This holiday season, I will be reflecting on how I can exercise greater kindness, gratitude and generosity.

Recently, a friend told me how while getting groceries, she noticed the cashier on the verge of tears. She asked if she was OK. The cashier looked at her and said, “Not really.”

She explained that it had been a rough day of customer complaints and she just felt exhausted and frustrated that she was on the receiving end for things out of her control.

My friend simply said, “I hear you, but it looks like you’re doing a good job to me.” The cashier smiled and said she felt better knowing someone cared.

It reminded me that even a small act of kindness can go a long way.

It has been a difficult couple of years for all of us, but some of us have been hit harder than others. While many of us will be gathering (safely and following all public health advice) with loved ones for Christmas, let’s remember that for some, holidays are a very difficult time.

The holidays are at once a time of happiness and gratitude, but also one where the memory of a lost loved one can ring especially deep. I spent most of December 2017 at my mother’s side at Joseph Brant Hospital or at the Carpenter Hospice.

I will always be grateful for the kindness and care that the staff and volunteers showed my family and me during that most difficult time.

On behalf of our community, to those who work day in and day out taking care of us in our time of most need: thank you, we see you, and we appreciate you.

I also think of the folks who won’t be able to gather with loved ones this Christmas, either because of the COVID-19 pandemic or because family might be far away. I think of those for whom buying gifts or a holiday meal may be out of reach. And I think of all the wonderful initiatives in our community that look to provide those special things that many of us take for granted. In many ways, we are a wealthy community, but there are those who need that extra bit of support. I encourage you to explore the opportunities for giving right here in our community, not just during the holidays but all through the year.

As we look to 2022, we can give ourselves and our community the most important gift of all: health through vaccines against COVID-19 for our 5- to 11-year-olds and boosters for adults.

It is important to remember the pandemic is not yet over, but we have tools and knowledge to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe this holiday season. Visit halton.ca or call 311 to book your appointment today.

Wishing everyone in Burlington a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.