Facing the Jolliest Time of Year

Massive amounts of people are finding merry this Christmas, but how many more aren't able to just now? I know at least a handful of people who face heartbreaking and impossible circumstances. How does this kind of raw pain face up to the jolliest time of the year? I don't know the answer for everyone, but here's what's working for me this year.

We went and got a tree and decorated the thing when it was the last thing I felt like doing. She invited her friends for the annual cookie party when I was so worn I didn't think I could pull it off. We shopped for presents when I would have rather run from the crowds. We regularly stream Pandora's holiday tunes when all I crave is alone and quietness.

Sometimes going through the motions of "normal" is the best we can do. But I've discovered a delightful surprise while doing what I don't feel like doing. The merry buried deep inside awakens just enough to point toward the hope of a day when I won't have to work so hard for it. A day when the void and loss and heartache won't be grinching out the joy anymore. If you're with me on the sleigh ride of the less than jolly this Christmas, keep moving toward what you know. Your heart will follow your lead.