The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, they bring a quiet heaviness that’s hard to shake. Between the cheerful music and glowing lights, some of us are just trying to hold it together. For me, this season carries both warmth and sorrow. I lost my uncle around the holidays, and every year since, joy has shared space with grief. It’s a reminder that the holidays can be complicated beautiful, yet bittersweet. Even in the darkest seaso