As Thanksgiving season is upon us, our thoughts commonly turn to contemplating what we are grateful for in our lives. It’s unfortunate that we don’t think about that fact more often than when a major holiday arrives.

I struggle with holidays for many reasons. I find myself wanting to completely isolate myself from the world and just swim in my own thoughts. Longing for deceased parents and for the grandchildren who are unable to visit is a big part of it. My children can stay home, just send the grandkids please.

I feel moderate but manageable frustration with that ephemeral trend I mentioned earlier. It seems everyone gets friendly and warm and happy as November hits the calendar. This mood lasts through the New Year for most people but then I notice a return to the more distant, self-f

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