.jpg)
As we approach what ought to be a joyful holiday this week, we note that there are far too many among us who experience sadness at this time of year. Those who have recently lost loved ones or are in the grip of depression or are just plain stressed out may view the holidays as anything but a happy occasion.
In particular, those who find themselves all alone during the holiday season may feel their loneliness far more acutely than at any other time of the year. According to a recent survey conducted by Online-Solitaire.com, 19 million Americans, including more than 400,000 Virginians, will be spending Christmas alone this year.
“Loneliness is more than a silent battle for millions of Americans,” states a press release associated with the survey. “It’s a public health concern with serious mental and physical side effects. During the holidays, this issue is magnified. The festive season, a time synonymous with togetherness, can be isolating for those who find themselves alone, making the cheer a reminder of solitude.”
The data, suggests a spokesperson, “paints a vivid picture of the silent struggle many face during what’s supposed to be the most joyous time of the year. It’s a powerful reminder that while we celebrate in our homes, we must not forget those who might be looking on from the shadows of solitude. We believe in the strength of community, both online and offline, to bridge the gap and light up the spirits of those spending these significant days alone.”
The survey posed a hypothetical question to those who will be spending Christmas surrounded by family: They were asked if they would be willing to extend an invitation to a neighbor known to be spending the holiday alone. “The response was a heartening testament to human kindness – 88 percent affirmed that they would welcome their neighbor into their home to share in the Christmas spirit.”
We might add that those who reach out to their neighbors in need are the ones who achieve the most joy during the holiday season. There are innumerable examples of folks who are experiencing such joy right here in the Rockbridge area. The hundreds of volunteers who turned out Dec. 9 to help pack and deliver Christmas baskets to those in need no doubt experienced this joy.
Employees of Spencer’s Home Improvements exhibited this Christmas spirit and experienced the accompanying feelings of joy by answering the call of those in need in a variety of ways this holiday season. Under the leadership of Tammy Reid, these employees delivered toys to area children, participated in a coat drive and collected other necessities for those in need. Erica Slagle of Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services and Amber Flint led what’s come to be known as the E&A toy drive that served 214 local families this year.
Another local initiative that’s spreading Christmas cheer is one undertaken by Feed The Need, a foundation that is collaborating with local organizations and businesses to reach families in need and gather donations for its annual toy drive, “Fill the Fence – Annual Toy Drives.” Toy collection boxes were strategically placed throughout the area for donors to drop off toys. Everyone who participated likely experienced as much joy as the recipients of these gifts.
There were also toy drives conducted in Goshen and Glasgow again this year, and numerous other efforts to help those less fortunate - or lonely - undertaken by local groups and churches.
Reaching out to others in their time of need spreads joy to those on both sides of these interactions. Don’t forget about our neighbors in need this holiday season. We wish everyone a merry Christmas filled with opportunities to find and experience such joy.
SMILES ABOUNDED as local residents gathered for packing day for the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program at the Virginia Horse Center Dec. 9. . A total of 1,854 boxes were delivered to 3,363 children and adults this year.
