The holiday season is in full-swing just about everywhere.

In fact, on my commute to my day job, one of my pre-set stations is now playing holiday jingles until the 25th of December.

Christmas and other winter festivities can be a great reminder of how beautiful humanity can be.

The donation numbers usually sky rocket, food pantries are filled with turkey baskets ready to go to deserving homes, children are given presents, and according to the illusion given by the media—“all is well with the world.”

In some regards, everything is well—but during the hustle and bustle of this joyous season, please remember that those working in the emergency assistance or non-profit field also need your donation of emotional support.

As someone who works in this field, I’d like to offer some suggestions on how others can help:

1. Communication. I often need to talk. It’s probably because I’ve seen one too many heartbreaking cases within a five hour period—more than a person should have to handle. I need someone to remind me of why I do what I do. I need someone to listen to me when I tell the stories I’ve heard—the ones either told to me in tears or screamed at me in frustration. You don’t need to find the solution, but please just listen to me.

2. Flexibility. That event that I said I would bake for or attend is probably seeming less then appealing after a full work day. Encourage me to go, but don’t hold it over my head if I graciously ask for a raincheck.

3. Initiation (When it comes to sex or other fun stuff). Just because I’m slightly burned out, and feeling all types of ways, doesn’t mean that I intend to be a total kill joy. If you want to have sex, you start the foreplay. If you want to go out and see holiday lights or get drunk and put together a gingerbread house—just ask me.

My partner may have to sell some ideas like he’s trying to sell me a car, but rest assured—the effort will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

4. Compassion. Please remember to give graciously and to love those who are “untouchables” in society. Being reminded of the beauty of humanity will lift our spirits.

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Relephant:

How to Hold Space Instead of Fixing People.

How to Show up for our Friends.

Author: Kimberly Faith Roland

Apprentice Editor: Tameca L. Coleman/Editor: Yoli Ramazzina

Photo: Pixabay