The Bittersweet Magic of the Holidays - and the Hope Waiting in 2026
The holidays arrive each year wrapped in twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and nostalgic traditions. They can feel downright magical - a stretch of time where the world seems to soften, where generosity rises to the surface, and where we get to slow down just enough to notice the beauty in small moments. Joy is everywhere: in the glow of decorated windows, in the music that floats through stores, in the rituals we return to year after year. But the holidays can also stir up something quieter and heavier. For many, this season amplifies feelings of melancholy, loneliness, or emotional fatigue. The contrast between the festive world outside and our private inner realities can feel especially sharp. Maybe loved ones are far away. Maybe the year didn’t unfold the way we hoped. Maybe we’re simply tired, stretched thin, or not sure how we fit into all the celebration. These feelings don’t make the season any less valid - they’re a natural part of being human, especially during a time steepe...