The Holidays Hold Many Truths. Community Care Guides Us Through Them. The holidays can hold many things at once. For some, it’s a time of gathering and celebration. For many, it can also be a time that brings up pressure, memories, expectations, and emotions that sit beneath the surface all year long. Not because people are “struggling,” but because so many layers of identity and lived experience intersect in ways the season doesn’t always make room for.
Race, migration, gender, income, disability, and family roles all shape how someone moves through the holidays. When these intersect, the season can feel heavier: the expectation to be joyful, the pressure to give, the distance from family or cultural traditions, the resurfacing of grief, the quietness that comes with shorter days, or the triggers that emerge when routines shift. These aren’t weaknesses—they’re real, valid experiences shaped by systems and circumstances, not personal shortcomings.
At Across Boundaries, we see and honour these layers every day. This time of year isn’t about “helping” people who can’t cope; it’s about recognizing that the holidays land differently depending on who you are, what you’ve lived through, and what systems you’re navigating. And it’s about making sure people have access to care that reflects that reality—care that understands culture, ancestry, migration stories, racial trauma, joy, resilience, and everything in between.
Service User Stories
Service User 1
“The Christmas Holidays are usually a very lonely time for me since I don’t celebrate Christmas and my family does not make the effort to see one another.
{During the holiday season} Across Boundaries gave me a whole turkey one year and I got a chance to make it on the holiday when Across Boundaries was closed. Even though I was alone I did not feel by myself that Christmas.
I also love the variety of meals Across Boundaries cooks and makes available for its clients no matter what time they come in. I also love all the resources Across Boundaries provides us so that even if they are not there we definitely can reach out to the crisis line or even Gerstein Centre.
Across Boundaries does feel like a family as whenever I do come in I am catching up with everyone. I also love the extended hours and how Across Boundaries is also open on Saturdays too.”
Service User 2
“My son and sister encourage me to come to Across Boundaries.
When I see my friends, I feel happy because sometimes I feel sad and lonely.
The Yoga class, Art class, Music and Geraldine’s class help me feel better.
I play the drums and it lifts me up.
Staff help us by talking and laughing and giving us food. When I am low on money, the food helps.
When I am away, I think about my friends, and it makes me come here.”
That’s why our work feels especially important during the holidays: Harm-reduction support without judgment, food security that reflects dignity and culture, spaces where people can connect rather than withdraw. Warm essentials and access to practical supports that make the season less overwhelming. All of this is part of how our communities take care of one another when the world feels loud with expectations.
Your support helps strengthen the circle of care that carries our communities through a time that is joyful for some, complicated for others. It is deeply meaningful when we choose to show up for one another.
If you’re able, we invite you to support Across Boundaries ongoing work generously in this season rooted in giving, collective care, and spreading warmth in our communities: https://acrossboundaries.ca/donate/
