The holidays always seem to creep up on me, arriving predictably yet unexpectedly. One moment, I’m listening to the same 400 renditions of “Santa Baby” on the radio, and the next, the neighbors are decorating their homes like they’re auditioning for a reality show—seriously, who’s paying for all that electricity? While everyone else is caught up in the frenzy of holiday cooking, I can’t say I share that enthusiasm. Honestly, big meals don’t excite me, especially when they involve green beans and fried onions—gross! Setting the table? No thanks. And brewing coffee before bed just because we stuffed ourselves with dessert? That feels excessive.
But before you grab your festive red cups and come at me for not fully embracing one of America’s beloved holidays, let me ask you this: Is it possible to celebrate in the traditional way, like in those Hallmark movies, when you’re missing one crucial element—a true community?
Some folks, like those deployed or working overseas, are separated from their families, which is tough. But I’m also thinking of the neighbor I’ve never met because she’s housebound with caregivers coming in, or the individuals who have outlived their families or been forgotten. I’m talking about people who struggle with anxiety and depression, and yes, I’m including myself. Thanks to family splits, emotional distance, and a lack of kids, I find myself facing another holiday season that feels less like a celebration and more like just another Thursday.
The Struggles of the Holiday Season
Holidays have been a struggle for me for years. My parents divorced when I was 16, and our family was already small. Then, my dad passed away just before Christmas a decade ago, which certainly dimmed the holiday cheer. Lately, my husband and I have been dealing with some challenges, and the last three Novembers have been particularly rough. This year was no different. When my mom lamented, “Why even bother? What’s there to be thankful for?” it forced me to reassess.
Instead of dwelling on what I lack, I let myself mourn the family gatherings I once dreamed of—big, boisterous, and filled with love. The reality, however, is starkly different. My aim now is to pour some gravy over that grief and shift my focus toward gratitude.
Finding Joy in Small Moments
My circle may be small and a bit cracked, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to appreciate. For one, I have a joyful, healthy little toddler who deserves a rich experience of love. I want to teach him that “special” moments can be quiet whispers, hand-holding, and peaceful spaces rather than just extravagant feasting.
As life pushes us to seek purpose and meaning, we’ll remind each other that while big gatherings are nice, they’re not essential. We should reconnect with the true essence of the holidays—appreciating each other, cherishing what we have, and maybe even being grateful for what we don’t have. After all, maybe we’ll be thankful to skip the awkward political debates, the dry turkey, and that infamous green bean casserole on the way to grandma’s.
Conclusion
In summary, the holiday season can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to shift our focus from grand celebrations to the simple joys of daily life. By nurturing gratitude and connection, we can create our own meaningful traditions, even within a smaller circle.