If you live in North America, the last half of December is usually either an incredibly joyful time, or one of dread. 

Perhaps the winter holiday season brings up feelings of warmth, love, and generosity.

Perhaps the winter holiday season brings up feelings of abandonment, loss, and lack.

Perhaps you might be feeling a hybrid of the two – after all, we’re all complex human beings interacting with other complex human beings in a large, complex system that is society and human relationships.

Regardless of your feelings this season, I hope you honor them. 

You do you, with all the cheer (or lack thereof) that you feel is appropriate. Just keep in mind that there are many others who feel the exact opposite of you and are equally valid.