When Your Holidays Aren’t So Joyful

Even amid hardship and heartache, you can find joy

A healthy escape could be as simple as spending an hour with an enjoyable book by the fireplace. StockLite/Shutterstock

The holiday season is everyone’s favorite time of year—or is it?

The cultural image of the holidays, fueled by glittering media images, is a delightful time of family harmony, delicious feasts, brightly lit houses, kisses under the mistletoe, and wide-eyed children gathered around the tree.