Dear December, It's You, Not Me
“It’s coming on Christmas. They’re cutting down trees. They’re putting up reindeer and singing songs of joy and peace. Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.” — Joni Mitchell
Dear Friends ~
How was the holiday season? Warm? Cozy? Sad? A little merry alongside a lot of dreary?
For many of us, it was bittersweet. You had grandchildren excited for presents, at the same time you were missing your child. You baked up a storm while missing your mother who taught you how to make her famous boozy eggnog or potato latkes.
You lit the menorah and heard an echo of your brother’s voice telling the story of the miracle of the oil. You hung lights while remembering how your spouse had choice words for the annual entanglement. You placed a memorial ornament on the tree or the mantlepiece with a photo of your sweet pup or kitty.
Or perhaps you chose not to celebrate much at all.
At my house, there was no tree, no ritual unpacking of decades of collected decorations. Just candles in the window and lights on the wreathe on the door. Not to say I spent the entire holiday season in a depressive state or crying - I just didn’t feel festive.
And I’m here to remind you that experiencing a variety of emotions this time of year is okay and legitimate and there is space for all of it.
H.E.L.P. - Holiday Encouraging Letter Program
The Holiday Card program I launched late in November was a success; however, I hope to reach more people who are hurting in 2023. I’m meditating on what I will be offering in the future and I’d love to hear from you what you would like to see from me in the next few months.
So, look for a poll in the January newsletter!
As we wrap up 2022 and prepare for a new year - another year without our person, another year spent wrestling with significant loss - I hope you are able to find peace amidst the pain and meet the new year with a heart broken wide enough to let in healing and light - all at your own pace.
Love,
Michelle
Thank you for this post. I’m with you on all of it! December brings so many mixed emotions, with an underlying current of sadness for me. Be well! ❤️