on the second day of christmas...

12/15/22

good afternoon cherubs!

welcome to the second day of bravebutsoft's blogmas!

on the second day of blogmas, bravebutsoft gave to me...

ways to send love to those struggling this time of year!

the holidays are often seen as a happy, joyful times of the year, but that isn't always the case.

there are often times many people who cannot enjoy the holidays like others for many reasons.

some people just don't like the holidays!

this holiday season, we are sending love to...

• the people who are struggling financially

we all know and understand that the prices for everything have skyrocketed. most of us are struggling to make ends meet, let alone worrying about christmas presents. let's all be sensitive to this. don't expect presents from everyone (especially if you know someone is already had a hard time), especially expensive ones. be happy with homemade things, small items, or keepsakes. often times the homemade things are more meaningful! understand that if someone isn't able to come out, it might be because they don't have the budget to fit in every activity. be mindful and respectful

• the people who lost someone this year

the holidays are a chaotic time and if you've lost someone on top of that, it makes things even more difficult. people can take this differently: they may be more reserved and quiet, less likely to go out or they may want to do more activities because of the loneliness they are trying to replace. the best thing to do is be there for them, whatever that looks like. grieving isn't something anyone wants to go through, especially during the holidays

• the people who don't feel like celebrating this year

this can look different for people depending on where this year has brought them. someone might be so overworked and overwhelmed that they don't want to celebrate, they just want a few quiet days off. someone else might not want to celebrate because they lost their partner and can't find the motivation to celebrate without them. someone might just not believe in celebrating christmas of any sort. and some people might not be able to because their mental illness gets in the way. be kind to those struggling and whatever state of celebration (or lack there of) they are in

• the people who are unable to be with loved ones

there are many reasons why people aren't able to be with loved ones. whether it is estranged relationships, distance, communicational, etc. it is a hard thing to go through. the pandemic also put a huge damper on getting together with family. we are sort of able to go back to normal standards, but it might not ever be totally the same. it might be because people can't afford to travel. it might be because family members are incarnated. whatever the situation, we have to remember that not everyone has control over whether they are able to be with family members during this time of year. so be kind to individuals you know who might not be with family. invite them over!

• the people stuck in bad situations

this is another thing where it can be different from person to person, but especially since the pandemic. there have been many situations where partners are forced to remain together because of the pandemic, money, availability, etc. these people might be trying to make the best out of the situation they are in or trying to make it seem "better" for the kids in the situation. advocate for these people, be there for them, and let them know that you are there and able to help if they need you to (& you are willing and able to as well). these people trapped in situations (especially this time of year) need to know that they have people in their corner.

• the people's who mental health is fragile right now

we all know this time of year is hard for numerous reasons...that's why I am hoping these extra blogs help, but it's always a good reminder to have and realize that there are people who are struggling this time of year and it's not always the "happiest season of all." anxiety and depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder, don't take breaks. they are year round struggles that don't have down time, ever. so remember that there are people who might be overwhelmed and exhausted. take note of this and don't force anyone to do anything. be there for those you know that are struggling.

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there are many other situations and circumstances that people need to be loved on, but these are just a few to get you thinking.

my challenge to you is to become a little more selfless this holiday season. if you're already a pretty selfless person, that's great! but I feel like we can all do more to help out those who are struggling. be there for them, lift them up, let them know that you care about them. it will make a load of difference (trust me).

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thanks for reading today's installment, I'll see you guys tomorrow!

remember, you deserve to be here

xx Loryn