The more things change, the more they remain the same. During the 2022 holiday season, just after the midterm elections, I could hear many voters exhaling a sigh of relief and shouting — after $17 billion was spent on disinformation, misinformation and the occasional truthful political ad — “Yes, finally, the election is over.”
And today I am hearing the same thing about the election of November 2024.
Normal life — such as it was in 2022 — is back, I think, and we’re now deep into the holiday season. Let’s ponder how the 2024 holiday season might become better than we’ve experienced heretofore.
First, let’s recognize the word “holiday” means “holy day.” Next, let’s value that holidays are celebrated from both a religious and a cultural perspective. Then, we need to acknowledge that the holy day is celebrated throughout the world.
If we can agree on these three premises, we just might develop a better appreciation of others and approach the holiday season from a more holistic and inclusive perspective.
For centuries the holidays celebrated include Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Christmas (Christian), Diwali (Hindu), Eid al-Fitr (Muslim), Hanukkah (Jewish), Kwanzaa (African-American), Lunar New Year (East Asian) and Winter Solstice (Indigenous), to name a few.
Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter
Mike Ronsisvalle, a Florida-based psychologist, claims that in faith-based traditions the holidays are a time when people purposely change their behavior and thereby modify their holiday experience. For some, however, the holiday season will be static and self-centered, only thinking of and gifting to those within their own family.
How might we intentionally expand our behavior this holiday season?
Returning to Americans this election cycle, when $15.9 billion dollars was spent, I offer a similar challenge I offered two years ago: For every dollar you contributed to a candidate for public office, intentionally give that same amount to a not-for-profit charity, which may be in greater need of financial assistance than a politician’s perpetual reelection coffers.
Didn’t give to a politician or party? Then purposely contact your local food bank and ask if you could spend a few hours volunteering and/or contribute money ($1 helps provide 10 meals). Don’t forget most institutions of higher learning also have food pantries to assist students in need.
Inquire if there are any residents at a long-term care facility or hospital who might like a fruit basket, personal care items, phone call or a 10-minute in-person visit. Your outreach may assist those who are lonely and isolated during a time that should be joyful.
There are about 600,000 homeless Americans; more than 33,000 are veterans. Impactful Ninja ranked the seven best charities for helping homeless people with the National Alliance to End Homelessness touted as setting the gold standard with a Charity Watch grade of A+.
If you are seeking to help make a positive impact upon kids in need, there are more than 117,000 children waiting to be adopted in America. Impactful Ninja also identified the 10 best charities to support foster care. The top three in terms of overall impact are Foster Care to Success, Together We Rise and Children’s Defense Fund.
My favorite global, nonprofit organization that provides medical services to those affected by war, disaster or disease is International Medical Corps.
Consider contacting your local Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions clubs — all non-sectarian — to seek membership. Their multitude of service projects would give you around-the-year opportunities to assist people and organizations in your community who need assistance.
While spending time with your family this holiday season is important, consider thinking outside the box and intentionally changing your behavior by helping others. It may be the start of a new holiday tradition of pursuing the festive season in a more robust, long-term and meaningful perspective.
Happy Holy Days!
Corbin is professor emeritus of marketing at the University of Northern Iowa.
Every year at this time we publish stories that reflect themes and messages of the holiday season. These stories have resonated deeply with our audience in the past perhaps because they contain universal messages that are central to the holiday spirit; messages of love, kindness, hope, generosity that are universal values to peoples of all cultures and backgrounds.
This season we are re-running some popular holiday messages from the past. We hope you enjoyed this re-run from 2023 as you celebrate this holiday season with family and friends.
All of the staff at The Fulcrum wish you the best this holiday season and hope for peace on Earth and good to all for 2025.
