Ho-Hum Holidays

Christmas has really snuck up on me this year. My trip to India at the end of November put the holidays on warp speed. I still find myself thinking people are rushing Christmas when, in fact, it’s still on the 25th of December, just like it’s always been.

This has been a hard year for many of my friends. The first holidays after the loss of a loved one can be especially painful. Truth be told, the 2^nd, 5^th, 10^th and 20^th year can be difficult, too. I spoke about grief and the holidays at a conference last week. Several attendees reminded me there are all kinds of losses that make the holidays less merry and bright. Distance, divorce, finances, and fractured relationships were just a few of the hardships people mentioned.

This year, if you know someone who isn’t “going home,” or will be alone for Christmas, consider inviting them to your house. When my children would spend Christmas with their dad, my sister and her family, and my friends, Jessie and Rick, graciously included me in their family festivities. I will be forever grateful for their kindness. If you know someone who is grieving, a simple “Thinking of You” card, call, or text can mean a lot. And if you aren’t a fan of the holidays, just know this will all be over in 9 more days.