Happy Holidays!!

The holidays can be a lot, y’all. While some folks out here all merry and bright, others is carryin’ heavy hearts. And that’s real. Maybe you missin’ somebody who ain’t here no more, or maybe life just hittin’ different this year. Either way, I see you, and you not alone in this.

First things first: take care of you. That holiday hustle and bustle? It’ll be there, but your peace and mental health come first. If you need to step away, do it. Ain’t no shame in sayin’, “I’m sittin’ this one out.” Protect your energy, sis. Protect your peace, bro. Protect you.

Sometimes we feel like we gotta show up for everybody else. Like we owe it to them to be at every gathering, smile through every moment, and keep it together when inside, we’re struggling. But lemme tell you somethin’: you don’t owe nobody more than you owe yourself. The holidays should never be about losin’ yourself to please others. You deserve to feel safe and loved, even if that means sayin’ no or stayin’ home.

And don’t let nobody guilt you into doin’ what don’t feel right. Family, friends, whoever — your boundaries matter. If you need quiet time, take it. If you need to cry, let it out. If you need to laugh, find somebody who celebrates you. This season ain’t about stressin’; it’s about love. And that love start with yourself.

Let’s talk about boundaries for a minute. Boundaries ain’t about pushin’ people away. They’re about protectin’ your energy and makin’ space for what matters most to you. If somethin’ don’t sit right with your spirit, you got every right to step back. That could mean sayin’ no to an invite, takin’ breaks from social media, or even havin’ honest conversations with folks who’ve crossed the line. Settin’ boundaries is an act of self-love, and self-love is essential, especially around the holidays.

For the ones missin’ loved ones, know that they’re with you in spirit. Light a candle, say a prayer, tell a story — whatever keeps their memory alive in your heart. And if it’s hard to do that, that’s okay too. Grief don’t move on no timeline. You feel what you need to feel, when you need to feel it. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s just part of the journey. Be gentle with yourself, and know that it’s okay to honor their memory in your own way.

Let’s also keep it real: the holidays can bring up a lot of pressure. There’s pressure to buy gifts, pressure to show up to gatherings, pressure to act like everything’s perfect. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to meet nobody’s expectations but your own. You don’t have to go broke tryin’ to keep up. The best gifts ain’t the ones you buy — they’re the ones you give from the heart. A kind word, a warm hug, a moment of your time can mean more than any expensive present ever could.

If you find yourself feelin’ down, overwhelmed, or disconnected, remember to lean on your support system. That could be family, friends, a therapist, or even an online community. Talkin’ about what you’re goin’ through can lift a weight off your shoulders. Sometimes, just hearin’ “I understand” can make all the difference. And if you don’t feel like talkin’, that’s okay too. Just know that support is out there when you’re ready.

This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in comparin’ your life to what you see online. Everybody postin’ pictures of perfect trees, big gatherings, and fancy gifts. But let’s not forget: social media is a highlight reel. It don’t show the full story. Behind those posts, people got their own struggles, just like you. So don’t let somebody else’s holiday photos make you feel less than. Your journey is your own, and it’s valid no matter what it looks like.

Another thing to remember is that the holidays don’t have to look one way. There’s no rule sayin’ you gotta do it all or stick to traditions that don’t feel right anymore. If you wanna start new traditions, go for it. If you wanna skip certain things altogether, that’s fine too. Do what makes you happy, not what’s expected. The beauty of this season is that it’s yours to define.

For those of us who are caretakers, whether it’s for kids, elders, or anyone else, remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take time to rest and recharge, even if it feels like there’s no time to spare. You deserve care just as much as the people you’re lookin’ after. It’s okay to ask for help or to delegate tasks. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.

And let’s not forget about gratitude. Even when things are tough, findin’ small moments to be thankful for can shift your perspective. That could be as simple as enjoyin’ a cup of tea, hearin’ your favorite song, or feelin’ the warmth of a blanket. Gratitude don’t erase the hard stuff, but it can remind you that light still exists, even in dark times.

So, while the world talkin’ ‘bout joy and cheer, just remember: it’s okay to not be okay. Take a deep breath. Take a break. Take care. Celebrate the ones who celebrate you. And most of all, celebrate yourself. You’re doin’ the best you can, and that’s more than enough.

Happy holidays, y’all. You got this. 🎄❤️