There’s an expectation that people are supposed to be happy this time of the year. If not, you’re labeled as a Grinch or a Scrooge who is ruining the season for everyone else.
I understand it’s not possible to be happy all the time, even when people think you should be. A glass of eggnog, a decorated tree and a stack of presents is not enough to erase a person’s problems. The pressure to celebrate and be merry can actually make the person feel worse.
If you don’t feel like being joyous and celebrating, give yourself the grace to do what you can or skip it, if you really do not have it in you to participate in the holidays.
If you notice a friend or family member is not in the holiday spirit, don’t chide them or pressure them into doing whatever you want, give them the best present of all: empathy.
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Published by Dimples
Dimplesandgrins.com is on a joy seeking mission. It is a place of celebration and inspiration. At the same time, I am not afraid to explore the darker, sadder parts of life because life consists of both joyful and sorrowful moments (plus, a lot of other emotions).
Karen Brown is a writer, blogger, poet and editor. She wrote her first short story in second grade and her first poem in fourth grade. She enjoys classic movies, most kinds of music, television shows about real life crimes, photography and cooking. She is a mother to cats and an accidental magnet to any cat that wanders through her neighborhood.
Karen Brown published her first book of poetry in March of 2021. It contains poetry written this year and is available as an e-book or paperback on Amazon. She published her second poetry book in August 2021.
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