18 years ago yesterday, my sister Michelle died of a massive seizure, and Christmas has sucked ever since. My thoughts though, go to people less experienced at loss than I am, or who’ve recently lost someone. There are many of us who don’t look forward to Christmas. We go through the motions, because it’s what you’re supposed to do, but in reality we want to be alone, left to our own way of coping with the loss and pain.

Well, perk up buttercup, because it doesn’t get any better doing this alone. You have to go through the motions and by golly you’ll fake it until you make it. It might not be this year, it might not be next year, but one year, one day, you’ll understand what I’m saying is true. The one thing you cannot do is stop to feel sorry for yourself, or be alone. Find the jolliest bunch of people you can and fake a smile as you squirm, and hate, and feel as uncomfortable as you can be around them, because that’s how you heal, not by sitting at home alone letting the darkness creep into your mind. Watch your friends enjoy the season. Watch the wonder and joy in the eyes of children. Watch the beauty of The Nutcracker, or the comedy of Christmas Vacation. Go to church, and actually listen to the preacher tell the Christmas story. The Gift that is Jesus Christ can overcome your heartache. Force yourself to go through the motions. One day you WILL feel the joy again. It’ll be tempered, but it’ll also be sweeter because of what you’ve overcome to feel it.

If I just described you above – know that I love you, and I understand. I may not fully comprehend your individual loss, but I’m well versed on the concept. Fake it until you make it. It’s the only way. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Or Bah Humbug. Whichever.