Merry Christmas, my dear friends!

I’m writing this holiday greeting with puffy, red eyes after indulging in a big, ugly sob fest this morning.

It’s Christmas Eve, and I want to spread joy and cheer, but I also needed to cry. It felt wonderful.

Holidays are often stressful and triggering, anyway. But without the friends and family around to muster a smile, fake or otherwise, I found myself crumbling to pieces like the Christmas ornament I ordered for Jason that arrived smashed in a mess of glittery shards.

I cried for the loneliness Jason and I both feel, being hundreds and thousands of miles from our friends and family. I cried for those of you who I know are dealing with it, too. It felt so good.

Grief is an emotion that we all experience from time to time. If you’re feeling too emotionally exhausted to get into the bright and cheery mood of the holiday season, then congratulations! You’re a compassionate human being who can’t pretend everything is fine right now.

I’m right there with you.

And on that note, here’s a card featuring the marvelous creatures that always bring a smile to my heart, no matter what’s going on in the world.

Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter. I’m grateful for all of you!

And if you need an understanding ear or shoulder to cry on this holiday season, I’m here for you (virtually)!

Lots of Love,

Lauren