Merry isn’t a given, so hug someone who needs it

I want you to try something. Do an experiment if you will. I’ve talked about smiling at people and lifting their spirits. This goes to the next level.

Engage, ask something that will reach in and tickle them, warm their hearts, something that will show someone cares. And Listen, which can be a tough thing to do, because we want to impart our experiences, our opinions. For someone struggling, not giving them the space to use their voice can drive them deeper into their hurt and shut out those who want to help. Just listen. 

This year, I’ve touched a few hearts and discovered suffering and despair, misery even. It’s a tough season for some. It demands people to be merry, whether you feel it or not. It forces some people who aren’t embracing that sentiment to hide their feelings and put up a facade to stop people chiding them for being Scrooges. And that just makes matters worse for them.  

I don’t mean to drag you down with this, but to help those people who are miserable, you first have to acknowledge that they are hurting. Then take a moment to let them talk. Let them express their frustration or misery. Don’t brush it aside, and don’t let them try to dismiss their own reality. Give them your empathy. If you can help – do. Sometimes that’s just giving them some of your time. It may mean taking a walk with them, buying them a coffee, inviting them to Christmas dinner if they are going to be alone for the holiday. Bring the love. Show you care. It’s what the holiday is about, right?

For some, that’s all they need. To know they’ve been heard and understood. To know that there’s a person out there who cares about them. It can be enough. I’ve had people tell me how much it meant to them that I did this for them, that I spent some time, made a gesture, listened. It helped. And sometimes I didn’t even know they were hurting or that my few minutes of engagement had soothed some part of their soul that needed a bit of human comfort.

When that unexpected admission is made to me, it makes me want to be that for more people. It takes so little sometimes. Follow your inner voice, listen to your soul pushing you to give of yourself, to share your blessings with someone not as fortunate. Someone whose soul is a bit battered. Then, once you’ve eased their hearts, smile and offer a hug. It can mean the world.

Blessings to all of you in 2026.