The holiday season is often heralded as the most magical time of the year! Just look at the cheerful tunes and the endless stream of festive commercials, showcasing picture-perfect homes adorned with garlands and families in cozy pajamas enjoying hot cocoa by beautifully decorated trees. It’s all about joy, right? Then, there’s social media, which seems flooded with the blissful moments of families at holiday gatherings and winter getaways!
Yet here I am, struggling to feel that joy, excitement, and merriment that my children seem to embrace fully. The thrill of decorating, exchanging gifts, and attending family gatherings feels overshadowed by a heavy sense of empathy for those who are facing hardships this season.
As a child, my Christmases were filled with wonder and joy, with plenty of gifts beneath the tree. However, one pivotal moment occurred when I noticed my mother quietly crying while listening to a Christmas carol. That day, I learned that for many, this season isn’t a time of celebration, but rather a reminder of what they’ve lost.
When I asked my mom why a festive song brought her to tears, her response reshaped my perspective of the holidays. She explained, “For some people, this time of year is the hardest. They may be missing loved ones, struggling to afford gifts, or facing the unbearable pain of another holiday without someone dear. For many, the pressure to feel joy can be overwhelming during a time when they’re simply trying to survive.”
From that moment forward, my view of Christmas shifted dramatically. The empathy I feel for those in sorrow during the holidays can weigh heavily on my heart, sometimes making it hard to find my own joy. As someone who feels deeply, the emotional burden of the season is often too much to bear, especially as a mother.
For the sake of my children, I strive to create a memorable Christmas filled with joy, ensuring that their experiences at school and church are not viewed as burdensome but as cherished opportunities. However, these festivities often pale in comparison to my desire to alleviate the struggles of friends and neighbors who are suffering.
The commercialization of Christmas and societal expectations for a flawless holiday only exacerbate the anxiety felt by those already struggling. While some see aisles stocked with holiday treats, I see families relying on food banks. Where others notice joyful families in holiday cards, I think of those whose cards will be missing a loved one. Amidst festive toy sales, I see a single mom counting spare change, wondering how she can make Christmas happen for her children.
No matter how much I give, it never feels enough to erase the pain and hardship that exist, especially during a season that should be joyful. For sensitive souls like me, it’s easy to feel robbed of the holiday spirit when faced with the suffering of others.
But I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t have to be this way. I can choose to impact the lives of those facing difficulties during Christmas, and I actively do so. I can also choose to seek hope and light, even in dark times, and I’ve discovered that hope is often abundant during the holidays.
One beautiful symbol of this hope is that on December 25, an average of 6,500 babies are born. This means 6,500 parents will unwrap the most precious gift of all, one that will be cherished every single day of the year. These newborns embody the spirit of Christmas, representing new beginnings and the promise that even amidst struggles, life continues.
One year, I, too, received a reminder of this joy. My third child arrived on New Year’s Eve, a perfect symbol that the season can hold joy alongside sorrow.
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In summary, while Christmas can be a challenging time for many, it’s also a season filled with hope and new beginnings. By focusing on how we can uplift others and finding joy in small moments, we can transform the holidays into something meaningful, even amidst struggles.