple, but needed reminder to be sensitive, and put others ahead of self.
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Oh, Frances, you always have had such insight.
Thank you, DiAnn, for reminding us of ways to bless others in this season. My husband and I used to deliver meals on Christmas morning through the local Interfaith Association. We’d always add a small gift to go along with the food. Now we invite folks over for Christmas dinner who may not have other options. It’s always a blessing to us.
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Kay, I love what you and your husband do for the unfortunate. How kind, and creative. I will pass this on. Thank you!
Hi DiAnn,
Ive found that spaces can always improve and evolve. When people feel invited and welcome it warms their hearts and ours. My granddaughter and I worked inside a mission. The needy are always such an inspiration to us. People clad in only the worn clothes on their backs smile, are grateful, and many are very friendly. The mission had a human environment, as well. Folks argued back and forth, but I was blessed to be a servant to this group. There were many children in the line which tore at my heart. Working inside a mission during the holiday or at anytime is very rewarding. It will make you count your blessings and give thanks to God.
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Dawn, what a blessing to others. Thank you for sharing your means of giving to others. I hear the compassion in your words.
Thank you, DiAnn. All of your suggestions are on target. I hope we’re mindful of the lonely and stressed even among large gatherings.
Blessings
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Sharon, sometimes we can see the loneliness in a crowd. Heartbreaking and an opportunity to offer a helping hand.
I am a member of Silver Serenaders of Texas. We will visit assisted living centers and sing Christmas Carols with the residents. We did something similar last year and it was so enjoyable for me and them.
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Linda, you reminded me of my teenage days when our church teens would serenade at nursing homes. Our choir does those things – and right now I’m missing a way to bless others. Thank you.
Amen and thank you DiAnn!
The true meaning of Christmas is the love of being a child of God, and sharing the spirit as each one of us is able. Big or small, from the heart is the truest gift!
Blessings this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
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Joyce, thank you for sharing the true meaning of the holidays. Be blessed!