As a widow, I have always been alone at Christmas. Someone might invite me for a meal out of shear embarrassment, but for the most part I am alone. Families just want to be together on their own. They seem to completely forget anyone else. It leaves me hating Christmas instead of experiencing joy and peace. Add to that the expectations of gifts and it all piles up. All I want for Christmas is a hug and a bit of community.
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I’m so sorry to hear this. I wish I could reach across the internet and give you a hug! Giving you one virtually! I’m sure the holidays make this feel especially difficult. Do you have a local church community you could reach out to? I know my church offers to connect people that don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with with families who are happy to open their homes to share a meal or celebration. Praying you find connection and peace and joy this Christmas. 
Dear heavenly Father,
May your loving presence envelope your dear child and your peace that surpasses all understanding replace the hurt and grief felt especially during the holidays. May others reach out in your love, in kindness, and true fellowship. May those who have added to the hurt be called to repentance and to seek forgiveness and move forward in love and compassion. May it not be about holidays, gifts, or worldly expectations but a love that only comes from you and your presence. May joy be felt like never before as the things of this world become meaningless and the Joy and peace of you, Jesus, fills the missing pieces.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Amen!
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