From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
Christmas is a time for adults and children alike. A time to share in the warmth of love through giving and caring. A time to celebrate life and remember the year gone by. A time for imagination and to be lost in the magic of the season that is fueled by the happiness of family. Sadly, this isn’t the case for all families and children.
Some children grow up in environments where parental engagement is limited due to financial hardships, personal struggles, or other challenging reasons. For these kids, Christmas can be a stark reminder of what they lack rather than a celebration of what they have. That’s why it’s so important to note the children that your kids befriend so that you can be a supportive role model when possible. And of course, there are so many charities in our community that support children without families that are in need this time of year.
For many children, engaged parents create a foundation of love, support and warmth during festive times. They ensure that their children feel special whether through gifts, traditions, or simple gestures of togetherness. This sense of inclusion can linger well after the holiday season, impacting their self-esteem and emotional well-being. For those lacking, acts of giving can bridge this gap, showing these children, they are seen, valued, and cared for. We are in control of our ability to give to children who don’t have engaged parents so that they can feel a sense of hope and happiness. This holiday season I will be providing gifts to some young family friends and will also be cooking some large meals that will include them, so they experience the joy of Christmas. I know this will just light up their world and give them something to smile about. They know they are not being forgotten, and that kindness does exist in a world where their emotions and feelings of self-esteem may be at very low levels. Including them in a warm Christmas environment will increase their self-confidence and give them a glimpse of compassion and humanity they may otherwise miss. I can only hope this will create positive long-term impacts on their lives going forward. This small act of giving can plant seeds of resilience and gratitude knowing they are seen and cared for. They are more likely to grow into compassionate adults who contribute positively to society.
Giving during Christmas teaches all of us the importance of empathy and shared responsibility. It reminds us that every child deserves to feel the magic of the season, regardless of their circumstances. By stepping up to support children whose parents may not be able to, we strengthen the social fibric that binds us together. And that builds a stronger world for us all.