We all give and receive love in five different ways: words of affirmation, acts of service, gift giving/receiving, quality time, and physical touch. These are called ‘love languages’ – a concept created by Dr. Gary Chapman. As a Marriage Family Therapist, I have always found it helpful to talk to clients about identifying their “love language” encouraging that they communicate to their partners and loved ones in both their preferred language and the language most meaningful to the recipient.

As we approach the holidays, I was thinking about how this concept applies to our organization, our clients, and our stakeholders. Gift giving is probably the most commercialized love language around the holidays, with a lot of emphasis on shopping and holiday wish lists.

Many kids speak the language of gift giving, and we are so grateful for the individuals and organizations who show their love through ‘acts of service’ and ensure that every youth at Rancho has a wrapped gift for the holiday season.

Gathering for the holidays is also about quality time, physical touch, and words of affirmation. This holiday season, we have our annual staff holiday party as well as our Thanksgiving and winter holiday celebration dinners, where youth participate in an essay contest and share what they are grateful for. We host our benefactor dinner to demonstrate our appreciation for those who selflessly give of their resources, because that is the language in their hearts.

While we often have a dominant love language, many of us are multilingual, showing and receiving love in many different ways. This holiday season, I encourage you to think about your love language and those in your life. Maybe you ask people to donate to your charity of choice in lieu of gifts or you gift an experience instead of a physical present. Maybe you gather with friends and family and request everyone bring food to share instead of gifts. From our heart to yours, Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, in whatever language you speak!