Merry Christmas my lovely readers,
The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness surrounded by loved ones. We see countless images of families gathering around a warmly lit tree, sharing meals and creating lasting memories. But what if you find yourself without family by your side during this time? What if you are building your own family from scratch and it feels like an empty holiday?
As a mother, I have come to realize the magical part of Christmas is spreading cheer and love to my own children. The joy in their eyes as they unwrap their gifts and engage in festive activities is truly heartwarming. I am grateful for the opportunity to create special moments for them, to build traditions that will carry on for years to come. But sometimes, despite the happiness I have within my own little family, there is a longing for something more.
I yearn for others to add joy and happiness to our family dynamic. I long for my home to be filled with laughter and the sounds of excited chatter. I want to gather around a table, playing board games and enjoying a delicious dinner. I want my heart to feel whole, knowing that the holiday spirit is not confined to our small unit but shared with others. It is in these moments of solitude that I realize the importance of family, both biological and chosen.
Holidays are about making happiness and gratitude prevalent to the moment. It is about creating an atmosphere of love, warmth, and a sense of belonging. While I have been successful in infusing these elements into my immediate family, there is an undeniable void when extended family is absent. Memories of past celebrations flood my mind, reminding me of how that void was once filled with the presence of siblings, parents, and dear friends. This year, however, it feels different. My home feels solitary, lacking the boisterous energy that only a bustling group of loved ones can bring.
Yet, as I reflect on my feelings of longing, I realize there is still beauty to be found in this holiday season. Building a family from scratch means embracing the opportunity to start new traditions, to forge strong bonds with those around us who also long for connection during this time. It means creating a sense of belonging not only for my children but for myself as well. This realization helps me shift my perspective from one of emptiness to one of hope and potential.
Though my home may be less crowded, less noisy, it does not mean it is any less filled with love and joy. It is a reminder that family is not solely defined by blood relations, but by the bonds we create with the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers can come together to form a support system, to fill the void that may exist during the holiday season.
So, while I may feel like I've missed the mark this year in terms of having a full house during the holidays, I am reminded that a solitary home is an opportunity for me to focus on the love and joy I can give and receive within my own family. I can still spread cheer, create special memories, and teach my children the importance of gratitude and giving back.
The holidays may not always look exactly as we imagined, and that's okay. It is through embracing change and finding joy in the present moment that we can truly make the most of this season. Let us remember that family comes in many forms and that building our own family, from scratch or not, is a journey filled with its own unique magic.
Love and be loved,
Trisha Sullivan
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