Ways to Let Someone You Know They Are Not Alone

Do you know someone that is all alone for the holiday's... maybe not for Christmas itself, but for the majority of the month? After all Christmas can is more than just one day... it is a belief in something that can last year round, at least for the month of December.

Maybe a grandparent has lost a spouse, or a friend, or neighbor. Imagine how you would struggle the first holiday season alone.

Some people may not have lost someone, but are independently alone, or their children are not coming home for the holidays this year.

There are all sorts of reasons that one can find oneself alone during this time.

What are some ways that you can help the lonely this month? Or any month really?

Ways to let someone know they are not alone- look to the funny papers

As you read the Sunday paper, or any periodicals you may subscribe to, peruse the little cartoons. If you find them humorous, or if one makes you think of someone, send it to them... via snail mail and not scanned email. Being a recipient of mail that is not junk, bills, or Christmas cards can be very uplifting for anyone, especially someone that lives alone.

Ways to let someone know they are not alone- think two by two

Sometime it is just better with two. Go grocery shopping with your mom, or your neighbor. Do not just pick stuff up and drop off, but take the person with you. The joy they will feel from the 'bonding' excursion will last until the next one. Do not forget to stop off for coffee on the way home. Come on, you know the time is there. Let the dishes go for one night, or enlist your children to participate more in household chores.

Ways to let someone know they are not alone- children matter

Invite that someone to one of your children's activities such as school play or ball game. Your child will actually enjoy knowing that there is one more person rooting just for him or her in that stands or audience.

Ways to let someone know they are not alone- be a chatty Kathy

Call that someone on the telephone. Or cell phone as you are waiting in line or in traffic. A quick how are you doing, I am thinking of you call can be very refreshing. For both of you. As you go over your day, you may be calming yourself before you pick up your children. Ask for his or her advice. Asking does not mean you must take it, remember that.

Ways to let someone know they are not alone- go to the movies

Bring over an old movie... Arsenic and Old Lace is always funny!!!!! Watch together. Listen to him or her regale you of what the movie reminds them of, or when they first saw it. My grandmother used to tell me about the first time she watched Gone with the Wind... it was light when they went in, dark when they out because the movie was so long. Grandpa had to snap shut the windows... yes, snap shut, not roll up.