This person has had a tough year with illnesses and surgeries. She's had a tough few years, actually, which reminded me that our tough things don't go away just because it's holiday time. If anything they can be intensified.
TV, movies, and social media make the holidays seem magical. Families all get along. There is plenty of money for gifts. Food is abundant. When we continue with our daily struggles, be it in relationships, finances, health or whatever, it seems like we must be doing it wrong.
I learned many years ago to try to roll with the punches at Christmas time. There are lousy years when you bury your father a week before Christmas, spend the day waiting outside ICU praying for your mama to make it through, or are so tired you just spend the day crying. Then, there are lovely years when your family is together, you found the perfect gifts, and your signature holiday dish turns out just like it is supposed to. You play the hand you are dealt that particular year.
And if you feel "Bah Humbugish" that's OK too.
