I connect, therefore I survive

The holidays are not always joyful. In "the old days", some people might have felt quite alone in their grief or depression while being surrounded by a myriad of happy faces who thought that the holidays were the best time of the year. I've been in that situation and can tell you that it's not fun. For a few years, I felt that the best gift I could have given myself was to go to some remote location for the holidays by myself so I wouldn't have to hear the joyful noises of others.

No, though, people who aren't as joyous during the holidays can connect with others people online who are feeling the same way. They find each other not only on forums, but also on social media sites that allow for rapid exchanges and instant community-building around a thought or idea. My bah-humbug can instantly be met with a "me too" and words that remind me that we will all get through this.

My holidays, by the way, are no longer events that make me cringe, but I know that there are those around me for whom this wasn't a jolly time. As I look at them, I do see them connecting to lifeboats via social media and using the tools to help them survive.