Sigh. I'm not looking for a great holiday season this year. Too many people are gone.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

So many memories of around the tree with so may packages for me, my sisters, my father, my mother... All around the tree in the living room and now even that living room is gone.

Today I feel lucky that I still have one Sister on this side of the grass.

Everyone else is gone. Some in terrible ways.

But I do hope that most haven't lived long enough to be in a place like this. And for you guys and everyfuckinbody else I wish you the best for the season. Take the memories of these days and imprint them deep in your psyche to have and hold you dear in later years.

But don't let this shit get you down. The past is only the past while the future is everything. Please hold the ones you love and hug your asses off with everything.

[hlthe2b]

1. Yes... I get it and I too have lost many of my family. That is why I typically work the holidays...

And you are right, the memories are everything. So, too are friends and even strangers, if you let them.

And above all the pets! May everyone who feels sad this time of year--yet unable to own a pet--find a dog park, or visit/volunteer at a shelter. What an immense difference that can be.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. I would so love that.

Unfortunately I'm tied to an O2 machine and can't get out which precludes all that. Goldfish just don't crank my John Deere.

[hlthe2b]

3. Ahh, I hadn't realized. Yeah, goldfish are not quite the same. Well, we'll "see" you here then

(in between my shifts) Christmas Eve and Day--and armed with the best animal videos.

[Tickle]

7. I could have written your post

You are spot on. I love my pets and I am working Christmas Day. There was a time when that would be unheard of. Family, cousin, uncles, aunt's friends. So many are gone but the memories still make me smile 😊

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

11. C Sadly there are far to many at this point.

Victims of time.

[Tickle]

12. Looks like you are up to

Here's a little morning cheer 🥂. 😊

[Boomerproud]

4. I'm in the same space. Your advice is taken.

Keep up with your self care as you are worth it and are needed.

[MOMFUDSKI]

5. You are never alone when there is DU.

We will all be in and out the entire Holiday Season. And we all are missing the great old days and family members. You are loved here.

[Tickle]

13. 💞♥️💞♥️💕 NT

[honest.abe]

6. Yes, I feel the same. I have lost so may family and others close to me.

But lets celebrate those who are left.

BTW, I love your username. My all time favorite movie.

[multigraincracker]

8. I've out lived all the family except a brother.

But the future looks bright.

[PatSeg]

9. About ten years ago

a woman in her eighties told me that being a survivor is lonely. Each year she watched more people pass away, even her beloved daughter. Now as the eighties is right around the corner for me, I understand what she was talking about. So much loss in recent years and the knowledge that there will be more to come.

It truly does give you a new perspective especially around the holidays.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

10. Getting older sucks. Isn't it so odd that you don't

Even think of any of it when you're younger?. Like you say savor the time. All the "enjoy this time" s mean zero. It's really all about how we were made. And we are made to not notice until it's gone. Sorry just rambling but do you know what I mean?

[Raine]

14. I know the feeling. I've been spending so much of my thoughts

and feelings on the past. I miss so many at this time of year that are gone.

[John Shaft]

15. I've outlived everyone else in my world

It's very lonesome sometimes. But I have a big orange kitty and we take care of each other.

I don't even engage ANYTHING related to the holiday season anymore.

Can't wait til it's all over with.

Worst time of the year.

[shrike3]

19. So sorry.

Kitties are a big comfort, aren't they?

[leftyladyfrommo]

16. I'm all alone, too, but I love Xmas. I love

the lights. It used to bother me but it doesn't so much anymore.

[Donkees]

17. 🎄 🫖 🧁

[Donkees]

18. 🎄

[appalachiablue]

20. I understand, the losses have really started

rolling in the last several years, an uncle, several cousins and a few friends in my boom generation. Twilight of the Boomers for real.

'We're only passing through' my dad said a few times when we were young. He wasn't preachy either, how true those words are I realize of late.

Cherish the good times and happy memories. I'm glad you wrote this thoughtful post, and know that you have like minded friends here.