Every year, the beginning of December marks the start of a month that is supposed to be joyful and full of cheer. The season of festive dinners, gift giving and spending time with loved ones. Though commercials played across the internet, television and radio would have you believe the season is a dream; it is only a dream for some and a nightmare for others. For many families, the holidays are a time of stress, significant financial challenges and worry. Women and their children, who are struggling with abuse, poverty or homelessness often face increased challenges and stress during this holiday season making this time of year even harder. Meanwhile, others are struggling to find a balance between shopping for everyone on their list and time to spend with loved ones, struggling to pay rent, buy groceries or heat their homes.
With the economic downturn here and Alberta’s unemployment rate surging to 9 per cent, Calgarians are finding they have less and less to spend this holiday season and some are no longer able to make ends meet after months without work.
Women are at a higher risk of poverty as they make up the majority of low-wage earners with 61 per cent of Alberta’s minimum wage earners being women. At YW, we know that the face of poverty is a woman’s face and when women live in poverty, so do her children. We also recognize the pressure that mothers face during the holidays with the expectation of creating Pinterest perfect holidays. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that women were more stressed during the holiday season and only 25 per cent felt they were able to relax and enjoy the holidays.
This time of year brings expectations for spending joyous time with family and friends. For women recently divorced, newly single or new to the city, the loneliness at this time of year can make it anything but joyous There is pressure to be festive with window decorations on every street and holiday music playing everywhere. There is pressure to buy presents for loved ones and for those with limited funds the guilt of not being able to afford to participate in gift giving can create huge anxiety and sadness
YW Calgary recognizes the unfair pressure and stress mothers face during this holiday season and we’re fortunate enough to be able to provide opportunities for some families to partake in holiday activities. The YW Child Support program recently hosted holiday craft making and learned more about holiday traditions around the world. Additionally, through the support of our donors we created a holiday toy store at the YW Sheriff King Home crisis shelter as well as at the YW downtown facility where mothers staying with us came to ‘shop’ for their children’s gifts. Our fantastic team provided wrapping, ribbons, coffee and chocolate while the women picked out gifts for their families. The women expressed their happiness at being able to provide these gifts for the children just like ‘other mothers’.
This holiday season, let’s all commit to lowering each other stress levels, our expectations of a perfect holiday and look to find a way to give back to our community and those who need our help most. Through YW you can; help her out of homelessness; out of poverty; and out of abuse. Your donation creates brighter futures for everyone. If you can, please donate today.
Seasons Greetings from our team at YW Calgary to you and your families.
