Unfortunately, NOT the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
A Gentle Reminder to Check on People This Holiday Season

I love the holidays. I love the crisp winter snow against my tongue. I love baking Christmas cookies with my friends. I love giving thoughtful presents. I love sipping rich, decadent hot cocoa. I love lighting the menorah with my family. I love mutual reflection on our years with New Year’s resolutions. I love the holiday season because it brings people together.

Being Jewish, I fear what criticizing this time of year could suggest, so I want to make it explicitly clear I do not hate the holidays; I love them. I may never know what it feels like to open Christmas presents under the tree, but I know how powerful this season can be in creating cherished memories. At the same time, it deeply pains me to know how high the rate of depression is this time of year. Seeing the immense pressure the holidays place on many individuals rips me to shreds.

Beneath the twinkling Christmas lights and festive cheer, countless individuals unnoticed face inner turmoil. Families who struggle to put food on the table face seemingly impossible choices: stretch themselves thin to give their children presents or deal with the heartbreak of disappointing them. The true spirit of the holidays, which should be about connection and togetherness, has been overshadowed by a focus on materialism and pressure to spend. This societal shift in values distorts what should be a season of warmth and generosity into one of anxiety and emptiness, leaving many longing for the deeper, more meaningful experiences the holidays are meant to foster.

For some, the holidays are a stark reminder that loved ones are no longer with them. It’s hard to feel joy when the season’s festivities bring up grief and longing. Others may feel isolated, watching celebrations they can’t join. This might include older adults in nursing homes, college students far from home, or those with fractured family relationships. For all anyone knows, the most content-seeming people are greatly struggling. The pressure to appear cheerful and participate in festivities can exacerbate feelings of discontentment.

Additionally, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression often become amplified during this time of year. The shorter, darker days of winter can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), compounding existing struggles. The constant barrage of perfect holiday images on social media doesn’t help either. People see curated snapshots of happiness—gleaming decorations, smiling families, and extravagant gifts—and may feel inadequate or left out by comparison.

Ways to Help


Consider taking small but meaningful steps this season to check on those around you. Reach out to someone who might be feeling lonely, offer a kind message, or invite a friend to share a meal. Simple acts of generosity—a warm drink, a thoughtful gesture, or even just listening—can make an enormous difference. Your check-in could be as simple as saying, “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?” Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can ease the weight someone is carrying.

For families facing financial hardship, small gestures can be deeply impactful. Consider donating to a local food pantry, organizing a gift drive, or supporting organizations that help families in need. Volunteering your time to serve meals or deliver holiday care packages can also spread warmth and remind others that they’re not alone.

Pay attention to friends, classmates, or coworkers who seem quieter or more withdrawn than usual. Invite them to low-pressure activities like a casual movie night or a winter walk. Be mindful of how your own words and actions might unintentionally add to someone’s stress. Finally, remember that it’s okay to encourage professional help. If you know someone struggling, support them where they are and remind them that seeking support from a therapist or counselor is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The holidays don’t have to be a source of pressure or pain. By showing empathy and extending support, we can ensure this season truly embodies the spirit of kindness and togetherness it represents. Let’s remind one another that no one has to face these battles alone. Whether through a kind word, a small act of generosity, or simply being present, we can brighten the season for those who need it most.