This year for Christmas I’m getting a great present. And I know I’ll like it because I chose it myself. I’m going to stop letting the same old family bullshit get me hurt and resentful.

I end up having the same argument with the same family member every year. I come away furious and frustrated, and they come away sad and confused.

I’m going to stop wishing they would remember we do this every year. I’m going to stop wishing they would just get over it.

I’m going to remember that they’re grieving over our family being broken in some ways. Ways that will never be repaired. I’m going to remember that this happens because they love me.

I will do this if it kills me, because I have to move on. Even if they can’t.