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Christmas is officially only a few days away, and while the stress of the holiday is certainly surrounding me on numerous sides, I also am trying to find some aspect of seasonal joy to celebrate whenever possible.
I have some shopping taken care of, and had purchased cards with every intention of sending them out. I'm attempting to hand deliver a few of those cards, but the few hitting the Postal Service most likely will arrive after the holiday.
The tree isn't up at the moment. I'm hoping to take care of it this weekend, if possible. There are some decorations in place, though, and the house has been full of cookies and other baked goods for the last week or so.
There was even a bit of a family baking night earlier this month, with a group of cousins coming over to complete several dozen cookies with my mom and sister.
I've taken a few moments, when possible, to (safely) look at the lights adorning some of the homes, businesses, and parks in our communities, while doing my evening drives while out in the field for work.
Finding those quiet moments to do some of the things I've always enjoyed about this holiday season has become more difficult in recent years, but I try to find them whenever possible.
I also acknowledge that this season is not necessarily a joyous time for everyone.
Many of our neighbors face difficulties we will never fully understand. There are struggles with health, lack of employment opportunities, perhaps you have no family in the area, maybe you made choices in your past that have taken you down a road you never intended and you're trying to find your way back.
There are obstacles in our lives many never talk about, not even with loved ones, but in this time, more than any, it's a reminder that we are never truly alone.
There is always someone to turn to, even if you just need someone to listen.
Perhaps you know someone who is going to be alone for the holidays. You can give them the gift of your presence, and spend time with them.
Invite a neighbor over for dinner, or take them a meal or a plate of cookies.
Locally, the holidays are full of community festivities, with parades, light-up nights, fireworks and street fairs. They also are full of togetherness and community spirit, with civic and church groups coming together to provide meals for residents who are alone.
There are businesses who organize food and toy collections to assist those who might not have much for the holidays.
All of those efforts appear to be growing, with new groups getting involved. We're constantly hearing from organizations providing such aid that the need for assistance has been growing in our area. When that happens, it makes it even more important for those who are able to find a way to help.
Whether it is contributing to one of those toy and food drives, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army's kettle campaign, contributing to a United Way fundraiser, or organizing an effort of your own to donate to a local charity of your choice, there are things big and small we each can do.
Now, more than ever, we are surrounded by the noise and anger of politics on every level, but at this moment, I am hoping we each take some time to remember some of the biggest and best points of this holiday season. Think about the things which connect us instead of divide us. Remember that, both on large and small scales, we are a community, and we will only get through our challenges if we work together. Show compassion for yourself, your family and your neighbors. Connect with each other. Look out for each other.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @CHowellWDT)