Often we share “A Reason to Smile” this time of the week. And during the holidays, many of us are fortunate to have reasons to smile. We head out to holiday parties. We buy gifts for friends and loved ones. We welcome family gatherings.

But we also should remember that this is a time when many are struggling and the joy of the season feels very distant. We live in a world where much of our news is concentrated on our divisions; it is too easy to lose track of our common humanity. We forget to think of the sick, the lonely, the destitute, the homeless, and the scared.

So today, we wanted to share a favorite song from the late, great Merle Haggard that epitomizes the combination of pain and yearning of this time of year. Too many are just barely holding on, hoping to make it to the year ahead. “If We Make It Through December” captures this anxiety. It is a poignant reminder to those of us who know we can make it through to lend a helping hand to those who worry about what the end of the year holds in store.

We are calling today’s post “A Reason To Give.” And remember that giving is not only about money. It can be a phone call to check in on someone who is alone. It can be a knock on the door of a neighbor. It can be volunteering. It can be recognizing that we all are stronger when we support each other.

It brings a sense of steadiness to others, and to ourselves.