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How to Check In on Friends and Family This Holiday Season

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy — twinkling lights, laughter, and togetherness. But for many people, this time of year can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness. Between financial pressures, grief, and the weight of expectations, the holidays can be emotionally complicated.

That’s why this season, Living Waters Inc encourages everyone to slow down, look around, and truly check in on the people you care about. A simple conversation can make all the difference.

Why Checking In Matters

Even in the busiest seasons, connection remains one of the most powerful tools for emotional wellbeing. Many people suffer in silence, especially during the holidays when everyone is expected to be cheerful.

Checking in reminds your loved ones that they’re seen, valued, and not alone. You don’t have to have all the answers — just showing up and listening can offer the comfort someone needs to get through a tough day.

How to Start the Conversation

If you’re not sure how to begin, start small. A genuine question asked with care can open the door to an honest conversation.

Try:

• “You’ve been on my mind lately — how are you really doing?”
• “The holidays can be tough sometimes. How are you holding up?”
• “I noticed you’ve been quiet lately. Want to grab coffee or take a walk?”

The key is to listen without judgment. Give them space to talk, and avoid trying to “fix” their feelings. Sometimes, simply being heard is the most healing gift you can offer.

Practical Ways to Support Someone

Once you’ve opened the door, consider simple ways to offer support:

• Be present. Offer to spend time together — decorate, bake, or just sit and chat.
• Lend a hand. If they’re overwhelmed, help with errands, childcare, or meal prep.
• Extend invitations. Don’t assume someone is “too busy.” Inclusion matters, especially for those feeling isolated.
• Check in again. Following up shows your concern wasn’t a one-time gesture.

Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself

Supporting others is important, but so is protecting your own emotional wellbeing. The holidays can stir up difficult emotions for anyone. Make sure you rest, set boundaries, and seek help if you need it.

Connection is a two-way street — when we care for each other, we all grow stronger.

When to Encourage Professional Help

If a loved one seems deeply withdrawn, hopeless, or expresses thoughts of self-harm, it’s time to involve professional support. Encourage them to reach out to a counselor, therapist, or community organization like Living Waters Inc.

Remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s an act of courage and self-love.

This Season, Choose Compassion

The most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons. They come through empathy, time, and presence. By checking in on friends and family, you might help someone rediscover a sense of peace and connection that lasts long after the holidays end.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Living Waters Inc to learn more about our mental health programs, workshops, and community resources. Together, we can make this holiday season one of healing, hope, and heartfelt connection.

Living Waters Inc

Living Waters Inc serves as an essential bridge, connecting faith-based communities with both public and private sectors. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to nurturing and developing our most valuable asset: the people.

Our core values—Integrity, Purpose-Led, Future-Focused, and One Team—guide our mission. Committed to promoting mental wellness, we provide monthly content designed to support and encourage everyone’s mental health. Join us at #livingwatersinc for resources and insights on mental wellness and community collaboration.