JOY:

~

Sometimes, the holidays are filled with the joy we associate with
that time of year. The season flows. Magic is in the air. Sometimes
not.

Here are some ideas I've learned through personal experience, and
practice, to help us get through difficult holidays.

Deal with feelings, but try not to dwell unduly on them. Put the
holidays in perspective: A holiday is one day out of 365. We can get
through any 24-hour period.

Get through the day, but be aware that there may be a post-holiday
backlash. Sometimes, if we use our survival behaviors to get
through the day, the feelings will catch up to us the next day.

Find and cherish the love that's available, even if it's not exactly
what we want. Is there someone we can give love to and receive
love from? Recovering friends? Is there a family who would enjoy
sharing their holiday with us?

Maybe past holidays haven't been terrific. Maybe this year wasn't
terrific. But next year can be better, and the next a little better.

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