With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will likely get caught up in the blizzard of merriment and end-of-year activities typical to December. The days whirl together as we navigate the sights and sounds that form a sort of seasonal symphony — from shopping and parties to balancing work and what-to-do with the kids home from school — all the while finding ourselves fruitlessly wandering the aisles with our to-do lists, wondering if we’ll check every box before the year draws to a close.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, some may say, their voices bright with festive cheer. Yet amid all this festive hustle and bustle, it’s important to recognize that for just as many other folks, the rising costs of housing, food and daily necessities are making each day a careful balancing act, where joy is hard to come by and the preparation for a simple holiday meal feels like a challenge.

In times like these, when the gap between abundance and necessity feels especially wide, it’s important that we hearken back to the true meaning of the season — giving. The spirit of giving doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate plans. Rather, it’s the simple acts of kindness and community care that can thoughtfully bridge these disparities, one compassionate moment at a time.

The challenges facing our communities are significant. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and these hardships often disproportionately affect our most vulnerable neighbors. During the season that symbolizes joy and abundance, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives, all while enhancing our own well-being.