Connections and Caring for the Holidays 

The holidays are often full of joyous celebrations, good food, and rituals we look forward to each year. While these celebrations vary from individual to individual, family to family and culture to culture, the magic of these rituals is consistent… connection.   Yet, for many, the holidays can be a time of vulnerability, isolation and loneliness.  

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation and loneliness are serious widespread public health issues across the United States.  They have been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, depression and anxiety, suicide, self-harm, dementia, and early death.  Additionally, Mental Health First Aid has found that 40% of U.S. adults live with mental health or substance abuse challenges, making the holidays a complicated time for many.  

Low-cost tips to care for yourself and connect with others this holiday season: 

• Manage Expectations

• • Give yourself some grace. Acknowledge that each year is different, depending on the highs and lows of that year.  
  • If you or a loved one can’t make it to the family dinner, that’s okay. Instead, connect virtually via zoom or google meet and eat at the same time or opt out this year, that’s okay too. 

• Set Healthy Boundaries 

  • If planning or attending events feels too stressful, it’s okay to take a break.  
  • Take a walk outside, smell your favorite holiday scent, or listen to some soothing music.
  • Setting healthy boundaries can be one of the greatest gifts you give yourself this holiday season. 
    

• Volunteer

  • Volunteer at a local food pantry, homeless shelter, or kitchen.
    
  • Donate high quality, shelf stable food, items to a local food pantry.
  • USDA, United States Department of Agriculture, found in 2022, 30.8 million households with children were food insecure.
  • AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, reported that in 2021, 9.5 million households of Americans 50 and older were food insecure.
    

• Connect with a Neighbor 

  • Visit with a neighbor who may live alone and/or have a disability. The time you spend together could help them to feel more connected to the community.
  • Invite a neighbor to your holiday meal or offer to take them with you to a local holiday parade or event. 
  • Deliver food from your holiday meal to a home bound neighbor. Then spend 10-15 minutes getting to know their favorite holiday rituals.  
    

• Intergenerational Connections 
  

  • Volunteer at a local senior center and teach digital technology skills.
  • Find a sense of purpose by connecting youth with older adults.
  • Make homemade holiday cards as a family and delivery to residents at your local senior living community.
  • Put together a group to create senior care packages of fuzzy blanket, lotion, candy cane and card.  Then deliver to a senior living community.
  • Spend time visiting, singing, playing an instrument or game, or sharing a special talent with those you love.

Looking after yourself and connecting with others can make the difference in a healthy and joyous holiday season.