OK, been a while. Consistently inconsistent. Human. 

It would seem ridiculous for a therapist not to address the holidays, wouldn’t it. So many topics that could be illuminated. It’s no hidden secret that the holidays bring as much sadness, anger, remorse, loneliness, etc. as fun, brightness, together, and happiness. It’s a season of reminders of what is and what used to be. There are so many triggers that accompany the lights and music and commercials. Think about the times that the holidays may have brought warmth to your life. That warmth is called to the surface by the sights, smells, sounds, and places of the holidays. But just as the spirit of the holidays may bubble the joy, it may also bubble the sadness of change. And guess what, that’s OK.

It may not feel great and may be a different expression to the holidays, but whatever people are going through, it’s OK to not feel the warmth. And I bet you a million dollars, you could throw a rock and hit someone who is feeling the down side of the holidays (please don’t throw anything). 

But just as it’s OK to feel the down, It’s Ok to allow the surfacing of a little of the good stuff. Pockets of time when the warmth surrounds you are perfectly OK and normal and the guilt can stay in it’s bag for a bit. Enjoy those times of peace, even if they hang around for just a flicker.