a note to my "not holly jolly" friends...

Dear "not holly jolly" friend, 

please know that you are not alone
if you do not agree that this is the best time of the year.

the reasons for not being holly jolly are many

from temperament

to personality

to learned behavior 

to life circumstances

broken hearted from loss 

unimaginable burdens

weary caregivers driven by love

concern about how to provide our family's basic needs 

disease

painful memories 

estranged from family

separated from loved ones by duty 

choices that carry heavy consequences

anyway, 

regardless of how you ended up in the "not holly jolly club"

maybe it will be helpful for you to do these things:

1. acknowledge that holly jolly doesn't fit everyone

2. be yourself-but don't expect others to be you

3. don't feel guilty for how you feel

4. don't be discouraged by those who feel differently

5. don't try to "fix it"

6. love all of the people in your life right where they are

with love,

a fellow "not so holly jolly" person
I have always been more of a low key, quiet enjoyer of life