Holiday Hustle

   Do you feel like Christmas gets closer every year, or is it just me? This year, it feels like an aisle down from the Pumpkins, and skeletons were Christmas trees and Santas.

 There’s a moment every year when the word seems to fast-forward into twinkle lights, peppermint mochas, and an unspoken pressure to be merry. Just like that, we’re all swept into the familiar hustle of the holiday season, juggling calendars, expectations, and lengthy to-do lists, all while trying to live out our Hallmark main character movie dreams.

  This year, stepping into the season with our almost 3-year-old feels especially tender. She’s at that age where everything is magical, everything needs to be explored, and everything needs about 15 snacks. Experiencing the holiday through her eyes is so rewarding. It also comes with a great amount of pressure to create a healthy, safe, and steady environment, even when life around us feels anything but steady this time of year.

And if I’m being honest? That’s the part no one posts about on social media.

 Because alongside the joy, the holidays have a way of stirring up emotional dust; old memories that we didn’t ask to reopen. Some seasons, the “glow” of the holidays doesn’t warm you. Sometimes it highlights every shadow instead.

 This season, I’ve found myself navigating those mental health waves maybe more than I expected. Grief has a way of showing up like an uninvited guest, quiet at first, but then suddenly next to you at dinner, like excuse me?! Leaning into the support of my husband and the people who truly see me has been grounding in ways I didn’t know I needed. Vulnerability has never been my default setting. But allowing myself to be held, validated, and heard has softened the sharp edges of this time of year.

 And I know I’m not alone.

 We don’t talk enough about how many people walk through this season with heaviness tucked behind a smiling face. How many people feel disconnected, overwhelmed or simply just guilty for not being as “jolly” as they should be? So, here’s a reminder for you, for me, for anyone who needs it. You don’t have to be merry to be worthy of community. Reaching out is not a weakness. It’s human. Lastly, you don’t have to carry the holiday season on your own.

  If the season is feeling bright and joyful for you, that’s something to celebrate, just don’t forget that someone else may be navigating their holidays one deep breath at a time. And if you’re the one singing carols from the shadows this year, I want you to know: I see you. You’re not behind, you’re not failing, and you don’t have to go through this silently.

  Lean on your people. Let someone hold space for you. Allow yourself the same warmth you’re pouring out to others. And if you feel like your circle is small or you just need a quiet place, consider this your open invitation. I have room for you here. My little corner of the internet.

The holidays shouldn't be about perfect decorations or perfect photos. They should be about connection. About care. About showing up for one another, even when we’re not at our brightest.

So, as we step into this crazy season, let’s make a promise:

Be there for someone. And let someone be there for you, too.

That’s what builds a community worth returning to.

 -Megs

“To share your weakness makes you vulnerable, to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” (Jami Crissi)