Understanding is like a butterfly. The harder you chase it, the more it eludes you, but if you sit quietly on a hillside, it will come and land softly on your shoulder. ~Author unknown

Why ask why, Marie. Accept it at face value and see where it goes. Let it come from the heart.

My physical attacks on my safety by family members happened twice, unfortunately, as an adult returning to share Christmas with my abusive family of origin. I had hopes the childhood patterns had changed, but I got hit in the face unprovoked the second time instead.

So since I'm not married and have no kids, that leaves me to celebrate Christmas on my own. I celebrate it with friends and church folks, but I've found that when the day itself comes, most retire into the context of their own homes.

I've made plans, then, in anticipation of that for Christmas since I'm a big Christmas and New Year's guy. This year I'll be in Mexico for Christmas. They have "Nochebuena" there on Christmas Eve that I'm excited to see. As for New Year's Eve I went to Times Square all by myself in New York City and watched the ball drop for the New Year countdown.

I love the spirit of the holidays and it concerns me when it looks like I can't keep it going. So I literally go to any lengths for it, wherever that may be. May the spirit find you again!

Thank you Arfie and Muji!!

Hugs. No advice just offering of a gentle hug.

Hugs are always welcome, thank you!

This year I feel will be really hard. Knowing my husband needs a knee replacement. We are really tight on money and we have 3 kids. Its really hard for me to get in the christmas spirit with all this going on. Especially living with my sis in law. Trying to get on our feet!! But I totally get how hard it can be to get in that spirit. But I try to tell myself this every year. Life is short so we should make the best of it. Big hugs to all!! :)

Hardrock and Coco and Joe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKGonDIq8gw

((I'm not really in the mood myself, but I've always loved this clip.))

It can get to be a little much this time of year, right? I love Christmas but attaining and maintaining what is supposed to be nonstop ho ho ho spirit is kind of taxing. As a person of faith, Christmas is to me not about that at all, but about simply being so grateful that Jesus came into this scary and hurtful world just out of love for us. When I think about that, it makes me thankful and that makes me happy. Just sayin. I pray a thankful and grateful and fulfilling Christmas season for you. Blessings.

Thank you everyone!