As the end of 2025 is quickly approaching, I want to take a minute to type out some encouragement.
I don’t want to delve too much into all of the things that come with the New Year, because that will come next month, however there are some ideas that I wanted to jot down with the holidays wrapping up.
This time of the year, a lot of people have dealt with loss or pain in the past, and have felt the presence of that pain throughout each holiday season since. If that is you, and you are feeling that hurt during this time, I want you to know that I see you, and I sympathize with you.
While the holiday season, for many, is a time of joy, laughter, yummy treats, and gifts, for others, it could be a time of sorrow, sadness, and even longing. Longing for the time when they experienced that joy and excitement that came from the season.
My purpose in writing this is not to bring anyone “down” or make anyone feel guilty for experiencing the holiday season with true passion and love, but rather, to encourage those that no longer feel those things, AND also for those that do still feel those warm, fuzzy feelings.
Whoever you are and whatever you have experienced, I wish to help you experience this time of the year and enjoy it to the fullest. Everybody’s “fullest” looks different.
To those who no longer feel the spirit of this season, I pray that you are able to find a sense of peace. While peace may not sound like “the fullest”, to those that don’t have any peace, it sounds like a pretty good spot to be in. Whatever that peace looks like to, chase it. In my last post I talked about the spirit of Christmas, and how it looks different as we grow. I mentioned that as we get older, that special “spirit’ is found in the people we surround ourselves with. That also applies to the peace that you can feel. Surround yourself with whoever, or whatever, you can to help you feel that spirit, or peace. It may not look the same as families who gather to open presents, or friend groups who go out to dinner then have a fun Christmas party after. However, it does look like the best that it can be for you at this time. It is exactly what it is supposed to look like for you at this time.
To those who still feel that joy, soak it up. Live in the happiness and bask in the comfort that this time of year brings you. Spread that same feeling with everyone you can. There are people who don’t feel the same way you do, share it with them. take them in, help them remember what that feels like. One of the best ways to feel cheer is by spreading it and including others. You truly appreciate a feeling when you see it in someone else.
My challenge to you, all of you, is to seek whatever joy you can find. This year, and every year during this time, find what gives you peace. Don’t let the joy of others make you believe that your joy is not good enough. Share that same joy with others and help them feel the same sense of happiness and peace. We should be lifting each other up and reminding them how warm and merry this time of year can be. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. -B
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