As i am currently seatet on the train towards Oslo for new years eve, i figured it was time for you to hear some of my thoughts this christmas! Christmas is a season wrapped in lights, laughter, and layers of nostalgia. For many, it is a time of expectation and excitement: families coming together, gifts exchanged under glittering trees, and hearts warmed by holiday traditions. But beneath the shimmering surface, the holiday can also unearth deeper emotions of grief and longing.
Christmas is a season wrapped in lights, laughter, and layers of nostalgia. For many, it is a time of expectation and excitement: families coming together, gifts exchanged under glittering trees, and hearts warmed by holiday traditions. But beneath the shimmering surface, the holiday can also unearth deeper emotions of grief and longing.
For me, Christmas has been a bit different than usual this year! This is the first time ive had the "going home for christmas" for real. My first christmas of not living close to home. Its been a holiday of grief, excitement, curiosity and joy. Christmas is a holiday full of feelings, and that is completely fine, for some of us. For others, this holiday only multiplies the grief and other struggles we may have. It is like a reminder of another year being gone. Another year of longing and wondering.
The run-up to Christmas is often brimming with anticipation. Children eagerly await the magic of Santa Claus, parents meticulously plan festive meals, and friends exchange heartfelt cards and gifts. For some, these rituals create a sense of togetherness and joy that defines the season. The air seems to sparkle with possibility, and streets adorned with twinkling lights feel like an invitation to embrace the warmth of human connection.
However, in the midst of all the joy, Christmas can also serve as a reminder of what or whom we have lost. For those of us who are grieving the absence of a loved one, the empty chair at the dinner table is a rather sad contrast to the fullness of the season. The carols that once brought joy can now bring tears, and cherished memories of Christmases past may amplify feelings of longing and sorrow.
This duality—of joy and grief—is a common, though often unspoken, reality. It’s a season that celebrates togetherness, yet it can amplify the loneliness of those who feel left behind.
Finding balance between these emotions can be a delicate process. Here are some ways to honor both the excitement and the grief that Christmas may bring:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel both joy and sadness during the holidays. Give yourself permission to experience these emotions without judgment.
Create New Traditions: If old traditions are too painful, consider starting new ones. This could be as simple as lighting a candle for those you miss or volunteering to spread kindness. On my part i went to my great grandmothers grave on Christmas eve to just feel her presence for a bit.
Connect with Others: Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members. You may find that others are experiencing similar emotions and can offer support.
Ultimately, the spirit of Christmas lies in its ability to hold both joy and sorrow. It’s a time to celebrate the connections we have while honoring the memories of those we’ve lost. In its essence, Christmas reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life—a tapestry woven with moments of love, loss, and hope.
As the holiday season unfolds, may we all find ways to embrace its complexities, cherishing the joy it offers while giving space to the grief it may bring. After all, Christmas is not about perfection; it’s about the depth of the human experience. It is not about the presents under your tree, or the price of your decorations. Christmas is supposed to be about spending time with loved ones, and enjoying some time away from the well known everyday struggles.
Merry Christmas to all! And to those who feel like Christmas is a meer struggle, and something you need to get through- Happy Monday! I hope the new year will bring you little moments, belly laughs, happy memories and all the good you deserve!
-E<3
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