The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration, and being together. We gather with family, share stories, indulge in meals, and exchange gifts. It’s a season meant to fill our hearts. But to be bluntly honest, not everyone looks to this time of year with the same joy and anticipation.
For many, the holidays come with grief, financial strain, loneliness, and pressure to meet expectations that seem impossible. The final months of the year can often magnify what’s missing in a person’s life. And so, while many feel full, others feel empty. As we go about our day-to-day activities we are often blinded as to who might fall into which category. This is why it’s important for us to be intentional with our compassion and understanding.
As we are together for the holidays, I challenge you to not just look at it as sitting at the table, being in the same room, or gathering around the Christmas tree. I challenge you to truly be present in the lives of the folks you care about. This might be a phone call to a distant family member, a cup of coffee shared with a neighbor, or as simple as a meaningful conversation with a stranger in the grocery store. I’ve written about it numerous times and I speak of it often when I engage groups, connection is the best gift we can give one another. And I can’t think of a better time to do just that.
And so, the most meaningful gifts are not always wrapped in shiny paper. A handwritten Christmas card, making time for someone, or just a simple smile can be a gift that brings light to those that feel trapped in the dark. No need for fancy bows and ribbon, rather the most inexpensive gift of all – connection, might just be the ticket to make someone feel full.
As I reflect on this and find myself feeling guilty about not living my own words, I can’t help but think of my own journey this past year. Transitioning from my role in education for twenty years to my new role as an educational development advocate for ICON Architectural Group, I’m reminded of how connection transcends almost everything we do. Whether we are designing spaces that inspire learning or foster relationships that nurture growth, the essence of our work is the same; making people feel seen, valued, supported, and heard.
So, I challenge you (any myself) this holiday season. Whether receiving a present or giving a present, make being present the priority. You can fill the tree bottom with gifts and/or you can fill hearts with compassion, understanding, and love. Let’s be intentional and think about the deeper meaning of being together this holiday season. You have the power to bring light to someone’s life that may have gone dark because of recent tragedy, financial burden, loneliness, or something we may never know.
Commit to being present both in your personal lives, and your professional circles. All of us at ICON Architectural Group wish you a season filled with warmth, compassion, and meaningful moments.