OPINION
Tuesday night, when my girls and I pulled into the Tacina Family Light Show on our way home, we had some company for the majority of the show.
However, as we sat there, taking part in one of our favorite Christmas traditions, the other cars went along their way.
When my daughters realized we were alone, they stepped out of the car to twirl around to the music under the twinkling lights.
It's moments like that which make this holiday season magical for me.
It's sweet this year, too, to make new traditions that my husband, girls and I can enjoy together.
With how busy life is, especially at this time of year, it's wonderful to be able to celebrate with the people I love.
That said, though, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to spend time with their loved ones, either because of physical distance, emotional distance or loss.
I appreciate that there are holiday celebrations designed with that reality in mind.
For anyone who is grieving this season, the Pilot Point First United Methodist Church will again hold its Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. The holidays can also be a time of great mental health anguish for some. In 2023, the American Psychological Association shared that the majority of Americans self-reported that their stress levels stayed the same (52%) or increased during the holiday season (41%).
A hard reality of this time, too, is that death rates often increase as well.
If anyone you care about or you yourself are struggling during this time, visit nimh.nih.gov/ health/find-help for resources to find help.
We also are blessed to have so many wonderful organizations in the area that are willing to help as well, many of which can be found at unitedwaydenton. org/findhelp.
My wish for you is that your holidays be happy and bright.
Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal. She can be reached at [email protected].
ABIGAIL BARDWELL
