Merry Christmas?

Pretty lights, sparkles on trees, beautifully wrapped presents, happy smiling faces - it’s the best time of the year right?! Possibly, for many. But for some, sadly, it’s a time they are struggling for one reason or another. Maybe they are missing a family member for the first time, or recently divorced and the new normal is really difficult.

Some are away from their family due to work or a military assignment. Some just lost a baby that they lost unexpectedly just before the expected birth. Others are splitting time in a co-parenting situation. Maybe everyone is together but the finances and inflation are impacting them financially.

While it may not be exactly what we want it to be, or how we remember it as a kid, sometimes there are moments of feeling loved and being happy amidst the strange newness of life as it currently is. We all need to feel love and this time of year is perfect for reaching out to communicate that.

Reach out to your friends, especially those that are seeming extra quiet right now. Tell them how you feel about them. Tell them you care. Do what you can to share what you have with another. Best wishes for a happy holiday season - I love you and want the best for you.

Thanks to Operation Hero for their inspiring message on social media today that inspired this post. If you haven’t heard of them, they help gold star families. Gold star families are families that lose a family member while serving actively in the military. Their founder, Antoinette DeStapley, directly experienced this when her husband passed away while overseas and went through this process figuring things out on her own.

Thanks for thinking of others, especially during this time of giving. In the end that’s what I think most people love about Christmas is the thoughtfulness of others. We can choose to create this feeling in our lives on the regular. I challenge you to give it a try.