Pictures of happy little girls and boys with father doting on them with an argyle sweater. Mom in cooking mittens holding a tin of cookies and let’s not forget spot the favorite dog and sparkie the cat. Out of doors stays the pure white powdery snow.
Brought to you all by Hallmark(tm).
But for most of us the holidays are different. A couple without children reminded of another year without laughter. People with no money for gifts under the tree or maybe the tree too. Children living in homes with inadequate heat and foot and dirty air and water.
But those aren’t my stories, they’re for another to tell.
My story is of a quiet hearth with action happening all around but just quiet here. The TV is on for company and Amazon is playing Christmas music – I may be Jewish but the music is still pretty. No one to make cookies for or a warm dinner. No one to hug or to be hugged by. I think a hugging service could make more money than a brothel in some places.
Now that the holidays are over I’m told I should be feeling better but it hasn’t shown up yet. It must be coming third class mail.
Here’s hoping your holidays were a darned bit brighter than mine.
My Gifted Life 
A lot us go through this during the Christmas season. A nearby church offers a “Blue Christmas” service every year. What brings me to tears are all the people posting about adult children who have died and how miserable the season is without them. Maybe we should embrace our pain during this season and other holidays in which we are supposed to be with others and enjoying the world. Me? I just have a bad case of FOMA in December. But also pain in missing those no longer in this world.
LikeLike
I think there’s something to be said in grouping together and sharing time rather than being isolated during the holidays. I keep thinking that if I can get my place cleaned up I could have a party.
LikeLike
Hi Rachel,
I’m sorry to hear that you are depressed.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults.
Would you consider adopting a pet?
Sy
LikeLike
I would happily get a cat but I’m allergic, or at least was. A dog would be nice but allergies for them too plus the need to take them out twice a day as I understand it.
LikeLike