The holiday season is a time of family get togethers, gift giving, traveling, entertaining, and elaborate meals for many of us. It’s a time of joy, unless you are financially strapped, in which case, it can be an incredibly stressful time. All these things require money and if you are living paycheck to paycheck, you may find that there are no surplus funds to even buy the smallest gift for your children, let alone throw an elaborate dinner party.

Sadly, many of our clients are unable to afford any extras during the holiday season. It’s difficult to escape the consumerism of the holiday season. Everywhere we go, there are images of what the holidays should look like for the American family – big tree with lights and loads of beautifully wrapped gifts beneath; turkey on a table set for a dozen. This is how many visualize a perfect Christmas. So, it’s not surprising that many accumulate additional debt trying not to disappoint their families, only to face the new year with more bills that they are unable to pay.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to help others, often strive to do our part to help our neighbors. Supporting MUM is a good place to start. MUM provides a safety net for our neighbors in need by providing food, not just during the holidays, but all year round. MUM also helps with utility assistance to help keep the lights and heat on and eviction prevention to keep our clients in their homes. Please consider making a special holiday donation to MUM of cash or food, so we can all find some joy this holiday season.

According to Andrea Fuller on the talkpoverty.com blog: “When people say that the holidays are stressful, I want to say, “Define stress.” For me and many others, the fullest meaning of peace and joy is simply this: not having to worry about how we will provide food, shelter, and heat for our loved ones. (Surviving the Holidays While Poor.)