There are far too many in my circle of love and my wider circle of friends and acquaintances who’re going to have trouble generating their usual allotment of Merry this season, thanks to the grief and trouble that have shadowed them this year. Some will justly be unable to generate any at all.

We’ve had our own troubles here, so I think I can empathize with anyone whose outlook has more Bah, Humbug! than Having A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Holiday Here! in it.

If this describes you, then this message is for you:

May you find the strength to carry you through your troubles, one day, one step, one moment at a time.

May you forgive yourself for not living up to whatever Currier & Idylls, Normal Rockwell expectations were imprinted in your brain by a carol-singing, commerce-driven culture of compulsory emotional conformity. It really is okay to cry at Christmas, if crying is what you need.

Conversely, may no one–especially yourself–make you feel guilty if, despite what’s weighing on you, you find yourself laughing or having fun.

May you have the wisdom to know that caring for yourself is not only allowed, it’s a prerequisite to caring for anyone else. Breathe. Sleep. Eat well. Give yourself down time. Sit on the porch and watch the snow fall. Play with your pet. Listen to good music, or make some. Whatever strengthens and sustains you. Whatever contains the promise of joy.

And may tomorrow be a better day, lit by a warmer light, walking a smoother path, carrying a lighter burden.

Blessed be,

Michael