Christmas isn't always about being merry

It's the holiday season...... with shopping and decorations and parties and the busyness of life.

Yet there are those of us who aren't putting up a tree, who aren't buying presents, who are only bystanders to the lights and activities around us.

While the holiday season often brings joy and good cheer it can also be a time of sadness and grief. When a loved one dies during this time the holidays will never be the same. Even when another's death occurs during any other time of the year, that loss is deeply felt during the holidays.

Even estranged relations with family and friends can bring a somber note to this time.

So take note of the feelings of others. Listen and be where they are in the moment. Caring for each other and ourselves is the reason for the season.

And for those of you carrying grief and loss....be patient with yourself. Be with your grief. And determine what is it you feel you need right now. Define boundaries for yourself. Create new traditions.  Turn off the Christmas stress machine. Let go of the judgment of others. Be with those people that support and nourish you. Serve others in a way that brings peace and joy to you.

Honor your loved one. Write a letter to them. Hold them in your heart. Have music around you. The holidays will never be the same, only different. Your grief will come and go. Know that you are loved and cared for in this time of sadness and overwhelm and uncertainty.

No matter your religion may you bring the Christ Mind into your heart this Christmas and Hanukkah season. It's the opportunity to love others and yourself.

Namaste.......may you honor the divine in others as you honor the divine within.