Erika, this brought tears to my eyes. I have several boxes of ornaments, most of which are memory-keepers like yours, but I can't bear to put up a tree and decorate it.

Times are too sad - personally and globally. Without my grandchildren here Christmas is simply a special dinner that Ben prepares. Last year, it wasn't even that. I worked all day.

This year, I will take the day off. But, will work Christmas Eve and the day after.

I have no spirit or patience for the hypocrisy of Christmas. If Christians can vote for Trump, there is no Christianity.

If our country can let people suffer as they are, if our president can deny a pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands, if democracy can teeter on the edge of extinction, I can't celebrate.

I am standing on quicksand and can't risk added Christmas to the weight it can hold.

I am happy that you are finding light in the darkness. Hugs for the holidays ♥