Ask Margar-etiquette about Compassion During the Holidays

Loving One Another Through the Holidays

The holiday season arrives each year dressed in twinkling lights, festive music, and an endless stream of messages insisting we be merry. And while the warmth of togetherness can be beautiful, it’s worth acknowledging a truth we often overlook: not everyone feels jolly during the holiday season.

For many, this season shines a light not only on joy, but on absence—empty chairs at the table, people we miss deeply, or connections that have faded. Others may be navigating loneliness, financial strain, stress, or simply a sense of emotional fatigue. The insistence that everyone must “get into the spirit” can unintentionally make those feelings heavier.

This year, let’s widen our view of what holiday love actually looks like.

Sometimes love is loud: celebrations, gatherings, and shared traditions that make the season sparkle. But sometimes it’s quiet: a check-in text, a cup of tea left at someone’s door, an extra seat offered with no pressure to talk, an invitation that says, come as you are. Love is asking, “How are you doing—really?” and listening without rushing someone toward cheerfulness.

It’s also remembering that compassion costs nothing. You never know what it might mean to the person in front of you if you offer patience instead of urgency, gift the quiet coworker gentleness instead of assumptions, or provide the neighbor presence instead of platitudes.

Holiday love isn’t about enforcing joy. It’s about making room for every experience—joy, sorrow, gratitude, grief, hope, healing—and honoring each with kindness and compassion.

So whether your season is glowing or a little dimmer this year, may you feel surrounded by people who let you be fully human… and may you be that person for someone else.

With warmth and goodwill,

Margar-etiquette