On Christmas day, 1970, my mother boarded an AC Transit bus in Berkeley, CA. Two time zones away, her large boisterous family spent the day without her. Alone on the bus, she tried not to look at anyone. A woman, nearly three time her age, interested in her sad solitude, leaned over the seat.

"Never,"the small woman told her. "Never, spend Christmas alone!"

Is it ok...

to skip the holidays? Be gentle on yourself. Feel free to skip parts of your holiday tradition this year if you are not feeling up to it. If sending Christmas cards is too painful right now, don't. Come to events late and leave early if you need to.

Holiday Memories

Remember your loved one during the holidays with a special memorial or event. Memorial suggestions: Light a candle at the table, put a special ornament on the tree, or donate a favorite book to your local library

Get out

Alone at the holidays? Find someone who needs you. Serve a holiday meal at a local shelter, take gifts to shut-ins or help with abandonded animals at an animal shelter