The holiday season is often called the most wonderful time of the year. But for many people, it can also be the hardest. Grief can feel sharper when surrounded by celebration. Loneliness can feel heavier when everyone else seems connected. If this season feels difficult, know that you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with how you feel.

It is okay if your experience of the holidays looks different this year. Healing and joy can exist alongside sadness. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply honor what is true for you in the moment.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and celebration. But for many people, it can also bring up sadness, loneliness, or grief. You might be missing a loved one, navigating difficult family dynamics, or struggling with depression or anxiety. It’s normal to feel that way.

Feeling grief does not mean you are ungrateful. In fact, gratitude and grief can exist together. You can acknowledge your pain and still notice moments of light and comfort.

Gratitude has become a popular buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. It can shift your perspective, calm your mind, and strengthen your mental health. But sometimes, the pressure to “just be grateful” can feel like it’s dismissing real pain.

True gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about learning to hold both joy and difficulty at the same time.