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Getting past Christmas


As we celebrate this merry Christmas, try to remember that it is different for all. Not everyone has the grocery store commercial family and close knit jolly relatives. Not everyone looks forward to Christmas the same. 

There are those with the inappropriately handsy uncle or cousin, there are eyes that look away and truths that are not allowed to be said; self-protection that is not appreciated to be expressed. There are those with racist or homophobic parents, a yelling father with too much to drink, an angry stressful mother, there are those who always experienced Christmas as a showcase of silverware and anxious hold of breath, there are homes where the children's voices and emotions were never met- as long as the tree is symmetric and perfect on all sides, they do not notice when you sit in the bathroom every year and hide. 

There are those who left gladly, and only come for a quick visit when they feel comfortable and emotionally safe, there are those who now post-childhood do Christmas in every other way- not going back no matter what they think or say, we all deserve to feel happy (as we can be) during the holidays.

There are those who never had it big to begin with- who can only watch the others from the multiple instagram slides, but hot chocolate with grandma and a round of cards is just as valuable, right ? True meaning of a moment in our lives does not come from the way society (and social media) and tradition puts it in our minds. 

And then there are those who are alone through this whole time, lets remember that at all times. Not everyone has the cookie cutter family life. Some of us are old and lonely- others have chosen to save their heart and step aside. I sometimes feel like a black sheep, but over the years I have learned that I do not have to hide. I take this time to myself- and I do so with pride.                                                           

I am not the only one who struggles with choosing loneliness over perfectly stationed anxiety vs. longing for a cozy catalog family. 


So lets remember that these holidays, not everyone's Christmas looks the same. But that does not make them less valuable in any way. 


Merry Christmas, and have wonderful repeated new year. 

Here´s to 2022, what new will we learn from you ?





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