It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and the stores are buzzing with people grabbing last-minute ingredients for feasts with family and friends. Some are strategizing how to dodge the inevitable questions about their love lives, while others are gearing up for spirited political debates at the dinner table. Then, there are those who may not have a biological family to gather with, for reasons only they can truly know.

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s no secret that the holiday season can stir up a lot of emotions—joy, stress, nostalgia, and sometimes loneliness. As an only child from a small family, I’ve spent many holidays feeling the pang of solitude. I’ve often dreamt of those idyllic Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas mornings you see in movies like Home Alone. (Though, let’s be real, even Kevin got left behind, so maybe that’s not the best example—lol!)

But over the years, I’ve come to see the holidays as an opportunity for reflection, connection, and, most importantly, kindness. This season isn’t always about how picture-perfect your celebration looks; it’s about the small, meaningful ways we can uplift one another.

So, this is your friendly Thanksgiving Eve reminder to give back where you can. Whether it’s donating to charity, volunteering your time, or simply reaching out to someone who might need a little extra love, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

And don’t forget to hold tight to the simple things: gratitude for life, the friends who feel like family, and the dreams that keep you going. Here’s to a season of hope, connection, and making someone’s day just a little brighter. Happy holidays, everyone!