Even in tough times, holidays are special

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

- John 16:33 (NIV)

The holiday season is here! It's the season known for turkey dinners, time with family and friends, whimsical stories and glowing lights. The fascination of the holiday celebrations can evoke our emotions to look forward to a season filled with wonder and wishes come true.

However, try as we might, life's hardships can get in the way and dampen the joyful celebration we were hoping for.

The other day I asked my adult granddaughter if she was going to join us at her dad's house as usual this Thanksgiving. She informed me her mother has been in the hospital and she's not sure what to do. I assured her if she wants to spend the holiday with her mom, the family will understand.

If you've lived long enough, you'll find that hardships come even on the most blessed of holidays. You just have to make the best of them and know better ones will come. I've found those hard ones are, oftentimes, among the most memorable.

I recall a Christmas in my childhood when my father was unemployed. I don't remember every detail, except there weren't many presents under our tree. And many of the toys I was hoping to receive were replaced with practical essentials like the new gym shoes I desperately needed.

However, I noticed we made it through that year because of the love and generosity of family and friends. By the next year, dad had a job and our celebration was filled with peace and plenty.

Other difficult years included times my mother or other family members were ill. Besides those tough ones, I endured going through the motions to celebrate a holiday only months after the loss of a loved one.

Through it all, the greatest memories I hold are the valuable lessons of the heart. Those special spiritual characteristics of faith, hope and giving that Jesus promised would help us to overcome those hard times.

If you are in need, take heart and push the embarrassment or shyness aside and reach out to places that offer food drives and help during the season.

And those of you who can, help family and others with your love and support and turn those holiday hardships into the kind of celebration filled with the true meaning of the season.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.