Well hello there, friends.
I do have to say, I love the holidays, but truthfully, they aren’t always as bright as I remember them to be and some years they are more joyful than I could have anticipated. 

This time of year, I see the lights twinkling, hear the music playing, and feel that familiar winter buzz floating through the air. And while so much of the season is filled with laughter and celebration, I also know that every life has its own seasons too.

As the years flutter by, things change. Holidays that once felt loud and busy may feel quieter now. Some of you may be facing this season without a partner who used to sit right beside you. Others might be carrying a new diagnosis, a heavy heart, or simply that feeling that the holidays just do not feel quite the same as they used to.

And you know what? That is okay.

It is okay if your heart is not bursting with holiday cheer. It is okay to feel a little blue, a little reflective, or a little tired. And if you are feeling lonely, I want you to know something important. You are not alone, even when it feels that way. The holidays can be a challenge for many, and it is important to remember that you are not wrong for feeling sadness. 

A Blue Christmas happens more often than we realize, especially in a community like ours. That is why kindness matters so much right now. A smile, a wave, a friendly hello, sharing a story, or a quick check-in with a neighbor can be a small thing that makes a very big difference.

So let us look out for one another. Let us lead with patience, softness, and understanding. You never know what someone else may be carrying under their wings.

You belong here, just as you are, in every season.

Wishing you strength, peace, and love,
Your friend,
Roadie