“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” (Ps 25:16)

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but it’s not that way for everyone. As much as I love Christmas, and I really do, there have been years I just wanted to skip the holiday. The years with tremendous changes such as my divorce, the death of my grandma, and the move of my brother and his wife were times I didn’t feel as festive.

At Christmas, losses are magnified, and even small things can become overwhelming. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, a dream, or something material, allow yourself to feel the loss. Acknowledge your feelings. Be gentle with yourself. Talk about it with someone you trust. Pray about it.

As Christ-followers, we know that Satan uses isolation and loneliness to attack us. If he can get us to focus on these negative feelings, we’ll become more isolated and vulnerable to attack, so it’s important to reach out for help. Even expressing your thoughts on social media can result in a flood of support to help you realize you’re not alone.

Everyone handles loss differently. Some may want to create a “holiday-free zone.” Others may want to do something very un-Christmassy. Still others may be more intentional than usual about honoring traditions. There’s no right or wrong way.

Even Jesus experienced loneliness (Is 53:3) and grief (Matt 14:13). Because of this, he understands those feelings in us. Let him know what you’re going through. Yes, he already knows, but it helps to express what you’re feeling. He can handle it.

This Christmas, if you’re enjoying time with family and friends, remember those who may be struggling: the childless, the homebound, the lonely, the grieving. Christmas may not be so wonderful for them, but we can all do something—just one thing—to reach out to someone else. Offer a smile to a stranger. Take a meal to the homebound. Call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Pray for each other.

By supporting each other, we’ll all make it through the holiday. What is one thing you can do for someone else today?

Dear Jesus, when I’m not in the Christmas spirit, help me remember that you are the reason we celebrate. In my loneliness or grief, show me how to praise you anyway. Amen.