The holidays…and all the feels that come with it

The holidays are typically viewed as a time of celebration, family, love, happiness, gift giving. For a lot of people though, this time of year can be difficult. It can bring on a rollercoaster of emotions.?

Excitement…lots of it!

• The thought of gathering with friends and family, decorations, yummy treats and watching my boys light up with joy during this magical time of year is exhilarating. When my boys come down those stairs on Christmas morning and see the gifts Santa has left for them, it brings a happiness to my heart only a mom can understand.?

Overwhelmed, anyone?

• Okay, yes bring on the overstimulated, overwhelming, long days, whose house are we going to? When are we going there? How long will we be there? Will so and so be there? (just kidding) How are we splitting up this time between all of our families? And the endless gifts for the kids….so grateful for this! But, after so much time and opening, and traveling the kids can get overwhelmed and not have the right reaction that gift givers (and parents) want to see. Anyone else feel me on this? So many expectations...so little time.

Good ol’ nostalgia:

• During this time of year, I find myself dreaming of the past. When I was a kid, things seemed so simple. Little did we know our parents were feeling what we feel now…they just had a good way of hiding it to make the holidays feel magical.
• Sometimes those memories of the past can be happy, fun, exciting and others are a bit sad when thinking of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Loneliness:

• Speaking of a bit of sadness at this time of year. I realize it can be lonely for some of us at times as well. Not everyone has social gatherings to decide from. Some people long for what others feel is overwhelming or “such a pain”.For many reasons, people can feel really isolated at this time of year. Sometimes it can be due to finances. Let’s face it. Things are expensive and this time of year can bring stress. Who do we have to buy for? How many gifts do we need? The kids asked for what?! This alone can be suffocating.?

Everyone has a multitude of feelings around the holiday season. What one family is complaining about, another may be dreaming about. I try my best to be kind to others, smile,? say “hello” or “happy holidays”. You never know what that might mean to someone else.?

Happy Holidays to all!!!