The holidays are a weird time for me. They're not completely ruined by sadness for the people I've lost. I think I catch up on a lot of sadness that I've been repressing, and it is sort of cathartic. Still, some years are harder than others.

In recent years, I've volunteered to make the meals for holidays, because I enjoy cooking and don't have time anymore to do it often. There's always a point when I'm in the kitchen, alone with my thoughts, where I break down crying. But it usually allows me to be able to enjoy the rest of the day.

My love to everyone who struggles this time of year.