Editor’s note: We asked community and faith leaders to answer the question: When life feels dark, what gives you hope? We will publish their responses throughout December. Get weekly roundups of the project in your email inbox by signing up for the Living Our Faith newsletter.

May the longtime sun shine upon you

All love surrounds you

And the pure light within you guide your way on.

This is a simple blessing or prayer offered for oneself, family and friends, those suffering, all we encounter, those we have negative reactions to, and the world in general. It’s easy and enjoyable to practice several times a day. Doing so helps me to remain centered and aware of the beauty and joy in life, lessens doom and gloom and helps to create a path from despair to contentment.

Another helpful practice is to ask for guidance from the living spirits that surround us all. Mine include my guardian angel subtly steering me one way or another, if I will listen and follow. During the holiday season, the spirit of Santa and St. Nicholas offer a model of compassion, generosity, and especially hope, and I strive to incorporate it into my own life as well as my portrayal of Santa. Representing the iconic midwinter gift-bringer for 37 years, the last 31 at NorthPark Center, has definitely enhanced my belief in the possibility of positive outcomes and the power of belief.

A somber 12-year-old girl asked Santa for the symptoms of her chronic illness to be lessened. Her father indicated that they had tried many treatments and medications to no avail. Santa responded, (as usual in such situations), that he couldn’t make that happen but would make it his own Christmas wish as well.

The next year after an excited happy visit with no mention of illness, Dad privately confided that the girl had taken Santa’s response to mean that she would be symptom-free. Three weeks later the symptoms began to lessen, and she had lived without them since. Coincidence, serendipity, divine intervention or the power of a young girl’s belief?

These types of occurrences in my work as a psychotherapist, as well as jolly old St. Nick, help me understand that an unexpected experience can open doors, shine light into the darkness, and result in a beneficial change in perspective. A middle-age woman shared that many years before, she had been suicidal. Watching the joy and excitement of children with Santa had “saved her life.”

A young boy’s letter asks for “Peace for 500 years and 10 years of no homework. I love everyone!” A 7-year-old asks Santa to “take some things to those who don’t have much of a Christmas so they can. Especially the homeless!” Another donates $50 of his own money to his church’s food drive. These examples, and many more from the young, help a bleak view of the future transition to one that includes hope, altruism and love.

As Santa reminds the children, “You can give some people your smiles, your waves, your hugs and your greetings. It doesn’t cost anything and feels good. If you give your love away, it will come back to you.” This is true for adult children as well.

Merry Christmas and may the longtime sun shine upon you.

Carl Anderson is a retired psychologist, adjunct professor and professional storyteller who resides in Austin. He portrays Santa Claus at NorthPark Center in Dallas. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.