As I write this post a few short days before Christmas, I realize that many of us, myself included, are dealing with a myriad of emotions. The recent unthinkable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary shook the country to its core. All the press about the “fiscal cliff” is creating anxiety of another recession. And personally, it’s been a tough couple of weeks for many reasons for me.

While I know that this time of year is always stressful (but usually over more trivial things like worrying about what to buy that ridiculously picky person for Christmas), this Holiday season has lost some of its spark, some of its cheer when thinking about all that has happened over the last few weeks in the world around me. My intent is not to be negative, but to acknowledge that the climate has changed for many of us, for causes similar and different.

Furthermore, the holidays can be a hard time in general. From the idea that we’re all supposed to have big green Christmas trees with presents galore spread all around it, spewing out onto the floor; to the idea that everyone goes “Home for Christmas” to share in cheer and laughter and food with extended family. Unfortunately, not everyone can financially afford this ideal vision or has the luxury of family and/or friends to share the season with.

I want to take a moment today, to stop and share a short post to send my thoughts to anyone who relates, who is having a rough time, and needs to know they are not alone. I can’t tell you how many different people I’ve talked to this week who are just not in the best of spirits for many reasons.

I’ve struggled myself between these difficult times and still wanting to enjoy the spirit of Christmas then feeling a sense of guilt because of it. Ultimately, I do hope that we can find that missing cheer, even if it’s just a little bit; honor the sadness, but celebrate as best we can and try spend this time as it’s meant to be spent: with love and appreciation for the life you have and the people that are in it.

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” – unknown