The Holidays -- are you rejoicing, barely holding up or somewhere in between?
I move through the season this year with such a mix of emotions. There is a residual dread I've never been able to shake completely since my young Christmas days wondering if my father would show up. Would be be drunk? Would my mother be mean to him? Would I feel somehow in everyone's way, not quite welcome?
I've had sweet Christmas times since, many of them and some tough ones too. I guess most of us have.
These last days I've felt:
- Gratitude for my sweet home, family, friends and you
- The pleasure of finding just the right gift for someone
- Regret for the times I withheld a kindness
- Missing dear ones I used to celebrate with, a list that grows longer as I grow older
- Dismay at the cruelty of so many of my fellow Americans
- The fervent wish for food, warmth, shelter and love for everyone
- The lovely memories of those sweet Christmases past
- The warmth of love that pushes out dread
- Happiness at the sheer wonder of life itself and the beauty of our earth
Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays and love,
Mandy
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