On Spreading Some Holiday Cheer!

It’s been a year of profound contrasts – the sharp sting of sorrow interwoven with the sweet taste of extraordinary happiness, in seemingly equal measure, for me. Regardless of my own experiences, global issues such as poverty, conflict, and displacement continue to affect countless lives daily.

As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, I’m reminded of this wisdom: people won’t remember how busy you were or how much money you made, but how you made them feel, the time you gave, and whether you kept your word. In the end, people remember your character.

A catamaran sailing at sunset

As we know, the holidays often heighten mental health challenges, including loneliness. That’s why the gift of our time can make a difference in someone’s life. Perhaps, rather than buying possibly unappreciated gifts, we could some spread holiday cheer by spending time with those who need and might appreciate our company.

For instance, sharing quality time with loved ones, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or hosting dinner for friends or those away from home can be mutually beneficial. There are countless ways of creating meaningful connections and celebrating the holiday with dignity. Try it, you may find spreading cheer deeply rewarding!

This year, my husband and I have ditched the family holiday traditions and opted to explore beauty in the Land of Smiles. Because, of course, we all ought to give ourselves the same gift of time. Do what makes you happy instead of constantly fulfilling other people’s expectations. I can’t tell you how incredibly freeing and rewarding this experience is!

A village next to Mai Khao Beach in Phuket

On that note, I wish you a splendid holiday season, however you decide to spend it!

Happy Holidays, Good People! ♥

PS. Stay tuned for my last blog post, a self-deprecating review of my word “self-pair” and a look back at 2024!

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

15 Comments

  1. Wonderful to see a post from you, Khaya! Enjoy your precious time and will watch for your next post. 😊

  2. “Stay tuned for my last blog post” I hope that’s a last blog post for 2024, right?
    😉
    Sending warm Seasons Greetings your way!

  3. Blessing you. Happy Merry Everything, my friend 🥹 🤗

  4. Ha…ha, Laura, good question! 🙂 I’ll admit blogging can sometimes feel like a chore, and the idea of quitting has crossed my mind many times. BUT, for me, blogging remains ideal for connecting with and sharing passions with like-minded people, and being part of this vibrant community. So, I’m still here, hoping to be more focused and active next year.

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