Holidays: Everybody's Happy Except You

Holidays: Everybody's Happy Except You

 Everybody‘s Holiday Happy, Except You
By Frank Kermit
 
Do you hate it when everyone around you seems to have something extra to celebrate this year for the holidays, except for you?
 
You aren’t alone.
 
Sometimes, it can be a little frustrating when holiday announcements from your friends and families seem to leave you feeling a little less merry because somehow, you could end up feeling somewhat, left behind.
 
It is not always easy to celebrate with others, when whatever it is they are joyous about, is a little reminder that your own life may not be where you thought it would be by now.
 
In fact, one of the reasons that some people hate the holidays is because of how much they are reminded of just how unhappy they really are.
 
Did your closest friends introduce you to their newest relationship partner? Great! Makes you one of the last of your group to the single for the holidays.
 
Did someone in your family use the holidays to announce a new baby on the way? Great! Makes you doubt if the same thing will eventually happen to you before you feel like quitting after trying for 2 years and still not having a kid.
Did a friend of yours just announce that they start a new job after the holiday season?  Great! That reminds you that you really should update your resume again because your employment insurance is running out and the pressure is mounting. 
 
Did someone make it out of the hospital, or return from active military duty, to be home for the holidays? Great!  You have to be sure to go over and say hello, after a quick trip to the cemetery to pay your respects to the person you lost this year.
 
The holidays are not always fun for everyone.
 
For some, it is a time when a person finally gets a massive break in life and a chance to find real joy.
 
For others, the only massive break they are pre-occupied with is nursing a massively broken heart.
 
If you are fortunate enough to have something wonderful to celebrate this year, please do.
 
Enjoy your moments and share them accordingly.
 
Just don’t throw them in the faces of people that you know are struggling right now. 
 
Show those people a little compassion when you can. Invite them to join in with you, but fully understand if they are not able too.  
 
If you are unfortunate during this holiday season, remember that someday in the future you very likely will have something amazing to share, and will want to celebrate with the people you most care about.
 
When the people around you are asking you to share in their joy, make the effort to be happy for them, and if you cannot do that, excuse yourself so you do not risk tainting the mood.
 
In the long term, you will be glad you did.
 
Happy Holidays. Congratulations on your good fortunes, and hang in there whatever your struggles.
 
Frank Kermit