Finding Joy in the Bah Humbug

A Holiday Survival Guide for this Festively Challenged Person

In a world that often celebrates togetherness, the absence of family and friends during the holidays can evoke a complex range of emotions. Whether by choice or circumstance, being away from loved ones can create a unique tapestry of feelings that are both challenging and transformative.

Our last holiday with family was in 2019, right before Covid hit. In the ebbs and flows of life, certain moments hold a poignant significance that becomes apparent only in retrospect. The holiday season of 2019 was one such chapter — a time I didn’t realize would be our last festive gathering, at least for a long time.

Unexpected Emotions: Unwrapping Loneliness on Christmas Morning”

Christmas morning hit me hard this holiday season. As I awoke to the festive day, an unexpected wave of emotions — overwhelming loneliness and isolation — swept over me, catching me off guard. I had a deep longing for holidays past, family gatherings, meals too big to finish, and rounds of laughter, instead the day was filled with sniffles and bouts of depression and overall not feeling well.

It stunned me how much I missed Christmas Past.

This year, had been a unique year of strange changes, most of them necessary, some of them not welcoming. Life’s twists and turns can lead us to unexpected places, and our decision to move to Florida was no exception. I expected this chapter in our story to include a unique adventure in the Sunshine State, only to find that the narrative included unexpected waves of loneliness and isolation. Surprisingly, even amid the challenges of the pandemic, the feelings of solitude are unlike anything I had experienced before.

I woke up Christmas morning navigating loneliness stemming from the yearning for the open road, the geographical distance from loved ones, and the unsettling feeling of being out of sorts, so my motto for Christmas this year was Bah Humbug! A great description of Christmas due to a lack of festive spirit.

I then realized, it is completely understandable and okay that some years can evoke a “Bah, humbug!” sentiment, reflecting a lack of festive spirit or overwhelming emotions. Embracing that feeling, akin to channeling your inner Scrooge, can indeed serve as a coping mechanism. It helps to take a step back, acknowledge your emotions, and allow yourself to experience the holiday season without the pressure of forced merriment, it can be a form of self-care. One I was apparently in need of.

Just as Scrooge’s transformation in “A Christmas Carol” led to a newfound appreciation for life, acknowledging the “Bah, humbug!” feeling can be a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of one’s own needs and a pathway to future moments of joy and appreciation.

Just go with it, it is okay to navigate the holiday season at your own pace, honoring your feelings and allowing room for self-reflection and personal growth.

Being away from family during the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing the spirit of the season. Instead, embrace the opportunity for personal growth, create meaningful connections in new ways, and establish traditions that resonate with your own unique journey.