By Alisha Meinen, MSW, CSW
The Holiday season truly is one of giving and connection. Whether it be supporting a specific cause on Giving Tuesday, fulfilling wishes from a Spirit of Christmas tree, sponsoring a family, or exchanging gifts with our loved ones, we have been surrounded by the spirit of giving and camaraderie.
Then, quite suddenly, the holiday cheer stops. We retreat, navigating the short, cold days of January feeling less connected to others and our communities. Aside from the post-holiday slump, it is important to remember that the holiday season is not entirely joyous for everyone. Some of our neighbors carry heavy burdens; loneliness, financial stress, and a variety of concerns about injustice and social issues. They need our support as much as ever.
Now is the perfect time to counteract the typical wintertime withdrawal from community and continue to honor your personal values. According to the team at ExpoPass.com, the top reasons people attend events and meetings are for networking, community building, education, and inspiration. Which of these speaks most to you in this moment?
This post-holiday season, consider continuing to give–a bit of your time, a listening ear, companionship, your advocacy. Specifically, now is a great time to:
- Schedule a one-on-one chat with someone to check in and learn what issues they are most concerned about
- Reach out to a group or entity that you would like to further develop your relationship with
- Attend a meeting of a Task Force or a community event that speaks to your values and advocacy goals
With busy schedules and many commitments, we all want to ensure that we spend our time wisely and make a positive impact. To offer genuine value to others in these interactions:
- Lend a listening ear: Active listening will help you understand the challenges, goals, and ideas of others.
- Show up for others: Consider tagging along with a contact to an event; you never know how it may benefit you!
- Share your network: Set a goal to introduce to each other 2-4 people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other.
- Offer your services: You have so much to give! Share your skills, knowledge, and expertise to help advance justice and hope.
It is not enough to just consider connecting with your community. Take the next step and schedule meetings and events into your calendar. According to Speakers Inc., adding appointments to your calendar engages psychological principles that cause people to be more likely to follow through on actions they have explicitly committed to. Consider your calendar to be a tool for commitment and accountability.
Giving season may be over, but you can still give the greatest gift… you!
References:
Expo Pass. (2024, July 25). Why people attend events (and how to craft events that attract them). https://www.expopass.com/articles/why-people-attend-events-and-how-to-craft-events-that-attract-them/
Expo Pass. (2024, May 8). Build relationships, book events: Networking in the event industry. https://www.expopass.com/articles/build-relationships-book-events-networking-in-the-event-industry/
Speakers Inc. (2025, February 19). The Psychology of Attendee Behavior. Speakers Inc. https://speakersinc.com/articles/the-psychology-of-attendee-behavior