The holidays are weird. They are supposed to feel like a Hallmark movie, but, unfortunately, we haven’t all been dealt the same hand.

Honestly, a lot of us feel sad during the holidays. Some of us are broke and can’t afford to celebrate much at all. Some of us are sad from grief, and holidays feel like a harsh reminder that we’ve lost someone important to us. Loneliness around Thanksgiving and Christmas hit differently than the rest of the year. And then there are those of us who are just bummed out because the family group chat has already assigned us to making pies, and we can’t cook worth a damn.

Read More: Explore Lubbock’s Thanksgiving Flavors: Beyond Turkey And Stuffing

If you’re anything like me, you probably feel a little wonky because the holidays bring up weird nostalgia. Some good. Some bad. Some you flat-out don’t want to relive in any way, shape, or form. And then, there’s the family members you don’t particularly care to be around…

That’s the thing about going home this time of year. You can’t really avoid your childhood, even if parts of it weren’t all that pretty. Good memories show up, the kind that make you soft and sentimental… but the bad ones? They pop up, too. The weird family dynamics. The arguments. The stuff you didn’t understand then and honestly still don’t now. Holidays are like emotional boomerangs. You can throw all your coping mechanisms as far as you want; that junk still finds its way back to you with shocking accuracy.

My best advice for dealing with loved ones who make you want to rip all of your hair out, snag a flight to ANYWHERE, and never return, is to remember that some people are dedicated to misunderstanding you, and they ALWAYS will be.

It’s okay. You know you, and that’s all that matters. Let things roll off of you, eat extra stuffing, go home, and cuddle your cats. It’s going to be okay. I promise.

Take it all in stride.

I’ve spent my fair share of holidays alone, and all I know is that home-cooked meals are better than takeout. If you’re struggling to find reasons to participate, DO IT FOR THE FOOD! It’s always worth it.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful readers. I love you guys.

If you’re lonesome on the holidays, shoot me an email, and I’ll cheer you up! Chrissy.Covington@townsquaremedia.com. Also, feel free to follow me on Facebook! I’d love to know you!

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