I frequent a web site for moms run by our local Gannett newspaper.  Yes, there has already been discussion of the holidays on said site.

First off, we are all interested in what someone else is doing for the holidays.  Sometimes, it is because someone else’s horror story of how parents and grandparents always fight or Uncle Jimmy never gets through Thanksgiving dinner without getting totally drunk put in perspective what our families are like.  It is that rubber-necking that makes us look at a car crash that makes us want to hear someone else’s problems with the holidays.

Second, we like to share what we do that works.  Not everything works when tried.  Different families have different traditions but I will say that I am ALWAYS willing to try a different tradition.

Just remember as the holidays approach, not everyone likes the holidays.  Older friends, neighbors and family may feel all alone on during the holiday season.  Please feel free to invite someone like this to your holiday disaster.  While you may think your family does nothing but fight over who gets the turkey leg, an elderly neighbor or friend may find that entertaining.

Single people – no, I am not talking 20-something single people – frequently do not like the holidays.  If you have friends who are divorced or separated and not seeing anyone, invite them to your free-for-all for the day.  When you are that single friend, it is nice to know someone else cares enough about you to ask if you want to share their family and life.

And, if you don’t get what I am talking about, maybe this poem I wrote many years ago will help.

Holiday Pain

Everyone thinks of the holiday season
As one of joy and love
No one wants to admit the darkness
That shadows many

The pain that aches within a heart
That feels so all alone
Even friendly arms can’t hold it
The pain’s too strong

Though on the outside all seems well
The inside cracks and breaks
The pieces fall around the soul
Not sure where to go

Some day, someone will reach the heartache
And hold it all together
But for now the pain will linger
Almost til forever