It’s been a funny old year, hasn’t it? Tough in so many ways, and for so many people around the world, that my own small concerns and stresses seem almost insignificant. But here’s the thing. We all feel this way. We all feel a little guilty when we think of those who have it harder than we do: people suffering in Ukraine, or girls being denied education in Iran, or refugees driven out of their homes, or nurses using foodbanks. And for many, the holiday season brings its own particular brand of guilt. Some of us feel guilty because we don’t feel the way we’re expected to; because we find Christmas too stressful, or too noisy, or too lonely, or fake. Some of us feel guilty because we feel we’re not doing enough for others. And some of us feel guilty just because we’re enjoying the holiday.  

I get it. We are living in dark times right now, and at this time of year, it may feel self-indulgent or wrong to give priority to ourselves, or to feel overwhelmed, or to seek out our joy, or to try to forget, or to seek an escape from the real world into a world of fantasy. 

And so, here’s a seasonal message from me.  Whether you love Christmas or hate it; whether you celebrate it at all; whether you count the days till it’s gone, or whether you’re in holiday heaven -

You matter. Your feelings matter. We’re all little lights in the darkness, finding our way to happiness. And light is what we all need right now. Light, to combat the dark times. Light, to bring joy into the world. Light, to remind us that spring will come, and that we all continue to grow, and that joy can sometimes be found in the most unlikely places, and that grief and sorrow pass. Here’s me, wishing you love and light, whoever you are, wherever you stand. Love and light, and peace, and joy. Be kind to yourselves, and to others.