Amy Dickinson

Dear Readers: The week after Christmas is traditionally a sort of bloated rest period for many, where we recover from the busy holiday season by taking stock, tidying up and planning our new year diet and fitness regimen — from the couch. For many, this week marks a pause. A sigh. An exhale. But this year is not like other years. We have not been traveling, partying, studying in crowded lecture halls or playing with our school friends. We have not been worshiping together, visiting our elders or going to movies, concerts and theater. We have been hunkered down, many of us out of work, exhausted from the altered lifestyle none of us anticipated, and we are yearning, so deeply, to hug — and to be embraced in return.

Because of a devastating pandemic that the WHO has deemed a “worldwide health emergency,” we are facing the possibility of at least a few more months of the same.

Those of us lucky enough to have anything extra this year should demonstrate the tenderest of tender mercies by compassionately giving what we can to those who need it.

One way to share our desire to hug — and be hugged — is to give to organizations that help others. Your donation may go further at a small local nonprofit than at a large charity. All contributions count. So do non-monetary acts of kindness.

All nonprofits mentioned here receive the highest rating from Charitynavigator.org.

Habitat for Humanity: Your local chapter continues the important work of building quality affordable housing for those in need.

Email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com.

From Wisconsin State Journal, December 28, 2020.