18 Dec Be Better This Holiday Season
The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, family, and celebration. Homes are lit up, tables are full, and there is an expectation of happiness. But for many people, the season can also bring stress, loneliness, or grief. Life does not pause for the calendar, and missing someone, dealing with pressure from family, or facing personal challenges can make this time feel heavy.
Kindness toward others and ourselves can make a real difference, and it is something our community at The Better Bar strives to live by every day.
Show Up and Take Care of Yourself
Kindness does not need to be big or performative. Sometimes it is as simple as showing up. Listening without offering advice, sitting with someone who is grieving, or sharing a quiet cup of coffee can be enough to make someone feel seen and supported. Even small gestures, like holding the door or offering a genuine compliment, can ripple outward in meaningful ways. These little acts remind people they matter and help strengthen the bonds that make our community feel supportive and connected, especially during the holidays.
At the same time, taking care of yourself is not indulgent; it is necessary. Holidays often come with expectations that push us to overextend, and practicing self-kindness means recognizing your limits, taking breaks when needed, and being realistic about what you can give. By showing yourself compassion, you preserve the energy to engage with others in a meaningful way. In our community, we see how prioritizing self-care helps everyone show up more fully and support each other. Together, showing up for others and caring for ourselves creates a balance that strengthens both individual well-being and the connections that make our community thrive.
Practice Empathy
Not everyone’s struggles are visible. A coworker, neighbor, or family member might be facing challenges you do not know about. Pausing before judgment and trying to understand their perspective allows kindness to flow naturally.
Empathy can also improve your own experience of the season. It softens stress, strengthens connections, and turns complicated moments into meaningful ones. Our community thrives when people approach each interaction with understanding and patience, recognizing that everyone is navigating their own challenges.
Give Back Locally!
For those who want to extend kindness beyond personal connections, Portland offers plenty of ways to volunteer or donate
Oregon Food Bank provides food for families across the state. Volunteers help sort and distribute food
Outside In supports people experiencing homelessness through donations and volunteer work
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation contributes to patient care and organizes local events
Portland Parks and Recreation Volunteer Hub offers seasonal opportunities to help in community programs and shelters
Even small contributions of time or resources can have a meaningful impact and help build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Make Kindness Intentional
Kindness does not need to be complicated or perfect. It can be as simple as showing up for a friend, offering empathy to a coworker, or giving back to your community. At The Better Bar, our “be better” motto is about living intentionally and making choices that reflect the best version of ourselves. Being better starts with small, deliberate actions, and the choices we make every day toward ourselves, others, and our community add up. Choosing kindness, even quietly, is a way to live our values in practice, not just in words. Our community grows stronger when we make space for compassion and support. This season, let us choose kindness together and carry that spirit into the year ahead.
