When the colors of the leaves change and the temperature drops outside and we roll the clocks back one hour, to many of us that signals the holiday season is approaching. We may start planning holiday meals or scribble lists of gifts we plan to give over the next several months. It can be a jovial and very festive time. A time to connect with family and friends and to reflect on the past year. However, we cannot all assume that everyone looks forward to the holiday season. We all have different circumstances that can affect how or if we choose to “celebrate” the holidays.

As we reflect on the season that is upon us, I recognize that:

• ~2million people are currently incarcerated.
• More than 65 million Americans are estranged from a family member.
• The rate of food insecurity in the United States is 10.4%.
• Two thirds of Americans say that either they or a family member has been addicted to alcohol or drugs, experienced homelessness due to addiction, or experienced a drug overdose leading to an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or death.
• Christmas and New Year’s holidays are risk factors for hospitalization.
• The number of American babies who died before their first birthdays rose last year.
• There are ~21,000 reported cases of murder or non-negligent homicide in the US annually.

While this list is not exhaustive of all the ills of this world, it does provide perspective of what we and others can be dealing with during the holiday season. Emotions and varying levels of relationships with friends or family members can take a toll on our mental health as we wind down the year.

The holiday season is an opportunity for us to communicate our feelings with each other and to make amends if necessary. Sharing our thoughts and what we may be dealing with during this time is important. If there is someone that you want to reconnect with or would like to visit—do it! Make the phone call. Stop by the house. Send a card.

Regardless to how we feel in this season, we should respect and honor the season that someone else is also experiencing now.

To ourselves and to one other, we should be kind, be nice, and be empathetic.