Crestwood Employee Center
During the holiday season, many of us will reflect on the many blessings in our lives. We’ll take note of the things we may otherwise take for granted. Gratitude overflows into a spirit of giving; an outpouring of compassionate hearts looking for ways to lend a helping hand. This time of year repeatedly sparks generosity and goodwill.
When we are intentional with our giving, we can have an impact that changes lives. Where do you see a need? How can you use your gifts, talents, time, and resources to make a difference, in your community or across the world?
No matter our individual circumstances, we can all have a spirit of giving. Perhaps it’s taking time to sit with one of the people we serve and listening with a gentle, reassuring heart. Maybe it’s making a donation to a charity you want to support. Or perhaps it’s volunteering with an organization that holds great meaning to you. When we give from the heart, we in turn feel blessed and we inspire others to give as well. Let’s all keep the spirit of giving alive in our hearts throughout the year!
Oftentimes, during the holidays, we want to experience all the festivities, attend all the gatherings, and make every moment picture-perfect for the ones we love. Yet sometimes, we may find that less is actually more.
This season, make it a point not to rush, but to rest. To be, not to do. To savor, not to stress. Take time to cherish your family and friends; to encourage the people we serve; to catch up with a coworker. Our time is precious. Giving the gift of our uninterrupted presence is priceless.
As we enter into a busy time of year, let’s not forget to take time for what matters most. How will you cherish others this season?
Sometimes there are years when the holidays are hard. Some of us may be in a difficult season. Perhaps we have a challenging relationship with a family member. Or maybe we’re in the midst of grief. This time of year can be full of varying emotions, which is why it is so important to offer grace to others, as well as to ourselves. It’s important to be respectful of others’ feelings, including our own. We should be gentle with ourselves, recognizing that this year may look different for a variety of reasons.
Perhaps we can ease some of the anxiety or sadness by stepping back from the busyness. Maybe we need to give permission to others and ourselves to grieve what is missing this holiday season. Give permission to feel the weight of the loss and offer acceptance of our emotions.
If you are going through a difficult time as we enter the holiday season, know that you are valued by your Crestwood Family. Find a confidante, a friend, or a counselor to share your feelings with. Don’t walk alone. And know that there is always hope.
As 2025 draws to a close, set aside a few quiet moments to reflect on the following questions. You may even like to journal your answers.
- What is one of your favorite memories from this year?
- What is one place you enjoyed visiting this year?
- What is one book, podcast, movie or show that you enjoyed this year?
- Who had an especially positive impact on your life this year?
- What challenge helped you grow in new ways this year?
- What is one thing you are proud of accomplishing this year?
- What are you most looking forward to about the new year?
December 14 – 22: Hanukkah
December 16 – 24: Las Posadas
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas
December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa
December 31: New Year’s Eve
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