It’s that magical season again! You know, the one that’s supposedly the most wonderful time of the year, as the catchy song reminds us. Everywhere you look, commercials paint a picture of cozy homes adorned with twinkling lights, families in matching pajamas sipping hot cocoa by a tree overflowing with gifts, and parents excitedly revealing shiny new cars parked outside. The joy is palpable—or at least it seems that way, especially when scrolling through social media, where the merriment of festive gatherings and snowy getaways floods our feeds.
Yet, for some of us, finding that joy can be a bit of a challenge. I don’t feel the excitement or delight my children radiate during this time of year. The joy of decorating, exchanging gifts, and attending family gatherings feels overshadowed by a heavy sense of empathy and sadness for those who are struggling.
This isn’t due to me being a grinch or having a bah-humbug attitude. Instead, it stems from a deep-seated awareness that for many, the holiday season is not filled with warmth and joy, but rather heartache and loss.
Growing up, my Christmases were filled with wonder, but it wasn’t until I noticed my mother quietly tearing up during a carol that I began to understand the other side of the holiday. When I asked her why a festive tune could bring her to tears, she shared a perspective that forever changed my view of Christmas. She explained, “For many people, this season is unbearable. They are grappling with loss, unable to afford gifts or even a decent meal. Every Christmas can serve as a painful reminder of what they’re missing. It’s a time when joy feels out of reach.”
From that moment on, I viewed the holidays through a different lens. The weight of empathy for those who are grieving often feels overwhelming, making it challenging to embrace the festive spirit fully. As someone who deeply feels the emotions around me, the sorrow intertwined with the holiday season can sometimes be too much to bear.
For the sake of my kids, I strive to create joyful and memorable experiences during this time, knowing that school and community events are opportunities for happiness, not burdens. However, my heart aches for those around me who are struggling, and I feel compelled to ease their pain.
The commercialization of Christmas and societal pressures to achieve a picture-perfect holiday only exacerbate the feelings of inadequacy that many face. Where others see shelves brimming with holiday treats, I see families relying on food banks. A smiling family on a holiday card might remind me of those who are missing loved ones this year. I often picture a single mother counting her coins, trying to figure out how to make Christmas morning special for her children.
Despite my efforts to give, I know it will never be enough to erase the pain and struggles that persist, especially during the holiday season. For those of us who feel deeply, this can rob us of our own joy as we witness the hardships of others.
However, I’ve come to realize that I can choose to make a difference in the lives of those who are facing difficulties at Christmas. I can also choose to seek out hope and light, which, as it turns out, exist even in the darkest moments. For instance, on December 25th, nearly 6,500 babies are born on average. That means 6,500 parents are unwrapping the most precious gift of all—a new life that will be cherished every day of the year. These newborns symbolize everything beautiful about Christmas: the promise of new beginnings and the reminder that even in suffering, there is always hope.
One year, I experienced this gift firsthand when my youngest son arrived on New Year’s Eve—a constant reminder that the season can be filled with joy.
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Summary
Christmas can be a challenging time for those who empathize deeply with the struggles of others. While the season is often depicted as joyful and festive, many experience pain and loss during this time. Through understanding and compassion, we can choose to bring hope and light to those in need, reminding ourselves of the new beginnings that each Christmas can also bring.