If You Feel Sad At Christmas, You Are Not Alone

Christmas hasn’t been the same for me for the last 12 years, since my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the November, fought his way through December, and died early in the new year. Ironically enough, that last Christmas we spent as a family was one of the happiest memories I have, but ever since I haven’t been able to separate the pain I felt in those few months from my association with the Christmas season. Anyone who has experienced grief knows what a slippery customer it can be, and how it can creep up on you at any moment. Ever since my dad’s death, I’ve had a few experiences of bursting into tears on Christmas morning, or running quickly to the bathroom during a December party to partake in a not-so silent sob.