November 2025

Making room at the table

As the holidays approach, it’s a time of year many of us look forward to — but what no one likes to talk about is the holidays hit different when you're older. While the rest of us are caught up in the chaos of shopping, decorating, and planning, there's an awful lot of people in our community who might be watching it all from the sidelines.

We talk a lot about holiday spirit, but what does that actually mean?

Speaking with many people around Next, it’s not uncommon to hear that the holidays are just another set of days to get through. Holidays often bring up mixed emotions due to the memories of earlier days when we were surrounded by family and friends. Next offers many distractions during the holidays, but we can’t totally compensate for the overwhelming sense of nostalgia that surfaces this time of year.

Belonging isn't just a nice feeling — it's essential, especially during the holidays when everyone else seems wrapped up in family traditions and celebrations. Imagine watching the world abuzz with excitement while you're sitting alone. Isolation cuts deep, and for many older adults, the holidays amplify that isolation tenfold.

But the good news: lessening the feelings of loneliness doesn't require grand gestures. It really is the little things that make a difference. Checking in with a senior neighbor, dropping off cookies — and staying for a visit, or offering to help hang holiday lights, are simple acts that can transform ordinary days into something special.

Last year I invited my widowed neighbor over for a holiday meal. She brought her famous dumplings and shared such interesting stories from her past. Getting to know our neighbor in a casual, relaxed setting, instead of over the backyard fence, was a real treat for all of us — and the start of a close friendship. Having at least one “go to” neighbor provides a sense of security, and more importantly, that sense of belonging.

That's the secret to opening your heart, and sometimes your home — it enriches everyone involved. When we invited our neighbor to dinner, I thought I was doing her a favor. It turns out, we were the ones that gained wisdom, perspective, and connections that you can't easily find elsewhere.

This is what Next is all about; fostering friendships, offering support, and being a reliable resource. But all of us in our own way can make a difference for someone feeling a bit melancholy.

This holiday season, look around you and reach out to someone who might otherwise spend the holidays alone. The holidays aren't just about hosting an extravagant dinner party or running around town for one last gift. The holidays are about genuine compassion for others and truly sharing the spirit of the season.

Our neighbor has already asked what she should bring to this year’s holiday dinner. I told her just herself. But knowing her, she'll show up with those dumplings anyway. And honestly? We can't wait.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next