Holiday Wishes for a Year Like No Other

How do you say “Merry Christmas” this year? Just smile, grab some eggnog, and move on??

2020 has been a year like no other.

Across miles and masks and Zoom and loneliness and unprecedented change, I am wanting to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

But somehow it doesn’t feel right to leave it at that.

Many people are struggling. The holidays are “supposed” to be happy and joyous.

Rather than just saying, "F you 2020" (or just “Wishing you love and light!”), maybe we all need a new way to send wishes for the messy, challenging, transformative, and painful year that 2020 was.

To all those alone on Christmas… may you find the fullness in your own heart that can fill a room, a home, a whole life with love and joy.

To those feeling lost… may you come to know that this season of walking through a dark woods holds magic too, vital lessons to help you when you move into clearer fields.

To those grieving… may you feel all our hearts holding yours, that you may feel not alone on your winding road of grief.

To those feeling uncertain… may you find a sense of trust that you are always supported.

To those consumed by worry… may you ground your feet into the earth, breathe deeply into your body, and remember the power you have to keep choosing, in every moment, a new feeling.

To those feeling a mess of mixed feelings… may you remember that you are allowed to feel all the things. You are allowed to feel sad and grateful, lonely and hopeful. May you grant yourself permission to be with it all.

To all those with family but feeling uncomfortable, out of place, or ill at ease there… may you find faith that "your people” who feel like home are out there, and may you find the grace to love with compassion, acceptance, and boundaries.

To all those finding a hundred things to stress about… may you curate your media, slow down, let go of how things “should” go, and remember the power you have over your awareness and attention in each small moment.

To those on a rollercoaster of growth or change… may you find the courage to ride the waves and stay the course, and may your path of growth lead you to your true heart’s desires.

To those who may be asleep… may you be open to finding the perfect doors to lead you to your perfect growth at the perfect time, and may you find the courage to walk through them.

To those who are suffering… may you find the faith to believe that a happier, more joyful, loving, and abundant life is possible for your future.

To everyone… may you be connected to your heart, and learn to let it guide you.

Maybe the best way to say "Happy Holidays" this year is as Judy Garland sang in Meet Me in St Louis, when she sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” one of the most poignant Christmas songs ever written and performed. (Find the lyrics below.) Which is to say, maybe we can find beauty (and Judy) even in the most poignant of moments, and years. And maybe we can find the grace to be present and gentle with ourselves through the tough moments too.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the yuletide gay

Next year all our troubles will be miles away

Once again as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who were near to us

Will be dear to us once more

Someday soon we all will be together

If the fates allow

Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.