How Will You Protect Your Mental Health This Christmas? Celebrate the CLEAR Way 

As we approach Christmas, a time that reminds us of the importance of family, community, and connection, we want to reflect on how we can truly embrace the spirit of the season—not just through gifts and celebrations, but through the meaningful ways we show up for one another. 

At FEFO Consulting, we’re proud to partner with I Am Here, who encourage us to practice our CLEAR skills every day. This holiday season, we believe these skills—Compassion, Listening, Empathy, Acceptance, and Real Self—are especially important as we spend time with our families and loved ones. 

• Compassion: Christmas is a time to be kind. Whether it’s a warm smile or a simple act of service, showing compassion helps nurture the connections that matter most. 

• Listening: In the hustle and bustle of the season, let’s take the time to truly listen. Pay attention to the needs of others, whether it’s their words, actions, or quiet moments. Being present is a gift in itself. 

• Empathy: Christmas can bring out different emotions, and it’s important to understand and connect with the feelings of those around us. Practice empathy by stepping into someone else’s shoes and offering support where needed. 

• Acceptance: The holiday season is a time when families come together, and sometimes that means differences of opinion or traditions. Acceptance is about embracing those differences and respecting the individuality of each person, fostering an atmosphere of harmony and understanding. 

• Real Self: Christmas is about authenticity—being honest and true to who we are. It’s in those genuine, heartfelt moments with others that we find the true meaning of the season. 

This Christmas, we want to shift our focus from “things” to “time.” While gifts are a part of the holiday tradition, we believe the greatest gift we can give is our presence.  

Handmade gifts, thoughtful gestures, and quality time with loved ones or friends can create lasting memories that far outweigh the value of material possessions. It’s about the thoughtfulness behind the action, the conversations that go beyond the surface, and the shared moments that bring us closer. 

Let’s embrace the meaning of Christmas by showing up for each other with compassion, listening intently, offering empathy, accepting differences, and being our real selves. After all, the best gifts we can give and receive are the ones that come from the heart. 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with love, connection, and meaningful moments! 

If you need help and support, click here to access several support services in our community.

It’s ok not to feel ok; and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help.