I know it’s Sunday and I know I never shared a Christmas post this year.

The truth is, this holiday felt different. It was the first one without my mom, and it sat tenderly in the quiet spaces of the day. I missed my kids, I missed the version of Christmas I used to know, and I think my heart just needed a little time to breathe.

So I want to say I’m sorry for going quiet… and also thank you for understanding.

And if your Christmas looked different this year too — if it felt heavier, or quieter, or not at all what you expected — I hope you know you’re not alone. Sometimes the holidays aren’t about the sparkle… sometimes they’re about learning how to carry our memories, our grief, and our love all at once.

If this year was hard, I’m holding space for you.

If it was healing, I’m celebrating with you.

And if you’re still figuring out what it all meant — I’m right there with you.

Here’s to gentle days and softer hearts.

Here’s to honoring what was… and finding hope in what’s to come.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~