Mental Health Ofrenda Holiday Edition: Sharing Humanidad Across Differences

Support for Austin Vida’s mental health coverage is made possible by the Ortiz Therapy Group.

Mis queridos familiares y amistades,

As the holiday season nears us, I’m reflecting on celebrations and a yearly tradition of getting our big family together. I cannot help but remember Magaly a los 13 o 14 años. Around Navidad, my family usually hosts my mami’s side of the family. We have familia come in from different parts of Texas and Mexico. During my teen years, I remember feeling awkward and uncomfortable around extended family because suddenly, I was surrounded by folks I did not see every day or know how to relate to. Aveces, I still feel this way.

On the other hand, I love Christmas time. The music, the decorations, the movies, and the delicious comida. During this time of year, mi corazon yearns for connection and community. I want to be around mi gente to feel that warmth and familiarity, even if it comes with complicated feelings.

Maybe you feel similarly or maybe you don’t. Maybe you will be surrounded by family members or people you are uncomfortable around or don’t know as well. Todo va a estar bien. It is going to be okay.

¿Qué necesitamos durante esta temporada? What do we need during this season?

Consider this: what are your core needs and desires for this holiday season, queridos? Even if all of your deepest heart’s desires could not come true during this season, what is the minimum you would like to experience? Perhaps you want to feel a sense of calm or ease. Or perhaps you would like to feel warmth or affection. And what about those around us? What might they want or need from this season? Que si todos considerarán eso?

It can be challenging to feel a sense of community or connection with family when our differences feel obvious and glaring. Aveces somos muy diferentes. The truth is, we don’t have to like or understand every single aspect of one another to find ways to get to know each other, make one another feel seen or heard, or enjoy our time together. When we are met with differences in language, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, generation, politics, and more, we can still find ways to engage with and honor one another. Nuestra humanidad no se tiene que perder en medio de diferencias.

Mi Ofrenda Para Ti

No sé tú, pero mi familia es hermosa y tiene mucha diversidad. My familia is a combination of people who are mixed-race, Black, Mexicanos, Mexico-Americanos, Queer, deaf, hearing, and multigenerational. We are dreamers, caregivers, healers, jokesters, athletes, fashionistas, mamis, papis, hermanos, hermanas, tíos, tías, abuelos, y abuelas. We represent so many beautiful communities and identities! 

If you are looking for ways to build bridges between people this holiday season, here are some suggestions on how you might do just that:

• Are there multiple languages spoken/used in your family? Perhaps you could learn a few phrases prior to the event, keep a translation dictionary/phone app at the celebration, or even print a couple of cards with some key phrases or words for everyone to use.
• Set up a crafting table with coloring pages, blank pieces of paper, and other materials. You never know, maybe your abuelo or mami are secretly super creative!
• Host a mini PowerPoint party! Have each family or individual create a slide or two that summarizes their highlights of the year and have them share about it on a screen or phone.
• Play games. Pull up your favorite karaoke songs on YouTube and sing along, play lotería or bingo, or come up with your own new games. 

Hoy y todos los días, cada uno de nosotros es digno de conexión, cariño, y amor. Today and every day, each one of us is worthy of connection, care, and love. I promise you, the possibilities are endless. May you find what you need during this holiday season.

---

Gentle note: Sometimes we need a little help. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or is simply having a tough time, consider reaching out to the following resources. No estas solx.

Si quieres ayuda / if you want help:

• Dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Llama 1-888-628-9454 para Servicios en español
• For deaf and hard of hearing people, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988, or text 988.
• You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
• Caminos de sanación mental: Kit de herramientas de salud mental
• Pathways to Mental Healing: Mental Health Toolkit

---

A message from our Mental Health sponsor:

At Ortiz Therapy Group, we’re passionate about people sharing their stories and acknowledge the privilege it is when they’re shared with us.
En Ortiz Therapy Group, nos apasiona que las personas compartan sus historias y reconocemos el privilegio que es cuando las comparten con nosotros.