the holidays aren't always jolly

There's so much pressure (both internal and external) to have a perfect holiday celebration.  And I'm constantly bombarded by other people's exquisite holiday decorations, while mine are severely lacking.  And I'm bombarded by my memories of past perfect celebrations. 

It all can be very overwhelming and depressing.  I had a great Thanksgiving, and I'm anticipating a pretty good Christmas.  And yet, I've cried several times in the past few days just because.

Please remember as you go about throwing your holiday cheer everywhere that plenty of people around you are suffering, even if we don't show it.  Be extra kind right now.  It will cost you only a little and may pay off to an order of magnitude.