Just a few days ago, one of my neighbors’ holiday decorations caught my attention and stirred memories of home. As I was washing the dishes, I glanced out the window toward the next street over and saw a display of uniquely Puerto Rican Christmas inflatables featuring a salsa band and dancing jíbaros, or countryfolk in traditional attire. I later learned that they are part of a viral trend of holiday decorations made exclusively in Puerto Rico. The scene filled me with such nostalgia that I decided to bring my neighbors a small gift of Puerto Rican coffee, souvenirs, and sweets. After gathering the items and placing them in a gift bag, I drove over to her house, only to be met by her parents outside. They explained that their daughter had just been in a car accident and that her vehicle was totaled, though thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. My neighbor was inside resting from her injuries, and her parents had come to help care for her. They looked weary as they covered the damaged car in the driveway and carried the gift bag into the house. It must have been difficult for them, especially with Christmas being only a week away.
It occurred to me at that moment to remember that many of our neighbors are facing problems we will never know about. The cheerful buzz and bustling allure of the Winter season can give a false impression of endless joy and merriment. We may even feel like we are missing out when surrounded by so much holiday cheer outside our own Islamic tradition. Even when Ramadan and the two Eids fall close to Christian holidays, the overwhelming commercialization of the latter overshadows our modest décor and decorum. However, deep behind the blinding Christmas lights lies the darkness of financial stress, seasonal depression, exhaustion, calamities, and chronic loneliness. Many of our Christian neighbors are struggling with various challenges during their festivities. To offer our support, it may be commendable for Muslim families to understand some of the stressors that come with this time of the year.
Understanding Seasonal Stress and Holiday Depression
According to a 2023 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly nine in ten adults in the United States report feeling stressed during the holiday season due to financial strain, missing loved ones, and anticipated family conflict1. Even something as simple as buying gifts can heighten anxiety for some, with 58% saying that spending too much or not having enough money to purchase gifts causes them stress. In a more recent study published in 2025, almost half of adults (48%) said they are worried about coping with loss or grief, and 31% were afraid of being lonely during the holidays2. In addition to the unease surrounding celebrations, there are other factors affecting Americans, such as rising political tensions, gun violence, hate speech, international conflicts, and immigration issues.
As if the holidays were not enough to exacerbate an already tense atmosphere in the US, the winter months come with their own set of challenges. Accidents are more common during this period3. Frigid temperatures and snow can keep many indoors, causing vitamin D levels to plummet and triggering seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a type of recurring depression characterized by low moods linked to fewer daylight hours. In fact, December is widely recognized as Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month, and it is a great time to talk about how SAD can affect people during the holidays. Another mental health disorder we should be aware of is Holiday Depression, a type of situational depression caused by the onset of the end-of-year holiday season, according to the Cleveland Clinic4. During these “holiday blues,” people experience a dip in mood that can present as feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in everyday activities, sleep disturbances, and an unusually anxious or on-edge feeling. In more severe cases, these feelings can intensify and lead to intrusive thoughts and even self-harm. Experts insist that anyone experiencing these mood shifts must contact their doctor, a trusted adult, or a mental health professional for help.
Choosing Mercy in Our Everyday Interactions
Even though Muslim communities are dealing with plenty of trauma and stress of our own, it is evident that our Christian, Jewish, and other non-Muslim neighbors are not all ok. This is the time when compassion counts most. Rather than feeling apprehension or apathy towards those who are different, we can choose to come together by recognizing the many values and experiences we share. Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely Allah loves those who are fair.” (60:8)
Fairness and kind treatment are rights owed to neighbors, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not. This principle applies even during the holidays, if not even more, since we know they may be under heightened stress or struggling with their health. Muadh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that he and some of the companions asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, what is the right of neighbors?” The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“If he asks you for a loan, lend it to him. If he asks for help, assist him. If he needs something, give it to him. If he falls ill, visit him. If he dies, follow his funeral. If goodness reaches him, feel happy for him and congratulate him. If a calamity afflicts him, feel sad for him and console him. Do not trouble him with an aroma from your cooking pot unless you leave some for him. Do not build so high as to overshadow him, nor block the breeze from him unless he gives you permission. If you buy fruits, give some of them to him as a gift or at least conceal them, lest your children go out with some of them and provoke his children.”
Then, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Do you comprehend what I am saying to you? No one will truly fulfill the rights of their neighbors except for the few upon whom Allah has mercy” (Al-Tawbikh wal-Tanbih 1/26).
Regarding this hadith, Imam al-Qurtubi said, “The instruction regarding neighbors is both commanded and recommended, whether they are Muslims or unbelievers, and this is the correct opinion (Tafsir al-Qurtubi 4:36).
It is important to reflect on the Prophet Muhammad’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, that only those upon whom Allah bestows His mercy will fully honor the rights of their neighbors, Muslims or non-Muslims. Therefore, we should endeavor to uphold these rights so that we may be among those who receive His mercy. Imam al-Qurtubi explained that good treatment of neighbors can include offering consolation, showing polite companionship, refraining from causing harm, and even defending them when needed. In practice, this may look like checking in on them, asking if they need assistance, picking up groceries, offering a small gift, or helping with practical tasks such as salting the sidewalk or clearing snow from their driveway. The holidays invite us to live by the Prophetic teachings by giving our support, compassion, and a ready hand to those who need it, and in doing so, we may be the ones who bring a little joy to our neighbors’ hearts this year.
- https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress
- https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/americans-more-anxious-about-the-holidays
- https://www.statista.com/chart/31309/traffic-fatalities-during-different-holiday-periods-in-the-us/?srsltid=AfmBOooInxgAxsytS9UUFrVuPAhcWRgwhMt8SvI-bq0kQds4kt0B1RnZ
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress
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