They’re well-known stereotypes –

The perfectly decorated house.  The aromas of cinnamon and pinewood and freshly baked cookies.  The constant in-and-out of family and friends and the phone ringing every half hour with good news and heartfelt wishes.  The gathering around the baby grand piano singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”  The constant hugs and kisses, and everyone getting along with nary a cross word.

That is what I named The Hallmark Holiday.  And it’s not always the reality.  Sure, it’s something pleasant to which to aspire, but don’t think you’re missing out if this isn’t in your world.  Much like crypto currencies, it isn’t real.

As for me, sure, I’m not with all the people I’d like to spend the holidays with, since circumstances prevent it – most have passed away, some live in another state and others are living in other countries.  I will be spending this holiday season with Best Friend, Rat Terrier, Miss Doxie, and Mademoiselle Kitten, here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms, and we are grateful for that.  So, we are spending our holidays by ourselves, but not.

That brings me to the fact that some people – many people – spend the holidays by themselves; or at least not with the people they would rather be around.  Perhaps you will be alone during the holidays.  It might be your choice.  It might be happenstance.  Your holidays might look different from what you think a Hallmark holiday, or a Christmas in Connecticut, is all about.

Yet, the reality is never, ever what the hype tries to sell.  Many people – more than you know – are by themselves during the holidays.  That is not strange.  There is nothing wrong with it.  Your holidays might appear much different from the hyped-up “norm” of the perfectly appointed celebrations with perfection nonpareil.  Sure, that does paint a pretty picture, but that is rarely the reality.

How you spend your holidays depends on your attitude.  No one wants to hear someone’s “poor me” mantra; no one wants to hear gossip about others – you know, the yado-yado-yada.  No one wants to hear complaints either.  That might take them down a path they don’t want to go, and you yourself might feel all the more miserable.  Snap out of it!  No one deserves that.  Not them, not you.  Here are a few of my thoughts to help you actually enjoy this time of year:

Don’t compare your holiday season or life to someone else’s celebrations.  That’s them; this is you.  What you see in others’ lives isn’t all the truth.  Unless you’re them, or unless you live in their homes, you really don’t see, nor know, the entire picture.

Accept and be grateful for what you have.

Remember the true purpose of the holidays.  Introspection is key.

Don’t compare your life or your holidays to anyone else’s.  You shouldn’t assume that their meadow is greener on their side of the fence.  Look at your own.  It just might be that your pasture is as, or more, emerald green and luxurious than you ever imagined.

Play a Christmas carol album.

Call someone you know and send some happiness.

Drop a friend a line or two with happy news.

Invite another “solo celebrator” over for supper.  Make it a party.

Keep busy with the activities you love to do.

Make your holiday season classy.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

©2022 The Oasis at Four Queen Palms

✿●▬▬▬▬●✿●✿●▬▬▬▬●✿