With everyone so filled with “cheer” at this time of year, we might feel left out or just completely wrong to cry once in a while. One of my previous blogs was about consuming a holiday diet of goodness, so I do understand the spirit of the season and the need to be positive so as to be joy-filled.

Yet, also at holiday time is sometimes a feeling of melancholy or hint of sadness. Some of us might wish to retreat from some or all of the festive activities.Some people become depressed, and I encourage those who feel very low to seek or continue to work with their medical team. Some people are mourning losses at this time, perhaps for the first holiday season without the beloved spouse, child, friend or other loved one.

I also want to say to those who mourn, are sorrowful remembering Christmases past, or who will be separated from loved ones for the holidays – to each of you, know that you are not truly alone. There are others, too, who share sadness, an experience of loss. And in those times when you feel most alone, it might help to think of them, too, and pray that your heart reach out to them through faith in Our Lord. It might also help to know that, as I probably will at least once between now and the beginning of the New Year, it is all right to cry.

Crying can be physically and spiritually cleansing, releasing the sorrow and loss that we feel so that it does not fester inside. It can leave in its wake a place for us to rebuild and see the treasure that our loved one remains in our heart. It can be a way for us to move, clear-eyed, ahead. And it can be a way to share grieving with others who also mourn.

I have lost many loved ones in my life, and this year saw the loss of more. Many things remind me of my dear brother, other family members, and friends. Song can especially evoke their memories and make me, for a time, sad.  At such times, I remind myself of what I’m saying here: It’s all right to cry. Our emotions are as varied as the snowflakes that fall in winter, and when expressed healthfully, they allow us to feel and heal, to mark and move on.

Yes, we might cry at the holidays. But in faith, we know we will not mourn forever, nor do we need to linger on sadness. For God’s love is more powerful than anything that can bring us down. As we dry our tears and look to the manger, we see again that love, and its light brings comfort.

Peace,

Maureen