Have you ever noticed how different family members handle the holidays? Some are very open and receptive to family getting together and enjoying one another’s time. They enjoy reminiscing about previous time spent with one another, and the hope of new and even happier holiday events resounds with them. However, not all individuals see the holidays as joyous. For those folks past holidays may recreate bad or unhappy memories which are hard to escape.

Understanding and accepting different perspectives about this time of year is very important. It’s how we show support and encouragement toward others that reflects how much their opinions matter to us. If a family member suffered pain or loss during this season, that may be difficult to share and even harder to deal with. It won’t be helpful or healthy to wallow in self pity with them, but trying to lift them up and help them through it will be.

During the upcoming holidays, when you know you may be gathering with family, be supportive to those whom seem down, excessively angry, or unengaged. They may still be suffering from loss or hurt, and it could be you they are able to connect with. Even just listening to them can seem encouraging. We never know when we’ll be walking in their shoes and the holidays aren’t quite as joyous to us.