A Not So Jolly Christmas. Spread Your Cheer For Those Without It.

I was roaming target the other day with my lady. As we walked through the aisles, I noticed myself singing along to the Christmas music playing in the store. “Oh, it's the most wonderful timmmeee of the year!” Everybody rummaging through clothes or selecting their regular hygiene supplies seemed to also be in the “holiday spirit” and this made me think of the people in my life who aren’t looking forward to the season's greetings. 

One thing that’s been on my mind a lot lately is the fact that the world will spin no matter what on earth is occurring. People will keep living life and act according to what’s going on with them. Ironically, around this time is when people can either be really happy or really mean. Some people feel the Christmas spirit and act delightfully to spread cheer. In my mind, these people are most often like this on the regular and they give a little more around the holiday season. On the other hand, people can fall into darker emotions related to stress, or other circumstances happening in their life. The hardest part that I can think of is what I mentioned earlier; how the world simply keeps going. People don’t know, nor do they care what may be happening in the lives of others. This is why road rage happens, or people may speak their mind online or in person with complete disregard of how the other person may already be feeling prior to their interaction. 

Moving with kindness during this time of year is more important than ever, simply because we forget that everyone doesn’t have the jolly spirit despite what advertisements or commercials may promote. People still have lives to live, bills to pay, and familial problems that don’t get resolved simply because Santa is coming to town. It’s imperative that we keep this in mind. Some of the strongest people know how to keep a smile on their face despite the hell happening behind closed doors and the Christmas season is just another curtain they can use to hide the hardships they go through. 

As you go out and shop for your loved ones or search for those perfect pairs of matching PJs, be sure to maneuver this world with more grace and patience than usual. Just because you don’t have the awareness of other people’s lives doesn’t mean you should dismiss them as if they don't have their own ups and downs.If you are someone who enjoys the holidays, then you should be evermore kind to any and everyone, because your happiness could rub off on them and give them the push they need to get through what is supposed to be the happiest season of all.

If you get to see your family and friends hold them tighter this Christmas and enjoy every moment you create. Take pictures and videos, laugh to your heart’s content, and tell them you love them. For those who have difficulty around this time, be it new hardship or old memories, I hope you get through this with strength, and know that it’s okay to not be okay, even when everyone else seems to be in high spirits. Be there for those in your life who you know are going through a tough time, they may need your company and kind words more than ever. 

Merry Christmas!

-J