A few Christmas’s ago I took a seasonal position at Macy’s. I was working on the sales floor and an older gentleman stopped me and asked about the Macy’s credit card. He said it was in his wife’s name but she passed away last year. I gave him the number for customer service and offered my condolences. I let him know my Father died in the month of December so I am familiar with the absent feeling during the holiday. I told him not to be sad, because his wife wouldn’t want that. And my advice to him was to do something on Christmas that makes him feel content. If he wanted to be with people, do it, but he shouldn’t feel obligated. And if he preferred to stay home and watch football in his pajamas, then do that.

The Christmas my Dad was in the hospital, my boyfriend and I visited with him and then went out for Chinese food. It wasn’t the most festive Christmas because I didn’t have the energy. But it was the best I could do. And looking back, I’m glad we didn’t go to all the parties we had been invited to. I appreciated the invitations, but l was so drained I wouldn’t have enjoyed them or been good company.

If you are missing a loved one this Christmas, my heart goes out to you. I know that pain. But don’t feel you have to be depressed because they aren’t there. And on the same note don’t try to force yourself to be happy. It won’t work. Just have the day as it is. And keep in mind the departed may not be with us on Earth, but they are always with us in our hearts! Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad everyone!!