Christmas suits our family well, because it's a repeated occasion that is steeped in tradition. For those amongst us who appreciate predictability and a routine, Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving. I have children who like to know exactly what to expect, and rituals like pictures behind windows and baubles on trees offer a soothing familiarity.
However, there is a sadness - maybe more of a wistfulness - that visits me every year, because Christmas reinforces the traditional idea of what a family should look like. It reminds me of an absence rather than the fullness of the life I live with my children now. But as the gap between being a family of six and a family of five widens, I cherish this time of year for its ability to allow us all to take a breath.
This story is from the Christmas 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
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This story is from the Christmas 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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