12/17/2025
The holidays can amplify our feelings about life changes, and it's normal to compare this yearâs holiday to the past.
For example, I recently came across this photo from Christmas 2020.
What a different world! We were quarantined during the first COVID Christmas, our family work schedules didn't allow us to be together on the "day of," and - most notably for me, when I saw this pic - my beloved Hank (on the right) departed his physical body in Spring 2023.
Yes, time has passed, and I don't ruminate on his absence, yet seeing this photo during the holiday season pulled at my heartstrings differently than it would in, say, March.
Most of us have experienced change in one or more of the following areas during 2025:
* Health (physical, mental, spiritual)
* Occupation
* Family Structures (marriage, divorce, engagements)
* Family Members (birth, death, pets)
* Lifestyle
* Living Environment
* Habits/Patterns (getting sober, change in workout routine)
* Financial Stability
Even if you can't point to a specific change, you may not be feeling as festive as you'd like or think you "should." Or you may be feeling the effects of a loved one's struggles, which can impact you significantly, even when you aren't directly involved.
All this to say: Your holidays probably look and feel different this year!
If you are feeling super merry - great!
If you feel less than merry, that's ok, and you aren't alone.
I wrote about this more extensively in my latest Serenity Sundays newsletter and on my blog.
âĄď¸ You can read the full article at https://www.myinternalweather.com/post/high-emotion-holidays
In it, I walk through an example of processing âless than merryâ feelings to guide you through addressing challenging holiday-related emotions. If you need help with your own process, please reach out to me. I'd be honored to assist you as your coach.
âŽď¸ If youâd like to subscribe to my Serenity Sundays newsletter, go to: https://www.myinternalweather.com/resources/subscribetoserenitysundays
Wishing you love, light, and peace!