December is a time we all take a moment to celebrate our families, our friends, and our good fortune. We celebrate by not only giving gifts, but also by sharing our love and good cheer with those we see each day. It is an amazing time of year.

And in spite of those holiday hassles and the sometimes-complicated nature of family gatherings, we gather because our families and our friends are our close ones—the people we love. And every day, especially at the holidays, it is difficult to see those we love in pain. Even more so, perhaps, it is difficult to be the one in pain or afraid, dealing with serious or chronic illness—dealing with pain—and yet, trying one’s best to be in the holiday spirit.

At holiday times we are kinder, we give more, we reach out, we try harder. Our compassion makes an impact for the greater good. This compassion we muster at holiday times is something those in pain need daily—not just when the holiday lights are up and parties and decorations abound. But in many cases, we can’t tell who is in pain. We can’t see people’s stories unless they share them—like the wonderful and courageous writers in this section have chosen to do. It is very difficult to talk about, much less write about, as they have done so eloquently.

Perhaps the pieces in this section will help us all to reflect, to think about the people around us, and to see how we can help ease their burden and lighten their load. If we try, we can harness the season’s holiday compassion, love, and cheer and make that compassion our everyday behavior toward those we love and those we come into contact with daily. Imagine the impact this will make. Compassion can change the experience of pain in small and even great ways and make it more bearable.

Wishing you a lightened load and a bright season!

Grace Jasmine is the nonfiction editor of Please See Me.