I had to think about how to answer. I think Christmas is hard for so many, including me a lot of the time, because we carry that Norman Rockwell image in our minds and we worry that our own reality never did measure up to that happy family image, and it never really will. I know that’s true for me.

I think the danger of this despair, and also the hope of overcoming it, is so beautifully illustrated by Charles Dickens in “A Christmas Carol.” I love the line from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which seems to be just a variation on the Scrooge theme, where “the Grinch’s heart grew 3 sizes that day.” It has something to do with accepting the fact that my own past and present fall far short of Norman Rockwell, and being aware that the past and present of others falls far short as well, and realizing that in spite of that, the season offers possibilities for celebration, charity, joy, and hope.

Now I get to go test out my theories. I get to go put together some crackers and cheese to take to a Christmas gathering at a friend’s house, and see if I can have some Christmas cheer. I know I wasn’t feeling very cheerful yesteday, but I’m a little more hopeful today. :)