Be Kind

 The holidays are difficult for so many and for so many different reasons. There is so much pressure in the media and from family to be happy. So much pressure to enjoy the season and be festive. I feel for any and all of us struggling through this time. I knew this one would be difficult. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I too would struggle even more than I usually do. I so desperately want to enjoy Christmas time and all the other parts of this time of year. In the end...I just can't. 

 My personal reasons aren't important. The reasons of others, aren't important. If you're reading this, please, remember to just be kind to people. We never know what they're going through. So much of this world has lost the ability to be empathetic and kind. It has become a society of "me first" and it shows on a daily basis. Ultimately, I'll put on a happy face each day until mid-January. I'll go through the motions to show everyone that the holidays are great. I'll watch my favorite Christmas movies, mostly the ones that aren't so Christmassy (is that a word?) and walk alone around Christmas markets. I'll shop for friends and family, I'm an amazing gifter, and hit up the family events. Mostly though, I'll just try to do my best to be patient and kind and good a human.