Forgiveness is something that impacts all of us at some point in life and while everyone knows what forgiveness is, it can be one of the most difficult things to do. As yet another holiday season approaches I am reminded of just how important forgiving is and while I have not mastered forgiveness, I am grateful that I have learned that without it I would still be stuck in a place I no longer want to be.
Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year and despite how busy and hectic this season can be, I still love the magic it can bring. However, just as Christmas can be magical it can also bring stress and stir up painful things from the past. Not everyone looks forward to the holidays and for some, the thought of visiting family can create a sense of dread and anxiety. Often times, families have unresolved issues and may be struggling with blame, hurt, guilt, anger and regret. The holidays can sometimes bring these emotions to the surface and to spend any amount of time together can be difficult.
This is often the case in situations where there is divorce involved. Ex-spouses are sometimes bitter, angry and hurt. The holidays are stressful and a reminder of all they lost including possible time with their children. To be a single parent during the holidays can bring anxiety when facing the financial pressures during the holiday season and trying to bear the weight of all that needs to be done alone. The children of divorce may feel like puppets caught in between a battle zone of the two people they love most; their parents. Holidays are hard as they are shuffled between homes, grandparents and traditions or they may not see one of their parents at all. Kids end up feeling sad, angry, stressed and depressed longing for the way Christmas “used to be”. Continue reading »
