It’s that time of the semester again. Deadlines are rapidly approaching, sunny days are few and far between, and all we can think about is how close, yet how far, break is. I know for me this time of the year brings many conflicting emotions. The end of the semester is coming soon, and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Presents need to be bought, papers need to be written, and projects need to be handed in. Yet, responsibilities are not the only thing on my mind.

This is the time of year when families come together from near and far to celebrate. This is great and all, but what happens when there are people missing? I assure you that those holes are felt. They are the elephant in the room that everyone tries to avoid, yet everyone feels in the silence of their hearts.

The thing about the holidays for me is that although I love the lights, the joy, and the ability to spend time with people I do not see very often, the holidays also remind me of the people I am missing. No matter how many years have gone by without the loved ones I have lost, the bitter-sweet emotions of the holidays never go away, yet they do become easier to handle.

Over the past few years, I have learned that it is okay to allow yourself to cry. Be honest about what you are feeling. Face the family gatherings heads on. Hiding from them does not make them any easier. At the end of the day, your family is probably feeling the same way you are, and avoiding them just makes it harder for everyone. I have made so many excuses of why I cannot attend certain family events, but I have come to realize that making excuses just takes away from the potential new memories I could be making with the loved ones I do have. Remember that the family you are missing may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. They also would want you to keep moving on and enjoying life.

So remember, although your loved ones may not be there physically with you during this holiday season, they live on with you in your hearts. Keep your loved ones close, keep making memories, and remember that every day is a precious gift.