When You DO NOT Feel Thankful at Thanksgiving

Being around thankful-cheerful people when you’re feeling blue or cranky or sullen can be irritating. That always seems to be when you run into someone who when asked how they are doing as a nicety replies, “I’m blessed.” I mean, good for them but if you’re feeling down and grumpy that just stings.

I’m reminded of a book I used to read to my kids when they were little titled, “I Am Not Going to Get Up Today” by Dr. Seuss.

My favorite quote from “I Am Not Going to Get Up Today” is…

“In bed is where I’m going to stay. And I don’t care what the neighbors says: I never liked them anyway.”

I feel like one theme of the book is that it’s okay to feel how we feel and not care what others think.

But aren’t we supposed to feel thankful during Thanksgiving?

Maybe as you approach the holiday season you’re feeling a bit guilty because you don’t seem to feel “like you’re supposed to” with an overabundance of thankfulness and glee.

Maybe you’re missing a loved one who is no longer here. The thought of going through this time without that person present may feel unbearable. If this is you, I’m so sorry. Losing someone we love is very painful and this season seems to accentuate those feelings. It’s understandable that you may be feeling this way. When we love big, we feel big. 

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the holiday season preparations and planning. I totally get this. There were years where “all that I thought was expected of me” overshadowed enjoying the festivities. I felt like a failure at every turn not being able to “do things as good as” I thought needed to happen. Sadly, comparing myself to others who soared through decorating and baking and parties singing “Jingle Bells” and then sad when it was over, looking forward to next year. Yeah, I get it and then… I turned into one of those people. How did it happen you ask? Well, I stopped trying to keep up and instead did things at my pace and maybe even leaving out the over-decorating and baking and parties and stuck with “Jingle Bells” and what brought me joy. It worked!

Maybe you find yourself in a not so enjoyable season in your marriage. It can be tough to put on a happy face while family festivities are underway. Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts and joys, but if you’re in a rocky season…I get it, that’s tough. May God send you extra blessings this year with the strength to turn things around.

Maybe the season brings feelings of anxiety. For many people anxiety and stress builds during the holiday season. For those introverts out there, I know that extra social gatherings and invites can leave you feeling like crawling under a rock. Some days you just want to lock the door, turn off the phone, and pull down the shades! Even some of you extraverts may be feeling this way on some days. It’s okay to take a time-out now and then.

For anyone who’s not feeling like you think you’re supposed to this holiday season give yourself an extra heap of grace and love. And give others the same.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. –2 Corinthians 12:9

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. –2 Peter 1:2

Thanks for visiting LuSays. Need a gift for the season? Check out books by Lucille Williams: Know someone who’s getting married? From Me to We would make the perfect gift. Want to give someone some fun laughs and a boost in their intimacy department? The Intimacy You Crave is a fun gift. Know a mom who could use some encouragement? Order a copy of The Impossible Kid.  And a perfect gift for the little ones Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6.