Tis The Season - To Be Glad the Holidays Are Over

The Holidays are over. If I’m honest, I’m thrilled. There’s a certain kind of freedom that comes with stepping out of the holiday hustle and back into the rhythm of everyday life. Don’t get me wrong—there were moments of joy, laughter, and even nostalgia this season. But this past year felt different for me.

The first year after Dad died, Mom tried so hard to make it still feel like Christmas. Mom loved Christmas. Putting up the tree and getting her house ready was so sad, but we got through it. The year after Mom died, I tried everything I could to make it still feel like Christmas. We went way overboard with the gifts, I guess not wanting it to feel so empty and lonely.

Funny story: my wife got so sick she couldn’t leave the bedroom for days (strep and COVID), and Christmas Eve got canceled because my aunt and uncle and their whole family got sick, too. We had Christmas eventually—it was just after (which was fine). But even still, this year felt different. It didn’t feel like anything. I put all the outdoor decor up, but I didn’t put anything up inside. (Trees are hard here anyways with the cats.) I just didn’t want to. I felt blah.

Christmas Eve at my aunt’s and uncle’s was great—it was fun, everyone was in a good mood, etc.—but outside of that, I could’ve canceled this year.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what shifted. Maybe it’s the weight of all I’ve experienced and carried over the last twelve months. Maybe it’s the way grief and growth seem to walk hand in hand, weaving themselves into even the brightest of moments. Or maybe it’s simply the way life changes you when you’re paying attention. Whatever it is, I know I’m not the same person I was last year—and that’s okay.

There was a time when I might have clung tightly to the traditions, trying to recreate the magic of holidays past. But this year, I gave myself permission to let go—to allow things to unfold as they would. In doing so, I learned that sometimes, the most meaningful moments aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the quiet, unexpected ones—a shared look, a deep breath, or even the realization that it’s okay to feel relief when it’s all over.

Long rambling story short, I’m not sure what this upcoming holiday season will bring, but I’m glad we’re through them. Here’s your pass to allow yourself to not be in the festive mood or care about holidays, wherever you are in whatever journey you’re on.

I don’t know if every year will feel different. I guess we’ll find out. But for now, I’m embracing the stillness and the space to reflect. The holidays may be behind me, but the lessons they brought are still unfolding—and I’m here for every one of them.

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