In a culture that starts putting out Christmas decorations right after back-to-school supplies, anyone who suggests that perhaps tinsel reindeer décor is a bit much in October risks being deemed a Scrooge. Even amongst Catholics, there is often debate each year about how to honour Advent as a penitential season whilst not becoming “Grinchy” to our neighbours. What everyone seems to agree on, though, is that merriment during Christmas itself is both fitting and necessary.
But what about the multitudes who actually have a difficult time with all the holly-jolly-ness of the Christmas season? What about the people who are grieving the loss of loved ones, weighed down by the brokenness of dysfunction, lonely and longing for a home? What about the people who don’t feel merry?
