We often think presence means giving to others—baking cookies, sending cards, hanging lights, making everyone else feel cared for. And yes, that is beautiful. But presence also means letting yourself be seen. Letting someone into the real, messy, tender parts of who you are, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.
The holidays can make this harder. There’s so much expectation, so much “cheer” to perform, that we hide what’s really going on in our hearts. But deep down, we all long to be known. That’s why Hallmark movies resonate so strongly: the characters find someone who sees them—the real them—and it changes everything. It’s not the snow or the perfectly decorated tree that makes the story magical; it’s the truth, the belonging, the moment when someone says, I see you, and you are enough.
Being Known Is Not Weakness—It’s Belonging
Being known is vulnerable. It’s risky because it opens the door to judgment, misunderstanding, or disappointment. But it is also necessary. Hiding the truth of our hearts keeps us isolated, even when we are surrounded by people. Presence becomes transformational not just when we show up for others, but when we show up for ourselves—when we allow someone to meet us where we actually are.
I remember a recent conversation with a friend during the holiday season. I had been carrying a worry quietly for weeks, feeling I needed to hold it alone. But that day, I shared it. I didn’t offer it as a complaint or a question—I simply let her know what was in my heart. She listened. Really listened. No interruption, no advice, just presence. And in that moment, I felt lighter, seen, and safe in a way I hadn’t expected. That ordinary coffee, in the midst of a busy season, became a sacred gift.
Being known is not weakness—it’s belonging. It’s the recognition that we don’t have to carry everything perfectly or alone. When we are honest about our hopes, our struggles, our grief, we create the space for authentic connection. We invite others to do the same, and suddenly what felt isolating becomes shared, tender, and real.
Give the Gift of Truth
This Christmas, give the gift of truth. Share a small piece of your heart. Let someone see the real you, and notice how it lights up even the ordinary moments. Presence is not only about giving—it is about being known. And in that truth, we discover the kind of belonging we all long for—the warmth, the magic, and the love that make this season feel like a story worth living.
