Setting aside the original meaning of Christmas, it is now a commercialized holiday that can cause a lot of stress for a lot of people.
Besides the financial stress of having to buy presents there's a lot of emotional stress. It is sold as a time when families get together and happily celebrate. Too often, that's a myth.
For some getting together with family is filled with stress. For others, knowing their family won't see them caused stress. And for those completely alone it can be a source of depression.
Part of me says the spreading of holiday cheer needs to be toned down. But another part says that wouldn't be considerate for those for whom this truly is a time for happy family get-togethers.
Julikins and I will be having dinner with my mom today. I'm grateful for having been invited by a family member to a holiday gathering (first time since coming out). But I also know part of why she invited us to dinner is because she wasn't invited to dinner by any of my siblings. So it's kind of bittersweet (maybe for both of us).
Julikins has decorated the house and it looks so pretty. But it also reminds me that I won't be seeing my kids for another holiday. My last Christmas with them was in 2004. And I wonder how their Christmas is going to be. Will they be happy or sad? Will the holidays be filled with good cheer? Something tells me no. And that makes me sad.
At the core of this is the simple matter of acceptance. Right now there's a big void in that department. Why? Mostly because some can't handle change, difference or the fact that the concept of "everyone should be like me" is a myth.
We are all unique and we all know that but we all (mostly) act like we're all the same, or at least should be. Everyone should be happy at Christmas. No one should be alone. Everyone should enjoy time with their family. But that's just not life and we need to accept that. I'm trying.
I do hope everyone makes the best of this time and finds some way to eek out as much happiness as there is available. But I also hope this isn't the only time. I hope we can all make a habit of eeking out as much happiness as we can from every day of our life.
Merry Christmas!
Or Bah Humbug!
Take your pick. Whatever makes you happy.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.comcast.net%2F%7Ejulimarie%2Fimage_files%2Femoticons%2FChristmas%2F1016455.gif&hash=9c14be9e1389074a2e1b616202fc8827e4da3948)
I wish you and Juliekins a Merry Christmas. And to you Mom too.
For me, today is just another day. So for me, it is "Bah! Humbug".
Maybe Scrooge said it beast ... "Any one who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' upon their lips, should be buried with a stake of Holly through their heart".
Merry F**ing Christmas
Janet
Christmas and new years can be hard. I was feeling more then a bit down, I do know what you mean as it's been since 2003 when I could share christmas with my children. That was 2-3 years before I transitioned. Is it fair. Oh not really, but it is life. I did go to my best buddies house for christmas and That was the only thing that helped and pulled me out of the humbug.
Hugs all around.
Beni
A Merry Christmas to you and Julikins. I spent the day with my family. This time of year is more reflection rather than celebration. I think of many folks who are alone or depressed for one reason or another during the holiday.
Gennee
:)