At certain times of the year, families and friends gather to eat, exchange gifts, celebrate favorite traditions and generally catch up with each other. The atmosphere changes as businesses close, churches hold special services, and retailers tempt shoppers with sales. Decorations and lights are put up everywhere in an effort to spark holiday spirit, before the cold and darkness of winter sets in. It does seem to be a kinder season, in many ways, but it is also a season when conflict, loneliness, and loss can hold a sharper edge. Expectations (yours or those other people set forth) might be high at a time when you feel you just canīt face them anymore. For a lot of reasons, you might dread...
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